The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), in partnership with Charles County and Prince George’s County, is conducting the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMRT) Planning and Environment Linkages Study (PEL Study) to evaluate Rapid Transit Improvements along nearly 19 miles of the MD 5 (Branch Avenue) / US 301 (Crain Highway) corridor between the Branch Avenue Metrorail Station in Prince George’s County and the Waldorf-White Plains area in Charles County.
As a regional planning priority for Southern Maryland, this PEL Study presents a major opportunity to assess how introducing a new transit service could enhance access and economic development in the region.
Upcoming Open Houses
Join the Maryland Transit Administration, Charles County, and Prince George’s County at an upcoming Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMRT) Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study Open House as they assess transit opportunities for the Southern Maryland area. This study considers multiple modes, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), Hybrid Rail (YR) and other dedicated transit-only right-of-way and mixed-traffic modes, aimed at providing new and more reliable transportation alternatives along the MD 5/US 301 corridor, which begins at the Capital Beltway (I-95/I-495) near the Branch Avenue Metro Station and extends south through both counties. More...
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025
6:00-8:00 PM
Pareik at Brandywine
16100 Cadillac Drive
Brandywine, MD 20613
Transit accessible by TheBus Route P84
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025
6:00-8:00 PM
Hilton Garden Inn Waldorf
10385 O’Donnell Place
Waldorf, MD 20603
Transit accessible by VanGO Indian Head and St. Charles A Routes
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025
6:00 PM
Virtual Meeting
A virtual meeting option will be offered for those who cannot attend an in-person meeting. Registration is encouraged but not required.
The same information will be presented at all meetings.
Interactive Map
Click on the interactive map below to see the SMRT PEL Study project corridor and various layers including existing corridor traffic operations, transit service and trends, environmental features, and socioeconomic data. The project study area/corridor along with potential alignments and previously proposed station locations are also shown. Click the Add Your Comments button to leave a comment at a specific location or segment and provide any thoughts about the locations and types of project-related improvements you’d like to see implemented. Quality feedback from stakeholders is a key component to developing a successful project that meets the needs of all users, and we encourage you to share your thoughts!