SUPPORTING SMART GROWTH WITH TRANSPORTATION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND
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Abstract
This article describes how Montgomery County, Maryland, has been supporting smart growth with transportation planning in this rapidly urbanizing region. Special emphasis is given to transit station areas. Among the key practices are: 1) providing a choice of modes beyond auto, with emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle networks; 2) planning for a mix of uses to include housing, office, and retail, with mechanisms to encourage a critical mass of density near transit centers; 3) taking an interdisciplinary approach to planning and design of transport projects; and 4) making needed capital projects in smart growth areas a high public priority for funding. The transportation regulatory process that allows greater levels of congestion where good transit services are available is described, with greatest flexibility in the transit station areas.
