The purpose of this Act is to facilitate equitable access to public transportation by creating a structured process through which public transit providers may request access to private property to install, maintain, or continue a public bus stop, subject to legislative approval. This Act seeks to balance the transportation needs of County residents with the property rights of private owners.

For the purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall apply: Public Transit Provider means any regional or local public transportation agency, including the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Prince George's County DPW&T TheBus, or their designees. Private Property means land owned or controlled by a non-governmental entity, including apartment complexes, private developments, commercial centers, or private roads not otherwise dedicated for public use. Transit Access Permit means the formal approval issued pursuant to a County Council Resolution authorizing a public transit provider to operate a stop on private property.

A public transit provider may submit a Transit Access Application to the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T), requesting permission to access private property for transit service. The application shall include: A detailed description of the proposed stop location; and Documentation of existing or anticipated ridership volume; and A safety and feasibility assessment conducted by the transit provider; and A summary of prior use (if any) of the location as a public bus stop; and Proof of notification to the property owner, including the proposed site plan and rationale. Within 30 days of receipt, DPW&T shall: Review the application for completeness and accuracy; and Notify the property owner of their right to submit a written response or objection within 30 calendar days; and Refer the application and any owner response to the County Council for consideration.

Locating bus stops on private property is a collaborative effort between the County, the property owner, and the public transit provider. Locating bus stops on private property requires property owner consent and public transit provider approval.

The County Council may, after considering the application, any written responses, and the public interest, and upon property owner consent and public transit provider approval, adopt a Resolution authorizing the issuance of a Transit Access Permit. The Council may impose reasonable conditions upon the permit, including hours of operation, noise mitigation, signage, or maintenance responsibilities. As part of approving a permit, if the property owner does not allow bus service, when the Council adopts a permit Resolution, the Council can mandate that the applicant provide shuttle service to the nearest Metro station. Upon adoption of a Resolution, the permit shall be deemed approved and the transit provider may proceed with installation and operation of the bus stop, consistent with the terms of the permit.

This Act does not grant a permanent or transfer of ownership rights to the transit provider. The transit provider shall indemnify and hold harmless the property owner from liability for injuries, damages, or claims arising directly from transit operations on the site, to the extent permitted by law. The County may offer mediation services if a dispute arises between a property owner and a transit provider.

DPW&T, in consultation with the Office of Law, shall develop implementing regulations, including application forms, review standards, and a model indemnity agreement, within 90 days of the effective date of this Act. DPW&T shall publish an annual report to the County Council summarizing all applications received, permits issued, and transit stop locations approved under this Act.