Yesterday, members of Maryland’s congressional delegation announced that $1,675,000 in federal funds is headed to the state to improve bus safety and prevent hazards on rail systems.

$1 million will go to the International Transportation Learning Center in Silver Spring to improve bus driver safety and improve passenger-operator relations. An additional $675,000 will be provided to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to upgrade rail systems track warning and detection technology in Baltimore. The new system will help alert operators when someone is on the tracks. Funds for the projects come from U.S. Federal Transit Administration’s Safety, Research and Demonstration Program and Bus Operator Compartment Program.

From the press release:

“The safety of our regional transportation networks must be a top priority. This new federal funding will upgrade Maryland’s rail systems with warning technology to protect Maryland commuters while bolstering reliability,” said the lawmakers. “Our delegation will always work to deliver resources that modernize and expand public transportation in our state for the good of our residents and transit workers.”

For more information, visit the U.S. Federal Transit Administration’s website.