	Spring 2006
	And the Survey Says... To gauge community perception and awareness of Howard Transit, a survey was placed in the Columbia Flier, Howard County Times and the Laurel Leader in February. People who returned the survey by the deadline were entered into a drawing for gift certificates at two local restaurants, movie passes and monthly transit passes (see winners on left). Nearly 1000 surveys were returned revealing interesting facts about Howard County citizens' views of local transit service. The most significant finding was that 91% of respondents view Howard Transit as Important to Very Important. Ninety-four percent of respondents recognized Howard Transit’s green buses as local transit service, although not everyone knows the name of the service. Additional survey highlights (left). An Economic Perspective Howard County has a robust economy, ranking fifth strongest in the state for job growth. The County consistently has the lowest unemployment rate of all jurisdictions in the state, at just 3% in 2005; and is ranked ninth in the nation in terms of quality of life according to American City’s Business Journal. Way To Go! spoke with the person who has perhaps the best personal knowledge about the County’s economy, Richard Story, Chief Executive Officer of the Howard County’s Economic Development Authority. He previously ran the Economic Development Commissions in Baltimore and Carroll Counties before moving to Howard County in 1993 when the local Authority was established. From an economic perspective, how important is public transportation? Public transportation is viewed as one of the most critical issues facing the County. Entry-level workers in the retail, food service and hotel industries require mass transportation connections to and from Washington and Baltimore, to and from neighboring counties, and within Howard County. What do you see as Howard County’s future transit needs? Homeland security, the impact of military base realignment and closure, and an increasing focus on government accountability are driving the growth of government contractors in the region. This influx of workers will create added strain on our transportation infrastructure. A clear and rational transportation strategy will be essential to our success. From our most recent survey data, nearly half of Howard Transit passengers use the bus to get to work. What impact do you think this has on the local economy? Typically, entry-level workers rely on mass transportation to get to and from work; so Howard Transit has helped not only attract these employees but also helped companies expand their recruiting focus. Are there things employers/businesses can do to support public transportation in Howard County? I am not sure that all employers are aware of the transportation options available to them. The first thing employers can do is to become better informed about Howard Transit, and then to pass the information along to their employees. Also, just as some employers "pay back" employees who do not require health care coverage benefits, a similar benefit could be utilized for those employees who use public transportation. What is in the County’s future? Howard County has a limited and shrinking inventory of available land to accommodate growth. At the same time older, underutilized areas of the county are in need of revitalization and renewal. Public transportation will play an important role in capitalizing on these opportunities. Howard Transit- Real People Howard Transit is celebrating a decade of service this year and marked the occasion with an essay contest that was open to all loyal customers, 16 years of age and older. The "*Howard Transit - Real People"* essay contest asked Howard Transit customers to tell, in 200 words or less, how access to Howard Transit has impacted their lives. The contest ran from February 15 through March 15, 2005. County Executive Jim Robey will publicly announce the winners at a ceremony to be held at 9:00 AM on May 11, 2006 at the Ellicott City Senior Center. The public is invited to congratulate and share refreshments with the winners. Winners of the contest have been notified. Everyone who entered will receive a weekly pass. The winners will each be awarded one of seven prizes (on left). Contest winners will also be featured in a new ad campaign in the coming months. The first advertisement will be unveiled at the ceremony on May 11. Then and Now Howard Transit has provided service to Howard County residents for ten years. During that time, ridership has more than tripled and numerous improvements have been implemented. From purchasing new more efficient and reliable vehicles to establishing a 1-800 telephone number to handle transit inquiries, Howard Transit has aimed to constantly improve service. Routes and hours of operation have expanded significantly since 1996. Current improvements include installing new bus shelters, installing better bus stop signs and adding low floor buses to improve access for all passengers. An Automated Vehicle Locator System (AVL) has been added to provide real-time arrival information for passengers and security cameras are being tested on buses. Training is being developed to improve service provided by drivers and customer service staff to passengers with disabilities. Training efforts will also include cultural awareness and understanding. In 1998, Howard Transit (then HATS) provided 255,000 trips on regular bus service and specialized services. In 2001, the system provided approximately 406,000 trips and in 2005 over 750,000 trips. Ridership is again expected to increase this year to over 800,000 trips. Howard Transit passengers are encouraged to contact us with concerns and suggestions at any time. Simply use the Contact Us button on our website or call Customer Service at 1-800-270-9553. Ozone Action Days Are Coming Ground level ozone is the main ingredient in regional smog. It is created when air pollutants from a variety of sources react in sunlight. Because heat and sunlight are important causal factors, ozone pollution is primarily a concern in summer months. Ground level ozone can reduce lung function, cause shortness of breath and headaches and can create significant health problems in children, senior citizens and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. On Code Red Days air quality is considered unhealthy for everyone. Motor vehicles account for 30-40% of the ozone-causing pollutants in the Baltimore and Washington areas. Other sources include lawnmowers, boats, many household products, power plants and industrial facilities. On Code Red Days we encourage you to limit driving and take other actions to reduce ozone levels. Howard Transit is modifying 25 diesel buses to reduce pollution. Alterations to the engines and exhaust systems are expected to reduce the pollutants emitted by these buses by as much as 50%. All modifications should be completed within the next month. Howard Transit will offer FREE FARE Days on it fixed route bus service on Code Red Days. This is a great time for new passengers to try the system! Employers can get involved by providing air quality alerts to employees and by becoming Clean Air Partners by visiting www.cleanairpartners.net. Information on personal actions to reduce ground level ozone is available at the Clean Air Partners website or to receive daily air quality forecasts and information visit www.air-watch.net or call 410-537-3247.

In This Issue Howard Transit-Real People Contest Transit Talk Ozone Action Days are Coming Survey Highlights 34% of respondents recognize the green buses as Howard Transit . 16% incorrectly named the service Howard County Transit, Howard Transit Service or HATS 18% are current users of Howard Transit 53% do not use or know anyone who uses Howard Transit. 88% of people who do not know anyone who uses Howard Transit view the service as important. Nearly 50% of survey respondents are employed 64% of individuals who are age 60 and older would use transit if it were convenient to them compared to nearly 54% of individuals age 19-59. Howard Transit wishes to thank all of the people who responded to our survey! The following five individuals were winners from the random drawing: Michelle Bowser won a gift certificate to the Cheesecake Factory; Mohit Virmani won a gift certificate to PF Chang; Kathleen Littleton won a Family Movie Pack to AMC Theater; Muhammedayub J. Bura won a Howard Transit Monthly Pass; and Mary Neidorf won a Howard Transit Monthly Pass. Transit Talk Transit Talk offers up-to-date information about what's happening on transit in Howard County. If you'd like us to address other topics in future newsletters, please contact Customer Service at (800) 270-9553, or visit the Howard Transit website . Public Transportation Board To Meet The next meeting of the Public Transportation Board (PTB) is scheduled for May 23, 2006 at 7:00 PM. The Board meets bi-monthly in the George Howard Building at the Howard County Government Complex in Ellicott City. For more information about the Board and agendas, please call 410-313-4311. Commuter Assistance Available Commuter Solutions of Howard County provides information and assistance regarding transit options to the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas and offers free carpool and vanpool matching services. Visit the Commuter Solutions website or call 410-313-3130 for information and assistance. Save Money with Multi-Ride Passes Save money by purchasing Howard Transit 10-Ride and Monthly passes. Call Customer Service at 1-800-270-9553 for information and for sales outlets. Park and Ride Howard County has nearly 2000 parking spaces at 10 Park and Ride lots located throughout the County; bus service is available at 6 lots. There are also 3 MARC Train Stations with 1900 parking spaces. Parking at all locations is free. *Winners in the Real People Contest* will each be awarded one of the following prizes, generously donated by our contest sponsors: 2 roundtrip tickets to anywhere in the U.S. from Southwest Airlines Dinner and show for six guests from Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia An overnight stay for two including transportation and breakfast from Henderson’s Wharf Inn in Fells Point Dinner for two at Waterside Restaurant from the Sheraton Columbia Hotel Dinner for two at The Melting Pot in Columbia Wine in the Woods Gift Basket from Howard County Department of Parks and Recreation An Apple Video IPOD Mission Statement "Howard Transit is committed to fulfilling the public transit needs of Howard County citizens and attaining the highest levels of safety, reliability, and accountability." For route and schedule information, visit www.howardtransit.com or call (800) 270-9553** Howard Transit is a service of Howard County Government and is managed by the Corridor Transportation Corporation.