Getting To and Around
Updated On: 9/15/2011 1:38:46 PM
BY CAR
Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 40 are the area's two major highways. Both traverse and link Harford County to the entire East Coast via the interstate highway system.
For quick access to Philadelphia and eastern Pennsylvania, use U.S. Route 1, and MD Route 213 is the north/south link to the Delmarva Peninsula.
BY AIR
Regional
Thurgood Marshall
International Airport
7590 Friendship Road
BWI Airport, MD 21240 (410) 859-7111/
(800) I FLY BWI (435-9294)
http://www.bwiairport.com The Baltimore-Washington, D.C. airport is 31 miles from Bel Air and is the second fastest growing airport in the nation, with more than 700 daily charter, cargo and commercial flights to 250 destinations around the world. Major carriers include American, Continental, Delta, Southwest, United and US Airways. Long and short-term parking fees:
Hourly Garage: $22
Daily Garage: $12
Express Parking: $10
Long Term Parking: $8
Philadelphia International Airport
8000 Essington Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19153 (215) 937-6937
http://www.phl.org About 78 miles from Bel Air, this international airport has 100 domestic and international destinations as well as charter, commercial and cargo flights.
Local Airports Harford County Airport
3538 Aldino Road
Churchville, MD 21028 (410) 679-7472
http://www.airnav.com/airport/0W3 Fallston Airport
711 Reckrod Road
Fallston, MD 21047 (410) 887-9889
www.airnav.com/airport/W42 Forest Hill Business Airpark
109 E. Jarrettsville Road
Forest Hill, MD 21050 (410) 879-1981
www.airnav.com/airport/MD31 Glen L. Martin State Airport
2701 Eastern Blvd.
Middle River, MD 21220 (410) 682-8800
http://www.martinstateairport.com BY TRAIN
Maryland Rail Commuter (MARC)
6 St. Paul St.
Baltimore, MD 21202 (800) 543-9809
http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marcInter Stations in Aberdeen and Edgewood link the county to Baltimore and Washington D.C. and Amtrak service.
Amtrak
18 E. Bel Air Ave.
Amtrak/MARC Station
Aberdeen, MD 21001 (800) 872-7245
http://www.amtrak.com From the MARC Aberdeen, Perryville and Edgewood stations, trains connect to New York City and Washington, D.C.
Light Rail
1515 Washington Blvd.
Baltimore, MD (410) 539-5000
The Light Rail travels to Cromwell Station in Anne Arundel County, with service to the BWI Airport and Amtrak's Baltimore Penn Station.
BY BUS
Greyhound
18 W. Bel Air Ave.
Aberdeen, MD 21001 (410)273-6832
Harford County Transit
1311 Abingdon Road
Abingdon, MD 21009 (410) 612-1620
The nine public routes primarily serve Havre de Grace, Aberdeen, Bel Air, Edgewood, Joppa and points in between. Specialized services include curb-to-curb for the elderly and persons under the age of 60 with disabilities or low income.
Fixed Bus Route Fares
$1 for the General Public (3 and older).
$0.50 for a person 60 and over with a Medicare card or other ID.
$0.50 for persons with disabilities with Harford Transit half fare card or ADA certification.
Fares for Paratransit Service
$2 for ADA Act paratransit and other paratransit services.
$1 for persons 60 and over traveling to Harford County senior centers only.
Maryland Transit Administration
6 St. Paul St.
Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 539-5000/ (866) 743-3682
http://mta.maryland.gov/resources With several connections to Harford County Transit, the MTA operates two routes from Bel Air and three routes from Havre de Grace to Baltimore.
Harford County
Transportation Service
3111 Old Philadelphia Road
Abingdon, MD 21009 (410) 838-2562
This service travels the U.S. Route 40 corridor to Bel Air, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Edgewood and Joppa, as well as routes within Bel Air and Ab-erdeen.
BY OTHER MEANS
Harford County
Commuter Services (800) 745-7433
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/commuter The ride-sharing program helps businesses and residents find carpool options and provides more than a dozen Park & Ride lots to facilitate the process.
Rentals
In case of an emergency or as a convenience, renting a car is a good option. For local listings, check out the Buyer's Guide at the back of this publication.
MARYLAND MOTOR
VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION
All new residents, who would like to operate a motor vehicle, have 60 days to obtain a Maryland driver's license. The process involves passing a vision test and presenting a valid out-of-state license or one expired—not suspended—for less than one year. Otherwise you must also pass the know-ledge and skills tests.
Learner's Permit
Drivers older than 16 1/2 years must hold this permit for at least nine months to be eligible for a provisional license.
Provision License
Drivers must hold this license for a minimum of 18 consecutive months without any violations to qualify for a full license.
Vehicle Registration
All new residents must register their vehicles within 60 days of moving to Maryland. Beyond 60 days, you may be subject to a citation for out-of-state registration. Typically, you will need to submit the following forms:
Proof of Ownership
Application for Certificate of Title (form #VR-005)
Minimum Liability Insurance Certificate
Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate
Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program
All used cars, trucks, tractors, trailers, motorcycles, special equipment and class "B" for-hire vehicles titled and registered in Maryland must be in-spected by a state-licensed inspection station. To avoid delay, make sure the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the inspection certificate matches the VIN on the vehicle and any ownership documents.
Harford County VEIP
1631 Robin Circle
Forest Hill, MD 21050 (800) 638-8347
http://www.mva.maryland.gov/MVA-Programs/VEIP/default.htm Monday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To help your vehicle pass:
Have the proper gas cap.
Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance listed in the owner's manual.
Ensure emissions control equipment is present and connected.
Ensure the exhaust system is free of leaks or holes, and the tailpipe is easily accessed.
Eliminate gasoline, oil or coolant leaks.
Inspect tires and spare for proper tread and air pressure.
Vehicle Titles
You can obtain a title for your vehicle in one of three ways:
In person at any of the MVA's full-service branch offices.
By mail to the MVA's Out-of-State Title Unit, 6601 Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie, MD 21062.
An MVA-licensed tag and title service. Find offices at http://www.mva.maryland.gov/ LOCATION/default.asp.
The following documents are typically required to obtain a title for your vehicle:
Proof of Ownership
Application Form (form VR-005)
Maryland Safety Inspection
Insurance Requirements
All vehicles registered or operated in the state must be covered by a liability insurance policy issued by an authorized company. Minimum coverage includes:
$20,000 for bodily injury per person.
$40,000 for bodily injury for two or more people.
$15,000 for property damage.
The end of the month and the beginning of the month are the MVA's busiest days, especially Monday, Friday and Saturday. To avoid that crunch and save time, plan your visit during the middle of the month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday at these locations:
Maryland Motor
Vehicle Administration
6601 Ritchie Highway
Northeast Glen Burnie, MD 21062
(800) 950-1682
http://www.mva.maryland.gov Harford County MVA
501 W. MacPhail Road
Bel Air, MD 21014 (888) 212-4709
mvacs@mdot.state.md.us Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to noon for driver's license only.
Road Tests by appointment only. Go to mvascheduling.mdot.state.md.us to schedule an appointment.
Skills Tests by appointment only. Call (800) 950-1682, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to schedule an appointment.
MVA Services Include:
Vehicle Registration Renewal (Sticker delivered at kiosk)
Change of Address
PIN Management
Request Driving Records
Request Replacement Title
VEIP Extension
Order duplicate/additional registration cards
Order plates (Agricultural, Chesapeake Bay, Personalized & Standard)
Pay Administrative Flag fees
Request County Pride sticker
Voter Registration
10 STEPS TO RESPONSIBLE DRIVING
Since you can't control the actions of other drivers, you must rely on your own skills and experience. Following these 10 rules will ensure a safe and courteous journey.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE: Know where you're going ahead of time. Be well informed about weather and road conditions or traffic activity on your route. For longer trips, include a rest stop every two hours. Stop sooner if you are tired.
MAINTAIN YOUR VEHICLE: Read your vehicle's owner's manual and follow the recommended schedule for maintenance service. Routinely check tires, brakes, lights, wipers and fluid levels.
FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION: Being well rested, alert and attentive promotes quick responses. Remain calm—don't let your temper or frustration make you reckless.
MINIMIZE YOUR DISTRACTIONS: People, objects or events inside and outside your vehicle can distract you. Driving demands total concentration.
KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS: Scan the roadway continually for hazards. Keep your eyes moving, looking from one side to the other. Know what is happening well ahead of you, watch for taillights. Use the mirrors to keep an eye on traffic beside and behind you.
SHARE YOUR SPACE: Share the road with drivers of various ages and skill levels, as well as pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and vehicles of varying sizes. WATCH YOUR SPEED: Posted maximum speeds are for ideal driving conditions. Adjust your speed for traffic, road and visibility conditions or when not operating at your best. Higher speeds magnify errors and decrease reaction time.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: Keep a large "safety cushion" around your vehicle to change lanes safely and to take evasive action in emergencies.
SIGNAL YOUR INTENTIONS: Be predictable and courteous and signal your intentions so other road users know what you plan to do next. Use your horn or headlights, if necessary.
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT: Seat belts keep you in control and ready to react to a hazardous situation. And don't forget your children and other passengers in the front and rear seats.
PREPARING FOR WINTER
WINTER CAN BE A LOT OF FUN, but don't ever take it for granted-especially your truck or automobile. Prepare for those cold months ahead and adjust your driving habits once the rain, snow and ice arrive.
THE TRANSITION FROM summer to winter places a large strain on your vehicle. So ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape:
Visit your mechanic for a tune-up or other routine maintenance.
Check thoroughly for any leaks, bad hoses, or other needed part repairs or replacements. Be sure to check the fluid levels, tires, hoses and belts at least once a month.
Check your snow tires or go to
http://www.safercar.gov for tire ratings before purchasing new ones. Ensure tires are properly inflated, the tread is sufficient with no uneven wear, and that the rubber is in overall good condition.
CHECK YOUR BATTERY
When the temperature drops, so does battery power. Make sure your battery is up to the challenges of winter:
Have your mechanic check your battery for sufficient voltage.
Have the charging system and belts inspected.
If necessary, replace the battery and/or make system repairs.
CHECK YOUR COOLING SYSTEM
When coolant freezes, it expands, which could damage your vehicle's engine block beyond repair.
Maintain proper coolant levels and make sure coolant will withstand the winter temperatures in your area.
Thoroughly check the cooling system for leaks or have your mechanic do it for you.
If your system hasn't been "flushed" for several years, do it now. Over time, rust inhibitors in antifreeze break down and become ineffective.
FILL THE WASHER RESERVOIR
A single ice or snow storm can drain windshield wiper fluid fairly quickly, so be prepared.
Fill and maintain your vehicle's reservoir.
Use high-quality, "no-freeze" fluid.
Keep fluid in your vehicle.
KEEP WINDOWS AND MIRRORS CLEAN
Safe winter driving depends on good visibility, especially in winter when road conditions become extremely hazardous.
Before you drive, remove ice and snow from all of your vehicle's windows and mirrors.
Clear snow and ice from your vehicle's roof and hood.
CHECK YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND DEFROSTERS
Summer can dry-out wiper blades, so change them before you get caught in a rain or snow storm.
Make sure your windshield wipers work and replace worn blades.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice, consider installing heavy-duty winter wipers.
Check your window defrosters (front and rear).
INSPECT YOUR TIRES
Regardless of the season, inspect your tires at least once a month and always before embarking on a long road trip.
Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer's suggested PSI (pounds per square inch) of air pressure, which is listed on a label inside the driver's door.
Keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle at all times and check pressure when tires are "cold"—meaning they haven't been driven on for at least three hours.
Monitor your tread and replace tires with uneven wear or insufficient tread. Tread should be at least 1/16 of an inch or greater.
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Every vehicle handles differently, particularly on wet, icy or snowy roads. Take time now to learn your vehicle's response under winter driving conditions.
If and when snow arrives, practice cold-weather driving—but not on a main road.
Lower your speed and increase following distance.
Know your brake system and how to use it. In general, if you have anti-lock brakes, apply firm pressure, if you have non anti-lock brakes, pump the brakes gently.
Steer into the skid. Stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go.
STOCK YOUR VEHICLE
Carry items to handle common winter driving tasks, such as cleaning off your windshield, as well as any supplies for an emergency:
Snow shovel, broom and ice scraper.
Abrasive material, such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
Jumper cables, flashlight and such warning devices as flares and markers.
Blankets for protection from the cold.
A cell phone, water, food and any necessary medicine (for longer trips or when driving in lightly populated areas).
PLAN AHEAD, KNOW YOUR TRAVEL ROUTE AND ALLOW EXTRA TRAVEL TIME
Driving in bad weather usually takes longer and is more stressful.
Check the weather, road conditions and traffic.
Don't rush. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely.
Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.
Keep your gas tank close to full. If you get stuck in a traffic jam or in snow, you might need more fuel to get home or keep warm.
If possible, avoid driving on hazardous road conditions. Wait until road and weather conditions improve.
KNOW WHAT TO DO IN A WINTER EMERGENCY
If you are stopped or stalled, follow these safety rules:
Stay with your car and don't overexert yourself.
Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light turned on.
TO AVOID ASPHYXIATION from carbon monoxide poisoning, don't run your car for long periods with the windows up or in an enclosed space. If you must run your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run the engine sporadically—just long enough to stay warm.
Source: Network of Employers for Traffic Safety
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