The electric-powered vehicles are designed to reduce noise as they travel through communities. (MDOT)
Welcome to 5 Things You Need to Know! This is a regular feature that will keep tabs on the exciting initiatives and programs at the Maryland Department of Transportation. This month, we want to introduce you to some of the progress that we have made over these past few months on key projects such as the Purple Line and the state’s efforts to build infrastructure for electric vehicles. Let’s get started!
You can now add Maryland digital ID to your phone The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration has expanded its Maryland Mobile ID program. Mobile ID is now available on Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. You can use the digital driver’s license or State ID at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints in select airports, including at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Even though this technology is meant for convenience, it is still recommended that you carry your physical ID with you. For more information, about Mobile ID, visit the MVA Mobile ID page.
The Purple Line’s first light rail vehicles have arrived. The Purple Line’s first seven light rail vehicles arrived in Maryland this summer! Each Purple Line light rail vehicle is 142-feet long, currently the longest of its kind in the United States. The vehicles were built by CAF, a Spain-based rail car manufacturer. Each vehicle has capacity for 430 passengers, with seating for 80, can accommodate eight wheelchairs and eight bike racks. The vehicles were assembled in Elmira, New York before being transported to Maryland by flat-bed trucks. CAF is expected to deliver 28 light rail vehicles by the end of 2025. Major construction at the University of Maryland, College Park has been completed and as of September 30th, 18 of 21 stations are under construction and almost 72 percent of the project is complete!
More electric vehicle charging stations are coming. Maryland has announced $12.1 million in federal funding to expand the number of electric vehicles charging sites in the state. Over the summer, Gov. Wes Moore announced the first round of conditional awards to build 130 charging ports at 23 sites in 15 counties across the state. These charging sites will be located at travel centers, shopping malls, gas stations and convenience stores. Recipients of funding must ensure that their chargers are operational 97 percent of the time for at least five years.
Disparity Study. What is it like to own a business in the state of Maryland? A survey commissioned by the state of Maryland aims to find out whether businesses face any type of discrimination in the state. Business owners can participate in the study by answering a few questions. It only takes seven minutes to complete the questionnaire. MDOT is the state’s official certification agency for small and minority owned businesses. The Office of Minority Business Enterprise at MDOT is leading the study.
CDL in Spanish – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration this year started offering testing for the Commercial Driver’s License in Spanish. Maryland is joining more than 20 other states who also offer the test in Spanish. MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer points out that “individuals may feel more comfortable reading in their native language, especially when those materials include technical information. Offering the CDL knowledge test in Spanish removes potential barriers to obtaining a CDL which supports the critical needs in moving goods throughout Maryland and our country and enhancing safety on our roadways.” The skills test and pre-trip inspection will continue to be administered in English because drivers have to be able to understand and respond to verbal instructions.
Maryland is joining more than 20 other states that offer the CDL test in Spanish. CDL products now have an 8-year expiration date, the same as non-commercial licenses.
Jessie Karangu is a digital media content manager at the Maryland Department of Transportation.
