Heading to the Maryland State Fair? Visit MDOT Exhibits for the Latest Transportation Information and Initiatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 24, 2016

Heading to the Maryland State Fair? Visit MDOT Exhibits
for the Latest Transportation Information
and Initiatives

One-Stop-Shopping for Cruise, Transit and Safety Information;
Driver's License, Motor Vehicle and E-ZPass Transactions

(Hanover, MD) - In keeping with its commitment to customer service, representatives from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be staffing exhibit booths at the Maryland State Fair to deliver fairgoers the latest transportation information and initiatives, helping to make this year's event "unFAIRgettable."  

"The State Fair provides an excellent opportunity for us to reach our customers while they are enjoying the unofficial final days of summer at this annual event," said Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn.

MDOT is comprised of five business units and one Authority: the State Highway Administration (SHA); Maryland Transit Administration (MTA); Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA); Maryland Port Administration (MPA); Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA); and the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).

At the MPA exhibit, representatives will distribute cruise information and schedules and information about shipping, commodities, and the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore's role as a leading economic generator in Maryland.

The MTA will have representatives on hand at the fair distributing information on BaltimoreLink, the new $135 million public transportation improvement plan that will redesign the entire local and express bus system throughout Baltimore - making better connections between people, employment centers and residential communities.

MTA staffers also will share information on programs such as accessing Mobility transportation services, scheduling for all MTA travel modes and convenient ticket payment options like the MTA Charm Card.   

As part of MDOT's commitment to safety, SHA will display a new campaign featuring actual highway workers and their children to convey the "Safety is in your hands" message for driving safely in work zones.  Maryland has nearly 400 construction projects underway across the state, so it is critical for motorists to use extra caution when driving in construction areas so everyone can get home.  SHA also will provide materials about pedestrian and bike safety and free copies of the official 2015-2016 paper Maryland Map to plan your trips the old fashioned way. 

For the 11^th consecutive year, the MVA will return with the MVA Bus.  Fairgoers can stop by this mobile office in front of the Farm and Garden Building at the top of the midway to perform the following:

• Apply for a renewal/duplicate/corrected Maryland driver's license or identification card (all new secure licenses and IDs are mailed);
• Obtain a duplicate/corrected commercial driver's license (address/name only - no endorsements can be added);
• Obtain certified copy of driving record;
• Obtain free, non-certified driving record for the past three years;
• Obtain disability placards/plates;
• Return tags/apply for a tag refund;
• Apply for a change of address card (card will be mailed);
• Renew vehicle registration;
• Obtain substitute plates, substitute stickers, and duplicate registrations;
• Pay administrative flag fees on registrations;
• Register to vote; and
• Register as an organ donor (as part of transaction).

For added customer convenience, E-ZPass also will be offered at the fair.  Avoid waiting in line at Stop-in Centers and visit the MDTA booth where we will feature information about E-ZPass and Maryland's eight toll facilities.  Customers can stop by to purchase their ready-to-use E-ZPass "On The Go," which includes $25 in pre-paid tolls, for $32.50.

MDOT business unit exhibits will be in the Exhibition Hall and staffed Saturdays/Sundays

from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., weekdays from noon to 10 p.m. and Labor Day Monday from 10 a.m.

to 8 p.m.

The MVA Bus will be staffed:

• Friday, Aug. 26, to Sunday, Aug. 28: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
• Monday, Aug. 29, to Friday, Sept. 2: noon to 6 p.m.; and
• Saturday, Sept. 3, to Monday, Sept. 5: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fairgoers are encouraged to leave their cars at home and take convenient Light Rail or MTA's Local Bus Nos. 8 and 9 to the Timonium Fairgrounds.  If you plan to drink at the Maryland State Fair, have a plan to get home safely: take transit, choose a sober driver or take a cab.

The Maryland Department of Transportation is a customer-driven leader that delivers safe, sustainable, intelligent, and exceptional transportation solutions in order to connect our customers to life's opportunities.  For information about MDOT and its business units, visit mdot.maryland.gov.  

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