Expanding local transit services and focusing on replacing aging vehicles are among the recommendations made in the county's Short Range Transportation Development Plan, released last week.

The county is required by the state to come up with a short-range plan every five years. It resulted from months of hearings and work sessions, and was put together by KFH Group, hired by the county as a consultant.

The plan takes into account large future redevelopment along the Route 1 corridor and in Columbia Town Center. An aging population likely will require more public transportation, the report states, as will new workers commuting to Fort Meade as part of the U.S. Department of Defense's Base Realignment and Closure process.

If the recommendations are followed, service would become more frequent on many of the county's bus routes, and coverage would be expanded to better link areas within and outside of the county.

Residents can comment on the plan at a public meeting at 7 p.m., Feb. 24 in the Tyson Room 2, 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia. Written comments may also be sent to Roberta Jackson via e-mail at rejackson@howardcountymd.gov.

A copy of the final draft is available at www.howardcountymd.gov under the "What's New" link. It can also be viewed in person by calling the Department of Planning and Zoning at 410-313-4311.

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