People living in Brunswick, Emmitsburg, Jefferson, and Thurmont will soon have more access to Transit’s award-winning service, including round-trip shuttles on Saturdays, thanks to a pilot program that launches Saturday, April 1. County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced the expansion in February. She was joined by the mayors of Brunswick, Emmitsburg, and Thurmont.
“We asked communities in the northern and southern areas of Frederick County how we could better serve them,” Executive Fitzwater said, “and people told us they needed more options to get to medical appointments, shop, and even to work. By expanding access to Transit, we are expanding opportunities for people who live in our smaller, more rural communities.”
Brunswick Mayor Nathan Brown said, “We are excited to have great partnerships with Frederick County Government and to create new opportunities to expand services that our community members want and need.”
“Expanding connectivity has been a work in progress for some time,” noted Emmitsburg Mayor Don Briggs. “Mass public transit is the sustainable way and helps our seniors and students.”
Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird added, “The residents of Thurmont appreciate the increase in transit services. Our seniors will greatly benefit from this expansion.”
Frederick is one of the fastest growing counties in Maryland, and Transit Services’ ridership continues to grow. In fiscal year 2022, riders took more than 550,000 trips on Transit’s fixed route and paratransit services, an increase of over 130,000 trips from the year before. Transit is focused on improving the customer experience, regardless of where a rider boards, and is identifying improvements to bus stops and transfer facilities throughout Frederick County.
“This pilot service expansion is a direct result of listening to transit riders and community members,” said Director Roman Steichen. “It is critical to meet people where they are, and we commit to working together across the board to ensure that riders have the opportunity to access every opportunity here in Frederick County.”
The pilot program includes the following features:
Brunswick/Jefferson riders will have two round trips between Frederick and Brunswick every Saturday.
The Brunswick/Jefferson route’s first trip will start in Frederick, rather than in Brunswick, ensuring employees can get to early shifts in Brunswick.
Emmitsburg/Thurmont riders asked for a late morning option that provides access to medical appointments along Thomas Johnson Drive, so a late morning trip will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Emmitsburg/Thurmont riders will have two round trips between Frederick and those communities every Saturday, supporting Mount St. Mary’s University students, as well as community members throughout northern Frederick County.
Riders of both the Brunswick/Jefferson and Emmitsburg/Thurmont shuttles will have improved bus stops, including accessibility upgrades, places to sit, and updated signage.
Transit Services of Frederick County provides public transit, paratransit, and commuter services and employer outreach information throughout beautiful Frederick County.
To learn more about Transit Services, visit FrederickCountyMD.gov/Transit, @TransITServicesFrederick on Facebook, and @TransitServices on Twitter.
