The Maryland Department of Transportation recently launched two new regards programs via its Commuter Choice Maryland initiative, which is designed to lessen traffic congestion statewide while also reducing vehicle emissions.
[Above photo by David Trozzo for the Maryland DOT]
Under the new Baltimore Vanpool Incentive Program, vanpool commuters in the Baltimore area will now qualify for a $500 monthly incentive. Meanwhile, via the new Baltimore Carpool Incentive Program, commuters will receive a $5 daily incentive for 90 days.
Both programs are funded by the Maryland DOT and administered by Commuter Connections to encourage Baltimore-area commuters to start or join a carpool or vanpool.
“Maryland commuters, business owners and commercial drivers continue to deal with the congestion impacts from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse,” noted Maryland DOT Secretary Paul Wiedefeld in a statement. “These new vanpool and carpool rewards programs are promoting and incentivizing alternative options to driving alone, saving commuters real money and reducing congestion impacts for the region.”
The agency added that state residents can also take advantage of CommuterCash as well; an all-new mobile application that helps travelers find optimal carpool, vanpool, transit, biking, and multimodal travel options.
Commuters can log their trips in CommuterCash and earn points that can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or transportation credits, Maryland DOT said.
Across the country, state departments of transportation are working on a variety of commuter-related initiatives, often tied into emission-reduction efforts as well.
For example, in March 2025, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation issued $1.2 million in grants via its Rural Intercity Bus Connections program.
The agency said this initiative aims to enhance accessibility and connectivity for residents in rural communities who depend on intercity bus services for essential travel to larger urban hubs. Since 2016, MassDOT noted it has awarded nearly $7 million through its Rural Intercity Bus Connections program.
And, in March 2024, the Connecticut Department of Transportation opened a new parking garage at the Stewart B. McKinney Transportation Center in Stamford, CT; a garage that plays a key role in boosting multimodal links to the center’s transit options.
The new garage includes 92 electric vehicle charging stations; 120 bicycle parking spaces, including 50 e-bike charging stations. The project also included the reconstruction of the South State Street and Washington Boulevard intersection, making it safer for all roadway users; with upgrades that include new sidewalks, traffic signals, and thermal crosswalks.
Transportation Policy
