Howard County, Maryland, has introduced a new micro-transit program called HoCo RapidRide, designed to provide residents with low-cost, on-demand transportation. The service, operated in partnership with Via, enables riders within the designated service zone to book rides using the HoCo RapidRide app, available on the Apple Store and on Google Play.
To encourage ridership, Howard County is offering free rides on HoCo RapidRide during its first month of operation, lasting through April 17, 2025.
HoCo RapidRide is designed to complement the existing Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA) bus system by improving access to fixed-route services. The app matches riders heading in the same direction into one vehicle to create efficient, shared trips. The county has added four Dodge ProMaster 3500 vehicles to its fleet, each with a seven-passenger capacity.
While the service is focused on the northern Route 1 corridor, including Elkridge, Jessup, and Savage, it also extends to key shopping destinations such as Dobbin Center, Snowden Square, and Gateway Overlook. HoCo RapidRide also provides wheelchair-accessible vehicles, ensuring inclusive transportation for all passengers.
The HoCo RapidRide initiative was made possible through a $500,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration’s (MDOT MTA’s) Statewide Transit Innovation Grants (STIGs), alongside a county budget match of $530,000. The program aligns with recommendations in the HoCo by Design General Plan Update and the MDOT US 1 Corridor Small Area Plan.
As a pilot program, HoCo RapidRide’s success will be evaluated throughout the first year of operation.