Safety, cleanliness and reliability are part of the everyday mission of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) as it maintains and operates the state’s multi-modal transportation network. As Maryland continues to recover from the COVID-19 emergency, those elements are paramount in MDOT’s focus for customers and employees.
As Transportation Secretary Greg Slater says: “When you’re ready to go, we’ll be ready for you.
“Throughout the COVID-19 emergency, the Maryland Department of Transportation has helped essential personnel get to their jobs fighting the pandemic. We’ve worked hard to ensure the safety of customers, frontline workers and our own frontline team,” Secretary Slater said. “We’re proud of the critical role transportation has played in Maryland’s COVID-19 response, and we thank you for your help.”
Secretary Slater noted that Governor Larry Hogan continues to urge Marylanders to limit travel whenever possible, and he joined that call for caution. Still, as more people return to transit, air travel and state highways, MDOT is working as a team with the Maryland Department of Health, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and others to ensure customer confidence in the safety of the transportation system.
“That’s MDOT’s mission. That’s MDOT’s promise,” Secretary Slater said.
Transit focuses on service, cleaning, masks and contactless boarding
When it comes to commuter and local bus service, Metro Subway, Light Rail and MARC Train, MDOT Maryland Transit Administration is taking measures to protect riders and operators.
- Covering up. The use of masks or face coverings is required across all MDOT MTA transit operations.
- Bus cleaning. MDOT MTA is disinfecting high-use touchpoints on every bus, every day, with regular deep cleaning using an antimicrobial fogger.
- Rear-door boarding is being used on local buses to help maintain social distance.
- Rail cars and stations. All rail vehicles are disinfected daily; so are high-touchpoint areas at MDOT MTA-owned rail stops and stations.
MDOT MTA Administrator Kevin Quinn also said there are things customers can do to help themselves and others as they use transit:
- Space yourself. Riders should leave as much space as possible between themselves and others when seating.
- Watch your distance. Practice social distancing while you’re waiting for your ride.
- Patience, please. Try to allow extra travel time. Operators are trying to avoid crowded buses and may need to pass a stop if the bus is full.
- Get CharmPass. Download the CharmPass payment app, which allows you to pay a fare contact-free. Then simply show your screen to the operator, attendant or conductor as you board.
At BWI Marshall Airport, safety takes flight
Passenger traffic at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport is beginning to return, and MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration Executive Director Ricky Smith is reminding passengers of COVID-19 procedures that are in place to protect passengers and the employees:
- Face coverings. Use of masks or face coverings is recommended at BWI Marshall. Most airlines now require face coverings in flight, and at ticketing and boarding areas.
- Tickets to fly. The BWI terminal remains closed except for ticketed passengers, badged employees and those providing assistance to passengers in need.
- Cleared for takeoff. Cleaning is performed daily throughout the terminal, with special attention to touchpoints and high-traffic areas.
- Shields up. Plexiglass shields are in place at document checking podiums and other locations.
- Keep a distance. Floor stickers reminders travelers to maintain social distance are in place throughout the airport.
- Hand sanitizing. Stations with hand sanitizer are also in place throughout the terminal.
- Food options. Service at airport restaurant and retail establishments remains limited, though some have reopened.
MDOT MVA offers appointments at reopened branches; online services
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) reopened select branch offices to serve customers by appointment only. The full list of reopened branches can be found here. To make an appointment, go to mvascheduling.mva.maryland.gov.
MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer is encouraging customers to go mva.maryland.gov to check out the services that can be done online or at self-serve kiosks. For those needing to come into a branch, numerous safety measures are in place:
- Face coverings. Customers are required to wear masks or face coverings at the branch offices, and there’s a brief screening process before entry.
- Clear protection. Plexiglass is installed at service stations to create barriers between customers and employees.
- Social distance. Stickers on the floor and sidewalks are reminders to practice social distancing.
- Testing change. MDOT MVA modified its driving test to allow the instructor to stand outside the vehicle as they score the test.
- No VEIP. Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations remain closed.
Accomplishments during COVID-19
Throughout the COVID-19 emergency, MDOT crews have continued work on key projects while maintaining safety for employees and the public. For example, Secretary Slater noted that MDOT State Highway Administration finished the $124 million Watkins Mill interchange with I-270 in Montgomery County’s Technology Corridor, and the Maryland Transportation Authority completed the critical lane rehab project on the Bay Bridge a year ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile, workers at the Port of Baltimore have helped keep Maryland’s supply chain open, and will continue to provide the jobs and goods needed for the state’s recovery.
The secretary urged Marylanders to work together as the state continues to follow Governor Hogan’s Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery. And he said MDOT is ready to greet customers as they return for work, shopping, recreation and other activities.
Learn more about MDOT’s response to the coronavirus at mdot.maryland.gov/coronavirus.
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