Keeping St. Mary’s Moving: Transit Services Celebrated During National Transportation Week

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s County Commissioners officially recognized National Transportation Week during their May 12 meeting, emphasizing the critical role public transit plays in connecting residents, supporting economic growth and ensuring accessibility across the county.

Commissioner Scott Ostrow presented the proclamation, designating May 11-17, 2026, as National Transportation Week in St. Mary’s County.

“The week of May 11 through the 17th, 2026, marks the 73rd annual National Transportation Week and provides an opportunity to raise awareness about public transportation and its benefits by encouraging citizens to use public transit,” Ostrow read.

First established by Congress in 1962, National Transportation Week honors the professionals who keep the nation moving while recognizing the infrastructure systems that have long supported economic development and national security.

“Transportation infrastructure laid the foundation of our nation in many ways, with ships, railroads enabling earlier years of economic growth, improving access and travel, and enhancing our national security,” Ostrow continued.

Locally, the St. Mary’s County Transit System (STS) was highlighted as a key service providing reliable and accessible transportation options for residents, including ADA paratransit services designed to support individuals with mobility challenges.

“The St. Mary’s County transit system, STS, provides essential, reliable and accessible public transportation across the county, including specialized ADA paratransit services to ensure mobility and independence for all residents,” Ostrow said.

The proclamation formally encourages residents to utilize public transportation and recognize its importance to the community’s daily life and economy.

Following the presentation, John Norris, director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation, spoke about the impact of transit services and the employees who keep them running.

“I was reminded today that I tell my folks that I work for them,” Norris said with a laugh. “So they said, ‘Well, since you work for us, why don’t you go up to Leonardtown?’”

Norris emphasized the importance of public transportation as a core county service and highlighted recent investments supported by the commissioners.

“Public transportation is a very important part of what we offer here in St. Mary’s County as a service, and those folks are out on the road today,” he said.

He noted the recent addition of two new paratransit vans, largely funded through state support and approved by the commissioners.

“They have the two new vans for paratransit that the commissioners were generously supportive of using the state money to cover most of those costs. They have been delivered, and they’re on the road,” Norris said.

Norris also took a moment to recognize transit workers and encourage community members to consider joining the workforce.

“We want to thank those folks, those professionals that are out there driving,” he said. “If you’re CDL or not CDL, please apply at St. Mary’s County, md.gov. They have positions opening. Thank you.”

As National Transportation Week continues, county officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of local transit options and recognize the essential workers who help keep St. Mary’s County moving every day.

About St. Mary’s Transit System (STS)

The St. Mary’s County Transit System (STS), operated through the Department of Public Works & Transportation, provides public transportation services throughout St. Mary’s County, including fixed-route bus service, ADA paratransit transportation and specialized transportation assistance programs for eligible residents. STS is designed to improve mobility and accessibility for residents traveling to work, medical appointments, shopping centers and other destinations across the county. The system also connects riders with regional transit services, including Maryland Transit Administration commuter routes.

For residents with disabilities who are unable to use traditional bus routes, STS offers ADA paratransit services, providing door-to-door transportation within designated service areas to help ensure independence and access to essential services.

Visit: https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/dpw/sts-transit/ for more information on schedules, paratransit, policies and rider rules.

You can also download the new app for STS here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/st-marys-transit-system/id6742028924

You can watch the full proclamation below at 23:13.

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