Maryland Department of Transportation

MDOT URGES MARYLANDERS TO STAY ‘HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 17, 2020
Contact: MDOT Public Affairs
Erin Henson, 410-865-1025
Jim Joyner, 410-865-1030 

MDOT URGES MARYLANDERS TO STAY
'HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS'
'Give the Gift of Good Health' by Avoiding Non-Essential Travel;
In-Person Service at Customer Centers Suspended for Two Weeks Beginning December 21 

HANOVER, MD – With Maryland continuing to fight the spread of COVID-19, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is joining Governor Larry Hogan in urging residents to stay “Home for the Holidays" and avoid non-essential travel. To help reduce contact and in accordance with the governor's directive, MDOT also is announcing a temporary, two-week suspension of in-person customer service operations at its public-facing facilities, including MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) branches, the MDOT Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) Transit Store and Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) E-ZPass Customer Service Centers, beginning December 21. 

“This holiday season, I urge everyone to 'Give the Gift of Good Health' to friends, family and loved ones by staying home and helping to stop the spread of COVID-19," MDOT Secretary Greg Slater said. “Simply put: Don't travel unless necessary. The best gift we can give in 2020 is a safe and healthy start to 2021." 

Maryland remains under a COVID-19 State of Emergency. Over the holidays, MDOT will share the stay-at-home message on highway overhead signs, at MDOT MTA facilities and at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport with the “Give the Gift of Good Health" theme. 

For those who must travel, MDOT's team will be ready. On the road, the MDOT State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) Coordinated Highways Action Response Team (CHART) and emergency response technicians will be on patrol to help motorists experiencing breakdowns or emergencies. In addition, live traffic cameras, weather information and real-time roadway conditions are available at roads.maryland.gov. For 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic information call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726). 

If you must fly, remember the terminal at BWI Marshall Airport is open only to ticketed passengers and employees. Passengers must wear a face covering at BWI, and can get a free mask at airport information desks or buy one at airport concessions. Some airlines also have masks available.

Those using MDOT MTA transit must wear a face covering, and riders are asked to maintain social distancing whenever possible. MDOT MTA has shields in place between bus operators and riders, and all operators are wearing face coverings. 

Whether traveling or staying home, people should follow COVID-19 guidelines:

  • Wear a face covering or mask when in public.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water and/or use hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Practice social distancing by keeping distance between yourself and others.
  • Avoid those who are sick. If you are sick, stay home.
  • Avoid large crowds, and avoid handshaking, hugging or other intimate types of greeting. 

MDOT Temporarily Suspends In-Person Service at Customer Service Centers 

With Governor Hogan's announcement of a temporary suspension of in-person customer service operations at public-facing government operations, MDOT will close E-ZPass Customer Service Centers, MDOT MTA's Transit Store and Reduced Fare Certification Office, and MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) branches beginning Monday, December 21, to limit the amount of in-person interaction. The centers will reopen Monday, January 4. 

MDOT MVA staff will reach out to customers to reschedule existing appointments. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of online services available from the comfort and safety of home at the the MDOT MVA eStore. 

For MDOT MTA customers, reduced fare certifications that are due to expire between December 21 and January 4 will continue to be honored. Regular transit fares can be purchased through CharmPass, our mobile transit fare app, or from a ticket vending machine located at Light Rail stops and Metro Subway stations. In addition, customers can access services and transactions at mta.maryland.gov/coronavirus,  including purchase of Senior/Disability monthly passes.  

Online transactions and services are also available to E-ZPass Maryland customers, at ezpassmd.com. 

MDOT thanks customers for their continued patience and cooperation, and reminds everyone that you're safer at “Home for the Holidays."

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