Commuter Choice
Maryland Newsletter
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We at the Maryland Department of Transportation remain committed to keeping you informed, educated and updated. As you read this newsletter, you will find tips and other resources to help all Marylanders stay safe as organizations start to transition back into the office. For those that are commuting, we hope you will find your commute easier and that you continue to remain safe. From the MDOT family to yours, we wish you
and your family a safe, healthy, productive and fun fall.
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Celebrate Maryland’s Official State Exercise with Walktober!
Walking is an activity that is part of daily life for many Marylanders, one that is recognized as a healthy transportation choice. In fact, walking is Maryland’s official state exercise! Many communities recognize walking – and improving the walkability of our neighborhoods – as key goals that require public attention and action.
Join us for Maryland’s first-ever WALKTOBER, a month where MDOT and partnering agencies will promote and host events and webinars spotlighting Maryland pedestrian safety, health and commuting options in current walk programs and initiatives.
Throughout October, working in coordination with several state agencies and other partners, MDOT will share informational resources and a series of free webinars – or Walkinars – that are open to all. The month also includes Walk Maryland Day on October 7th, a celebration that encourages all Marylanders to step out to enjoy walking or some other form of physical activity.
Throughout the month, you can learn how to support walking and walkability in your community, and how to partner with others to help identify and address issues related to safety and accessibility across the state.
To sign up to be a Sole Mate (a participant of one of the registered walks throughout Maryland on October 7th), register for the Walkinars, or visit the Walktober website, please click the buttons below.
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Spotlight on The Retina Group
Many businesses had to quickly shift from working in an office to working remotely when COVID-19 related stay-at-home orders were issued in March 2020. This was an especially big challenge for some businesses that rely on seeing their clients in person. Among these is The Retina Group, an ophthalmology practice with 17 offices across Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland. The Retina Group implemented a organization-wide telework policy, at
the beginning of the stay-at-home orders, and found telework practices increased productivity, while maintaining the company values.
“Remote work has proven to be successful.”
- Bonnie Grassi, Director of Human Resources
To learn more about how The Retina Group implemented remote work and to read the full story, click here.
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MDOT MTA COVID-19 Public Transit Service Changes & Safety Measures
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, all riders using public transit, including local bus, light rail, Metro subway, commuter bus, MARC Train and Mobility/paratransit service are REQUIRED to wear face coverings.
MDOT MTA has proactively initiated an enhanced daily wipe-down of bus, rail, and paratransit vehicles to include disinfecting areas with high passenger touchpoints.
Public transit schedules and guidelines continue to change. Please click here to stay informed.
How MDOT MTA services are affected:
Here are other ways riders can do their part to stay safe:
- Minimize unnecessary travel;
- Stay home if you are sick;
- Be alert for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19;
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds;
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available;
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your sleeve or your elbow;
- Limit touching surfaces like seat backs, stanchion bars or handles and;
- Follow social distancing decals on Light Rail, Metro Subway and MARC Train platforms.
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Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) Tour
The Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) is Maryland's six-year capital budget for transportation projects. The CTP contains projects and programs across the department, including the MDOT Aviation Administration, the MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration, the MDOT Transit Administration, the MDOT State Highway Administration, the MDOT Port Administration, the Maryland Transportation Authority, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit
Authority.
Annually, the Maryland Department of Transportation meets with each county in Maryland, along with Baltimore City, to share the Draft Consolidated Transportation Program between September 15th and November 15th. This year, all meetings are virtual. The FY 2021 – FY 2026 DRAFT Consolidated Transportation Program – Fall 2020 Tour Schedule is now available here.
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Rideshare Coordinator Spotlight: George Clark, St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert Counties
George Clark is the transportation demand management specialist for St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert counties, as well as working for the Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, the regional planning and development agency.
Gladys Hurwitz, with Commuter Choice Maryland, had the pleasure of interviewing George about his experience working with businesses and commuters, getting insight on how commuters are traveling to work from St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert counties, what he enjoys most about his job, and what he loves about working with Commuter Choice Maryland.
To get in touch with George and to learn more about how he can help you, please see his contact information below.
gclark@tccsmd.org
301-643-7257
To read the full interview with George, click here!
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MDOT MTA Statewide Transit Plan Survey
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) wants to hear from you! MDOT MTA is in the process of developing the Statewide Transit Plan (STP) and is seeking input from Maryland citizens. MDOT MTA recently released the STP Survey and would like to get as much input on the public’s priorities and experiences with transit in Maryland. This information will help MDOT MTA develop the 50-year vision for Maryland’s transit
system. To take the survey, please click the button below.
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Balancing Back to School and Remote Work
Whether your school is learning in-person or online, managing your schedule is important, including:
- Maintain a daily schedule for you and your kids;
- Set goals but be flexible;
- Take a break to have lunch (with kids if home);
- Early to bed, early to rise; and
- Prepare meals and snacks the night before.
Is your school providing in-person learning? Check out these tips to ensure your child can walk safely to and from school as the days get shorter and temperatures cooler.
- Plan out a safe route and make sure your child knows the route
- Make sure your child wears bright or reflective layers so they are visible and warm
- If there is a neighbor at the same school, enlist a walking buddy
- Have your child look both ways before crossing the street
- Have your child use a crosswalk, when possible
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Make sure you are in the know and stay up to date on current commuting initiatives and information throughout the State. Click the button below to sign up for our distribution list to receive quarterly newsletters and webinar notifications or to contact a member of our Commuter Choice Maryland team.
Is your business offering commuter benefits or telework programs? If you answered yes, and are interested in having your organization spotlighted on the Commuter Choice Maryland website and in future newsletter publications, contact us today!
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Commuter Choice Maryland’s New Business LinkedIn Page, Online Tools, and Resources
The Commuter Choice Maryland website has a plethora of resources and information for your commuting needs, including newsletters, toolkits, cost savings calculator, and free webinars.
Previous webinar topics include: implementing teleworking and vanpools; business benefits of bike and walk friendly workplaces; employee commute options when planning a relocation; and commuter benefits.
To learn more about resources and tools, including our webinars, that might work for you and/or your business, please visit our website.
We are also moving to a new business LinkedIn page to serve you better. Please follow us here to keep up to date with great Commuter Choice Maryland news, resources, tools and content.
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Upcoming Events & Other News
Due to COVID-19, events are subject to change. Please continue to monitor events you are interested in attending, as they may be canceled or postponed.
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For more information on Commuter Choice Maryland, please contact us at 410-865-1100 or email commuterchoice@mdot.maryland.gov. Representatives are available to assist Monday—Friday, 8:00 am—4:30 pm. Visit our website at: www.commuterchoicemaryland.com.
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