St. Mary's County is witnessing a significant rebound in public transportation usage, with ridership levels climbing back to pre-pandemic figures. During the recent Transportation Advisory Committee meeting held on April 17, 2025, officials reported that the Tri-County region has reached 65 to 67% of full ridership, a notable increase from the stagnant levels of just 30% experienced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining and expanding bus routes to accommodate the growing demand. Notably, two routes in Charles County and one in Calvert County are exceeding capacity, prompting the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to reassess service levels. Officials are actively working to restore previously cut trips, which is crucial for meeting the needs of commuters.

The Hollywood parking lot, a key hub for local bus services, was also a focal point of the meeting. After a concerted effort to retain this vital resource, it appears that additional return trips will soon be reinstated, with early morning routes already operating at about 80% capacity.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to convene again on April 29 to further discuss these developments and strategize on enhancing transportation services in the region. The ongoing efforts to improve public transit are expected to significantly benefit residents, ensuring better access and connectivity as the community continues to recover from the pandemic's impacts.