(a) (1) The Department, in cooperation with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), shall conduct a study every 5 years of the utilization of bus, rail, and subway transportation services under the jurisdiction of WMATA.
(2) In conducting the study, the Department shall:
(i) Compile and analyze statistics regarding the starting points and destinations, by jurisdiction, of individuals using WMATA–provided transportation services;
(ii) Determine the modes of transportation individuals use to connect to WMATA–provided transportation services and the modes of transportation used between WMATA–provided transportation services and final destinations, including walking, personal vehicle, bus, and Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train;
(iii) Compile and analyze data on the number of individuals who use Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess and the frequency of use; and
(iv) Study and compare the various reasons individuals use WMATA–provided transportation services, including traveling for work, educational, entertainment, recreational, or other purposes.
(3) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the information used in the study shall be from data gathered within the previous 5 years.
(ii) In conducting the first study, the Department shall compile and analyze the information pertaining to WMATA–provided transportation services listed under paragraph (2) of this subsection that is available at the time.
(4) (i) Information used in the study pertaining to Maryland jurisdictions shall be organized:
1. Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, by jurisdiction rather than by region, including separate information for Baltimore County and Baltimore City; or
2. By zip code.
(ii) Information pertaining to Caroline County, Cecil County, Dorchester County, Kent County, Queen Anne’s County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Wicomico County, and Worcester County may be compiled and organized under the category “other Maryland”.
(b) On or before December 1, 2015, and every 5 years thereafter, the Department shall submit a report detailing the results of the study conducted under this section to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the House Environment and Transportation Committee.