 Every year, DPW&T comes together to celebrate our employees for their hard work and tireless efforts on Employee Appreciation Day. While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from our traditional large group setting, we still found a way to safely show our admiration to our frontline heroes. Members of our leadership team thanked employees for their contributions to our County and served them lunch at a grab-n-go style event at our MOC Facility at D'Arcy Road in Forestville.
Words cannot express the gratitude and respect we have for the members of our DPW&T family, especially those working on the frontlines. Despite the uncertainty and difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, our team has remained steadfast in our mission to serve Prince George's County.
 Representatives of DPW&T’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program attended two bicycle safety rodeos aimed at teaching kids the rules of the road and how to ride safely. These events align with the countywide Vision Zero Prince George's strategy to eliminate traffic-related serious injuries and deaths through educating our youngest roadway users.
The first rodeo, held outside the College Park Ikea on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, was sponsored by the Prince George's County Police Athletic League (PAL). The second rodeo, held outside the Largo/Kettering/Perrywood Community Center on Thursday, July 22, 2021, was hosted by the Maryland-National Capital (M-NCPPC) Park Police, Prince George's County Division and Push'n Pedals
During the rodeos, participants had their bikes checked, received important safety information, participated in a traffic and skills course and took the Vision Zero Prince George's Safety Pledge. At the second rodeo, DPW&T staff helped guide participants through the Vision Zero Prince George's Traffic Garden, which was installed this spring at Perrywood Elementary School. The Traffic Garden allowed participants to practice the rules they had learned in a fun and safe space.
If you haven't had the opportunity to check out the Traffic Garden at Perrywood Elementary School, located at 501 Watkins Park Dr, Largo, MD 20774, you can do so when school is out of session weekday evenings and on weekends. Please remember to bring a bicycle helmet for your child. It's the law!
 DPW&T conducted a smart mobility demonstration in partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation, Local Motors, Robotic Research, and Atlas Transit Solutions during the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference, which was held at National Harbor, MD, from Friday, July 9 through Monday, July12, 2021.
Conference attendees had the opportunity to experience the various elements of the Smart City initiatives. Guests of Local Motors were able to experience a ride on the automated testing vehicle called “Olli.” Project stakeholders demonstrated how the “Olli” shuttle maneuvers along County roadways, interacts with pedestrians, and uses cognitive response technology and sensors to navigate along a designated route in National Harbor. Guests also visited an interactive bus shelter featuring real-time information on multimodal transportation options.
The Smart City at National Harbor project highlights the potential of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) technology to support smart infrastructure and automated first and last-mile transit which increases access to mobility, reduces traffic congestion and emissions, and supports the countywide and statewide Vision Zero strategies to improve safety for all roadway users. The County hopes to apply automated shuttle technology for use around job centers, hospitals, educational campuses and entertainment venues including MGM, Top Golf and Tanger Outlets located at National Harbor.
 As we head into the Summer Olympics, Prince George’s County RideSmart Commuter Solutions wants to remind you that we are on your commute team! If you live or work in Prince George’s County, be sure to sign up for free programs like Guaranteed Ride Home and earn some cash for your commute with IncenTrip, Carpool Now, and ‘Pool Rewards. If you’re a business manager or owner in Prince George’s County, step up to the podium by offering a winning commuter benefits program. Making it easier and more affordable for your employees to commute by transit, sharing the drive, walking or biking won’t just make you a gold medal employer, you could also earn back up to $100/employee/month through the Maryland Commuter Tax Credit!
Need help getting started? The RideSmart Solutions team provides support for commuters and businesses for free! We can give you printed or digital materials, support your program development, attend and host events, and more. Contact us at info.pgcridesmartsolutions@co.pg.md.us or call 301-883-5656.
On Thursday, June 17, 2021, retired DPW&T employee, Robert L. Curtis Sr. departed this world, but not our hearts. Mr. Curtis served Prince George's County as a part of our Call-A-Bus team for 22 years. He began his career in 1991 and first retired in 2010 before returning from 2011 to 2014.
We offer his family our sincere condolences and thank them for sharing him with us through the years.
|
