WALDORF, Md. — Charles County officials have reaffirmed that building the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMRT) line is their highest transportation priority, as outlined in the county’s fiscal 2026 priority letter submitted to the Maryland Department of Transportation. The proposed high-capacity, fixed-route transit system would operate within a dedicated 70-foot-wide transitway along the MD 5 and U.S. 301 corridor, connecting the Branch Avenue Metro Station in Prince George’s County to Waldorf and White Plains in Charles County.
The project is expected to include 13 stations, strategically located to serve communities and encourage transit-oriented development. SMRT is designed to ease traffic congestion, improve regional mobility and support long-term growth across Southern Maryland.
According to the county’s letter, key progress milestones include:
- Design and Engineering: Charles County is urging MDOT to commit additional state funding to complete design, engineering and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to secure a formal record of decision, a necessary step to apply for federal “New Starts” funding.
- Federal Funding Support: The project already received $10 million in congressionally directed spending to help initiate matching state funds, with additional federal funding applications underway for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
- Regional Partnerships: The project has secured support from Prince George’s County, whose officials are working closely with Charles County on planning, zoning changes and development incentives to promote transit-oriented growth along the corridor.
SMRT is now included in the Consolidated Transportation Program, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Constrained Long-Range Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program for the region. County leaders aim to complete project planning within two to three years.
Learn more about the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit project by visiting the official SMRT page.
View Charles County’s complete list of transportation priorities in the FY2026 priority letter.
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