The Transportation Advisory Committee of St. Mary's County convened for its second quarterly meeting on April 17, 2025, addressing key issues surrounding local transportation needs and leadership transitions. The meeting, which was recorded for public access, began with roll call and a chair report that highlighted the committee's accomplishments and the urgency of filling leadership positions.

The current chair announced that this would likely be their last meeting, as their term is set to end on July 1, 2025. With no successor identified, the committee faces a critical period to either promote from within or seek new leadership. The chair emphasized the importance of having all officer roles filled to ensure continuity in the committee's work, particularly as they have made significant strides in areas such as ridership surveys and contributions to the county-wide transportation plan.

A staff report presented during the meeting revealed that the committee has submitted its annual transportation grant application to the Maryland Transit Administration. This year’s request included an increase in fleet size, aiming to address sustainability concerns. Currently, the fleet consists of 23 vehicles, but the committee has requested three additional vehicles to enhance service capacity. The report noted that while two medium bus replacements and three small replacements have been received, only one medium bus is currently in service. The need for GPS and camera installations on new vehicles was also highlighted, indicating ongoing logistical challenges.

The discussions underscored the committee's commitment to improving transportation services in St. Mary's County, while also pointing to the pressing need for effective leadership to guide these initiatives forward. As the committee prepares for potential changes in leadership, the outcomes of these discussions will be crucial for the future of transportation planning in the region. The next steps will involve identifying new leadership and continuing to address the growing demands for transportation services in the community.