OCEAN CITY, Md. - The Ocean City council is set to review its proposed budget for 2026 on Monday, with a focus on improving the town’s public transportation system.
As warmer weather draws more visitors to the coastal town, the demand for public transportation rises. However, the Ocean City Transportation Committee reports that bus ridership has declined, partly due to a shortage of bus drivers and longer wait time.
Maurice DeBoy, a local resident, emphasized the importance of public transit, especially during peak tourist season. “It cuts down on the congestion on the roads and keeps people safer,” DeBoy said. “I think it would save lives because a lot of the people that ride the bus go from bar to bar.”
To address the driver shortage, the town plans to implement new incentives. According to the Ocean City manager, the town will offer signing bonuses and provide additional pay during concert events to attract more staff.
In an effort to improve public transportation services, the Ocean City council has proposed allocating an additional $1.5 million to the town’s transportation. A portion of these funds will be used to purchase three new articulating busses for the 2026 summer season.
DeBoy stressed the need for continued investment in the bus system. “Lots and lots of people use it in the summertime, and we definitely need to keep that going,” he said. “You do have to keep up with the times and keep the pay competitive.”
The Ocean City council will discuss the 2026 budget proposal during Monday night’s meeting.