1420                               LAWS OF MARYLAND                        [CH. 870

form a single metropolitan area. The development of a transporta-
tion system adequate for the needs of Montgomery and Prince
George's Counties requires cooperative planning and action with
such adjoining areas. Such planning and action should be con-
ducted in a manner which preserves, to the extent the necessity
for joint action permits, local autonomy over patterns of growth
and development. The requisite joint action may best be achieved
through the device of a transportation TRANSIT district having the
powers, functions and duties hereinafter set forth in this Act. In the
provision of improved or expanded transit facilities, it is the policy
of this Act to make use of private enterprise to the extent reason-
ably practicable.

2.    Definitions

As used in this subtitle, the following words and terms shall have
the following meanings, unless the context clearly requires a dif-
ferent meaning:

(a)    "Authority" means an agency created by interstate compact
between Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia to provide
transit facilities and service for the metropolitan area of Wash-
ington, D. C;

(b)    "Commission" means the Washington Suburban Transit
Commission;

(c)    "District" means the Washington Suburban Transit District;

(d)    "Governing bodies" means the County Council of Mont-
gomery County and the Board of County Commissioners of Prince
George's County;

(e)    "Metropolitan area" means the metropolitan area of Wash-
ington, D. C, as defined in the pamphlet 'Standard Metropolitan
Statistical Areas,' issued by Executive Office of the President,
Bureau of the Budget, 1964;

(f)    "State" includes the District of Columbia; and

(g)    "Transit facilities" means all those matters and things util-
ized in rendering MASS transit service by means of rail, bus, water or
air and any other mode of travel, including without limitation, tracks,
rights of way, bridges, tunnels, subways, rolling stock for rail, motor
vehicle, marine and air transportation, stations, terminals and
ports, areas for parking and all equipment, fixtures, buildings and
structures and services incidental to or required in connection with
the performance of MASS transit service.

3.    Creation of Washington Suburban Transit District

There is hereby created, as a body corporate and politic, the
Washington Suburban Transit District which shall embrace the
Counties of Montgomery and Prince George's and the municipal
corporations located in said Counties.

4. Creation of Washington Suburban Transit Commission

There is hereby created the Washington Suburban Transit Com-
mission, which shall have the powers and duties granted herein and
such additional powers as may hereafter lawfully be conferred upon