Open Houses Set for SoMD Rapid Transit Planning

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will host a second series of public open houses for the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Planning and Environment Linkages Study.

These meetings will present the latest technical project analysis, including projected ridership, cost, and environmental and economic impacts, and will help identify potential transit solutions for Southern Maryland. The SMRT project aims to provide an alternative travel option between Southern Maryland and the Washington, DC, region.

“Public input is essential to ensure the SMRT project reflects the needs and priorities of the people who travel to and from Southern Maryland,” said Holly Arnold, Maryland Transit administrator. “This project represents an investment in the region – supporting access for jobs, education and economic opportunity.”

The study is evaluating multiple modes of transit, including Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit, Hybrid Rail and other dedicated and mixed-traffic transit options, all focused on reducing congestion and providing access to employment centers, such as Joint Base Andrews and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, along the MD 5/US 301 corridor. The corridor extends from the Capital Beltway (I-95/I-495) near the Branch Avenue Metro Station in Prince George’s County south to the Waldorf-White Plains area in Charles County.

Public Open House Schedule

• Prince George’s County — 6 to 8pm Thursday, December 4, 2025; Pareik at Brandywine, 16100 Cadillac Drive, Brandywine, MD. Transit access via TheBus Route P84 (Branch Avenue – Brandywine), Brandywine Crossing Shopping Center stop
• Charles County — 6 to 8pm Wednesday, December 10, 2025; Hilton Garden Inn; 10385 O’Donnell Place; Waldorf. Transit access via VanGo St. Charles A Route (Waldorf West Library stop) and Indian Head Route (St. Patrick’s Street and St. Phillips Drive/Highgate Place stop)
• Virtual Open House — Thursday, December 11, 2025. Details are available here. 

Comments from the open houses, online comment form, and engagement survey will be accepted through January 11, 2026.

For questions, accessibility accommodations, or more information contact [email protected].