Community voicing concerns on proposed service changes for Shore Transit

DELMARVA – Shore Transit and the Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland are working to make public transit more efficient. The duo held a public hearing Tuesday proposing several service changes.

Those include potentially altering and suspending several Fixed Route services as well as paratransit services (Origin To Destination) for those living with disabilities could also be improved.

Shore Transit tells 47ABC the goal is to bring the department back into good financial standing. This comes as they face a shortage of drivers and funds to keep up with demand. Low ridership has also been seen for some routes which is a cause for these changes.

A big concern from Tuesday’s public hearing was how those changes could impact transportation for residents for things like medical appointments. “I understand the real need for transportation that gives people dignity, respect, and access. These changes are going to be impactful,” Shore Transit Director Andrew Wile said.

“We are committed to finding some solutions that are a little non-traditional for Shore Transit. We will work with any agency who wants to sit and coordinate their population groups to see if we can do a better job of serving with the constraints that we have.”

Public comment is being accepted until this Friday, June 2nd either in person or by email (info@shoretransit.org)

The proposed changes would go into effect July 1st.

To find out more about the proposal click here