Towson’s free circulator buses will begin running Oct. 12 under the operation of transportation company Coach USA, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced on Tuesday.
The Towson Loop buses will include a north-south route and an east-west route, crossing paths at Towson Town Center and each stopping at key attractions and locations throughout Towson.
While running for county executive in 2018, Olszewski pledged to improve infrastructure and sustainable transportation in Baltimore County. The Towson Loop is part of fulfilling that promise, he said.
“Expanding access to easy, efficient, reliable transit [is] an essential element in our vision for a better Baltimore County,” Olszewski said in a statement. “I’m thrilled that we will soon deliver on bringing this long-promised, free transit service that will better connect our neighbors with the places they live, work, study, and play.”
Coach USA, one of the largest North American private ground passenger transportation companies, will operate the Towson Loop service.
Through its subsidiary Dillon’s Bus Service, Coach USA will operate 12 shuttles, each able to carry 25 passengers, along the Towson Loop’s two routes.
“Coach USA has a successful track record of partnering with the various stakeholder in the communities we serve to promote wider economic growth through job creation and improved access to safe, affordable and sustainable transportation.” Bruce Roberts, Coach USA’s SVP Business Development, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to have been chosen by Baltimore County to help them deliver on their stated long-term strategic plan to modernize its transportation system and to better connect people with where they live, work, study and play.”
Drivers will begin training in the weeks aheads to drive the Loop shuttles.
The county will also install signs at all stop locations ahead of the Towson Loop’s Oct. 12 launch.
In the meantime, people can view a map or a list of stops on the county’s website.
