FREDERICK, MD - A Frederick alderman has a unique solution to ease traffic on I-270 by allowing commuter buses on the shoulder.

Alderman Carol Krimm (D) is co-chairing a task force on the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board to look at the idea of permitting the buses on the shoulder of the highway during congested times of the day.

"We could perhaps have commuter buses get in the shoulder, get on the shoulder, and bypass the congestion. What this does is it gives predictability and reliability to the commuter bus passenger," says Krimm.

A feasibility study is going on right now and would include the area of I-270 from Frederick County to the Shady Grove Metro Center.

"I would hope that it would increase participation by the traveling public on the commuter bus, perhaps taking some congestion off 270 and improving air quality," Krimm said.

Bus drivers would be trained to use the shoulder and the speed limit for them would be 35 miles per hour.

10 states currently allow commuter buses to ride on the shoulder.

"In Minnesota, it's been implemented for 20 years," Krimm said. "It's a very successful concept, and it's also safely done. We're doing that analysis and looking at specific corridors where perhaps we could have pilot programs."

The task force will meet in January and hopes to complete the study by April.