MTA
Tri County Council for Western Maryland, Inc serves as a Regional Coordinating Body for the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA).
We represent Western Maryland which includes Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties as well as parts of rural Frederick County and we have the responsibility under the provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for developing and carrying out a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation process for the region.
With funding from the Federal Transit Administration, the MTA will disburse these funds to successful applicants who qualify for these programs:
Locally Operated Transit System (LOTS) - 5310 Program Manual
Senior Rides Program
Projects funded through these programs must be derived from coordinated public transit-human services transportation plans for the respective region. More information on regional coordinated plans is available at:
The development of the Western Maryland Coordinated Transportation Plan has provided a framework for future regional coordinated activities and has resulted in a new partnership between the MTA and Tri County Council for Western Maryland. We will provide technical assistance to applicants applying for transportation related grants and we are responsible for determining that projects requesting funds are consistent with the regionally adopted long-range transportation plan.
Furthermore, the Council coordinates the local review committee to review, score, and forward the 5310 applications to MTA for consideration.
The Council will provide information on the region’s unmet transportation needs and issues as well as aid in the coordination of services among the region’s providers.
Some examples include limited transportation options for those who live outside the fixed-route service areas, long distance medical transportation, limited options for dialysis trips, limited options for 2nd and 3rd shift jobs, access to paratransit vehicles that can operate over difficult terrain, marketing of services, and educating clients and advocates on how to use transportation services.
Other duties include attendance of quarterly meetings in Hanover, MD, assistance with the logistics for regional meetings, participation in regional meetings, and coordination and attendance of the annual Transportation Association of Maryland (TAM) conference.
In addition, we also participate in the Allegany County Transportation Advisory Committee meetings and the Washington County Transportation Advisory Committee meetings.
“96 Royal Coffee & Cream exists today because the Tri County Council for Western Maryland believed in our vision when it was still just a dream. Their business loan gave us the foundation to open our doors and bring something truly unique to Hagerstown, premium coffee and artisan ice cream rooted in African heritage and made with locally sourced ingredients.
Without Tri County’s investment, we wouldn’t be here serving our community, creating jobs, and bridging two cultures through every cup and scoop.”
