MTA proposes to eliminate ICC express routes 202, 203, 205

[WMAveteran]

From THE GAZETTE: MTA proposes to eliminate 3 of its 5 ICC bus routes.  Route 202 started in February 2011 but "has failed to attract sufficient riders after two years," according to documents from the Maryland Transit Administration.  "Recent trends indicate it will continue to operate short of our ridership expectations."  "About 10 riders are on the bus per trip, the documents state, though the Maryland Transit Administration anticipated having an average of 20 per trip after the first two years.  Routes 203 and 205 have also 'fallen disappointingly short' of Maryland Transit Administration's ridership expectations after their first year of service.  Public hearings were held on June 4, 2013 in College Park, June 5, in Columbia.  MTA is collecting statements from the public until July 8, 2013.  If anyone wants to send in comments - Maryland Transit Administration, MARC and Commuter Bus Operations, 1515 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore MD 21230.

IMHO, the first thing they must do before eliminating the service is actually advertise and market it.  I have never seen one advertisement anywhere (not even at bus stops) for routes 202, 203, 205.

[Chargerdodge9]

Only after two years? Really? PRTC probably would of done a better job.

[WMAveteran]

Some Good News: WTOP reported today (7/11/2013) that MTA will continue to operate Routes 202 & 203.  Route 205 service will be eliminated.  Some bus service is better than no bus service. Perhaps MTA will increase its marketing efforts to improve ridership on the remaining routes. 

[Chargerdodge9]

Well yeah, they have to in order to justify the existents of these lines.