The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will continue service on Intercounty Connector (ICC) Commuter Bus Routes 202 and 203 after July 31.

The decision follows vocal support from more than 100 passengers and elected officials, who testified or offered written comments in support of the service, during a series of public hearings held in early June. The routes were being considered for termination because of low ridership.

“We are truly grateful for the input we received from commuters, elected officials and transit advocates,” said MTA Administrator Robert Smith. “They took time out of their busy schedules to voice their interest in keeping key ICC Commuter Bus routes, and we heard them." 

The MTA also is implementing the recommendation of passengers at the public hearings to eliminate the midday runs on routes 202 and 203 as a way to make the routes more efficient. Additionally, the MTA will add an afternoon run on Route 203 based on passenger requests for a later bus to accommodate longer work schedules. The MTA will continue to closely monitor both routes to ensure growth in ridership.

The MTA will discontinue ICC Commuter Bus route 205 effective August 1, 2013, due to extremely low ridership numbers and not enough demand to justify the service. The average trip on this service had only two riders. The MTA will work with customers to help identify other possible transit options. The savings will be used to alleviate overcrowding on other bus service.