MTA Buses Will Help Maintain Transit Service While Maintenance Issues With County Fleet Are Resolved

BALTIMORE, MD --- Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. announced today the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has leased five buses to Prince George's County for $1 to help supplement service to the County's local bus system, The Bus.   Prince George's County made the request for the MTA buses because of maintenance issues that have sidelined several of their own buses making it difficult to meet the demands of their daily transit schedule.   "Our goal in providing these MTA buses is to ensure that we maintain a full schedule of transit service for the thousands of Prince George's County residents who use it everyday to get to work, school, health care and entertainment," said Governor Ehrlich.  "The county came to us with a problem and I have directed the MTA to be part of the solution.  The MTA buses will help bridge the gap until the county run transit system can restore its fleet to the appropriate number of buses it needs to provide its regularly scheduled service."  The MTA is providing five, low-floor 30-foot buses that are 2002 models.  Each can seat 26 passengers with standing room for another 11 passengers.  The buses are now operating in the county and will continue to do so under a six-month lease agreement.   "We greatly appreciate the State's willingness to help," said Dale G. Coppage, Acting Director for the Prince George's County Department of Public Works and Transportation. "The leasing agreement enables us to immediately address our need for vehicles.   We would be unable to provide adequate coverage on our bus routes without the addition of these State vehicles." As part of the lease agreement, the County will pay for proper upkeep and maintenance of the buses, including preventive maintenance checks and brake inspections.  The MTA will supply replacement parts when needed.