Ride On Reimagined Bus Service Changes and Zero Fare Started Sunday, June 29
Ride On bus route and schedule adjustments have been implemented to reflect phase one of the Ride On Reimagined plan on Sunday, June 29, in coordination with Metro Bus changes. This included changes on routes 29, 34, 41, 42, 43, L8, T2, introduced a new bus route 40, and discontinued bus route 10 replacing it with Metrobus routes M12, M42, M44 and M60.
A zero-fare policy for all Ride On, Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex and Flash buses took effect at the same time.
Riders can learn more about the changes by reviewing Ride On's final summary of changes. The new schedules are available at RideOnBus.com and on the Ride On Trip Planner app.
Ride On Implements Solar Powered Bus Arrival Displays at High Ridership Bus Shelters and Transit Centers
MCDOT has implemented 65 solar powered bus arrival screens at bus stops with more locations planned in 2025.
Connectpoint’s ePaper Digital Bus Stop Screens offer real-time bus arrival information with a “touch to talk” button for the visually impaired.
These displays integrate with Connectpoint Asset Management, a cloud-based system that allows remote monitoring of system health, power, and content updates.
View MCDOT's Flickr album for videos and images.
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MCDOT Wins Eight National Association of Counties Achievement Awards
MCDOT received eight Achievement Awards for 2025 from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in the categories of Civic Education and Public Information; County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainability; Criminal Justice and Public Safety; Information Technology; and Transportation.
NACo Achievement Awards are an annual recognition program that honors outstanding county government programs and services. NACo Awards have been sharing best practices between counties since 1970. View more details on the awards.
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MCDOT Awarded $250,000 for the North Bethesda Development Project
MCDOT was awarded $250,000 in funding by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to support the development of a mixed-use transit development project in North Bethesda. The grant will fund community outreach efforts to facilitate public input for the project design.
The planned development, Project Connect, is envisioned as a 13.9-acre mixed-use community hub located by the North Bethesda Metro Station, with housing, shopping and entertainment, anchored by employers of the County’s growing life sciences industry and accessible through public transportation and pedestrian and bicycle pathways.
The project includes adding a new northern access point to the North Bethesda Metro Station and installing infrastructure that will support the future County Flash Bus Rapid Transit system, which will serve MD 355.
Project Connect is being developed by Montgomery County in partnership with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) and the MDOT. The anticipated completion date is 2030.
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COG Commuter Connections Program Announces Top Area Employers for Commuter Benefits
On Tuesday June 24, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Commuter Connections Program celebrated five regional employers and organizations for their outstanding commute alternative programs at the 28th annual Employer Awards ceremony at the National Press Club.
In Montgomery County, Federal Realty received the 2025 Employer Services Organization Award for enhancing commuting options at Pike & Rose, a property in Montgomery County that boasts offices, restaurants, apartments, retail shops and more. Through MCDOT’s FareShare program, Federal Realty offers a monthly transit subsidy for Pike & Rose retail employees, as well as bike racks, lockers and showers.
Federal Realty worked with MCDOT and the State Highway Administration to help redesign North Bethesda's Towne Road for safe bicycle/pedestrian access. Federal Realty also actively promotes single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) alternatives by hosting “Commuter Information Days.”
MCDOT’s FareShare Program helps employers offset the cost of commuting for their staff. With the IRS monthly pre-tax limit for qualified transportation fringe benefits raised to $325 per month for 2025, employers only need to contribute $25/month per employee, and the County will cover the rest — up to $300 per month. To enroll, contact MCDOT FareShare by email at commuter.services@montgomerycountymd.gov. (Note that Federal employees who already receive transit benefits through their employer/agency are not eligible.)
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Adult Bike and Scooter Spring Classes Were a Success
MCDOT sponsored ten popular adult bike classes and three walk-up e-scooter safety classes. These hands-on sessions are designed to empower residents with the skills and confidence to incorporate biking into their daily routines.
Bike and scooter classes will return this fall. Stay tuned for class announcements by visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot or following @MCDOTNow on social media.
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MCDOT Tree Planting
MCDOT’s arborists added nearly 2,500 new street trees to the public right-of-way this past year. These trees will help provide cooler streets, cleaner air, and a more beautiful, greener community.
This year marked the final phase of a three-year, 1,200-tree grant partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The Oakview, White Oak, Montgomery Knolls, Holiday Park, and Connecticut Avenue Park neighborhoods were prioritized for street tree reforestation, as they have experienced a disproportionate loss in canopy over the past decade due to an aging tree population. These improvements will have a lasting, positive impact on these communities for generations to come.
Request a tree planting in the right of way along neighborhood streets and learn how to cut invasive vines that threaten trees on your property.
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Safety Tips During Summer Storms
MCDOT urges drivers to use caution when driving during severe weather:
- Use headlights whenever you use windshield wipers, reduce speeds and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
- Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- If you encounter high water, turn around. Do not drive through it.
- To report flooding, tree or debris blocking a roadway or street/signal outages call MC311 at 311 or 240-777-0311 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, or outside of those hours, the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.
To stay informed during severe weather, major crisis or other type of emergency by signing up for “Alert Montgomery”, the County's emergency warning system.
MCDOT's Storm Operations Center goes active during storms and on standby for emergency repairs. Be sure to follow @MCDOTNOW on X, Bluesky, Instagram or Facebook for storm updates.
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MCDOT Offers Advertising in Select Public Garages in Bethesda and Silver Spring
With the establishment of advertising opportunities in select Bethesda and Silver Spring public parking garages, businesses have a new way of communicating with thousands of customers.
View advertising information for Bethesda garages (Woodmont Corner Garage 11 and Elm Garage 57) and Silver Spring garages (Cameron-Second Garage 7, Wayne Avenue Garage 60 and Town Square Garage 61).
For questions email ParkingGarageAds@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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MCDOT Sponsors Annual Bike Drive on Friday, Oct. 3
Do you have an extra bicycle you no longer use? Donate it at the October bike collection drive, in honor of community service month, MCDOT will collect bicycles to provide to kids and adults in need.
MCDOT staff will collect donated child and adult bikes and parts (no bike helmets) between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. outside the Council Office Building parking garage located at the corner of East Jefferson Street and Monroe Street in Rockville.
Bicycles should be in good working condition or need only minor repairs. Rockville Bike Hub volunteers will refurbish the bikes, and MCDOT will place them with children and adults in the County through the MCDOT Bike Match Program or the Rockville program.
MCDOT’s Bike Match program has matched nearly 1,000 donated bikes with community members.
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New Capital Bikeshare Pricing Begins Friday, August 1
Capital Bikeshare has experienced unprecedented ridership, setting new monthly records from May to October 2024.
This increased ridership means residents are choosing Capital Bikeshare as a preferred way to get around. However, this growth also brings significant operational and management costs. To ensure Capital Bikeshare remains an affordable transportation option for the community a new pricing structure has been created which includes an annual membership price increase from $95 to $120 a year, the 30-day pass price will increase from $20 to $25, the Day pass price will increase from $8 to $10.
Learn more about these changes, the reasons behind them, and how they may affect your rides.
Riders can attend a virtual information session about the upcoming price adjustments at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16. Attend online at tinyurl.com/Capital-Bikeshare.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Cluster Safe Routes to School Safety Improvement Project in Germantown
As part of a countywide initiative to identify safe and accessible routes for students walking and biking to school, MCDOT has completed a walkability study for Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Lake Seneca and Waters Landing Elementary schools. The study assessed existing infrastructure conditions and identified recommended improvements within each school’s walkshed to enhance safety and accessibility for students who walk or bike to school.
The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback by email walkyourway@montgomerycountymd.gov or phone 240-777-2192 by 6 p.m., Friday, July 25. Written comments carry the same weight as oral comments. All information provided will become a matter of public record.
Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on US 29
The MCDOT US 29 Flash BRT Phase 2 project focuses on planned bicycle and pedestrian facilities along Colesville Road/Old Columbia Pike and dedicated bus lanes between Sligo Creek Parkway and Tech Road. MCDOT is seeking public input that may influence the outcome of the project.
The US 29 Flash BRT is an upgraded, high-frequency transit service between Downtown Silver Spring and Briggs Chaney/Burtonsville.
The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback via the online comment form or by email to US29BRT@montgomerycountymd.gov by 6 p.m., Monday, July 28.
The public can subscribe to receive project updates.
Montgomery County Issues Warning Against Impaired Driving; Plan a Safe Ride Home
The Montgomery County Police Department Summer Task Force focuses on detecting impaired drivers. The Summer Task Force has made 454 traffic stops since the program’s launch on May 21, leading to 60 DUI arrests, 551 citations and 646 warnings.
The County’s Vision Zero effort to prevent death and injury on Montgomery County roadways offers a listing of local safe rides on its website.
Montgomery County Flood Sensors
Montgomery County's real-time flood sensors are located in flood-prone areas and enhance the County's efforts regarding emergency responses to flooding.
These sensors alert MCDOT’S Storm Operation Center and the County's emergency response team when water levels rise above set thresholds. For more information on the flood sensors and how to prepare for heavy rain and potential flooding in the County, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/flooding.
New MARC Plan Presents Increased Services in Frederick, Brunswick
Frederick and Brunswick will get expanded train and bus services as part of a new Maryland Transit Administration plan to upgrade MARC operations.
Trains on the Brunswick Line currently run three times each morning and evening to service commuters traveling in and out of D.C.
Read the Mass Transit Magazine article.
Metro Began Construction on the Blue Line on Saturday, July 5
Metro is reminding customers of rehabilitation on the Blue Line from July 5-26.
The work has closed Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn St. metro stations, but free local and express shuttle buses are replacing trains during construction. Free parking is available at the affected stations during construction.
In August, the work moves to the southern end of the Green Line.
MCDOT’s Flash BRT On MD 355 Will Reduce Travel Times, If And When It Is Completed
MCDOT’s Flash bus rapid transit (BRT) network could transform the way residents get around, reduce traffic congestion, boost the economy, and help the environment. At the very least, it will greatly aid those who do depend on public transit. As residents learned at two recent public meetings, in Gaithersburg and Rockville, the crucial Route 355 line, along Rockville Pike, is expected to launch in 2031, or at least the middle section.
The project depends on the federal government awarding funds. Based on discussions with the Federal Transit Administration, Montgomery County Department of Transportation officials have expressed a cautious optimism that they’ll be successful.
If and when it is finished, the BRT will provide service beyond a normal bus. “It goes faster, it’s going to be more reliable, it’s going to be a higher quality ride, and it’s going to come more frequently,” said Jamie Henson, BRT Project Implementation Manager, MCDOT. That is, it will provide what people most ask for in transit.
Read Greater Greater Washington article.
Protected Bike Lanes Boost Bike Commuting Four-Fold
Their effects are 50% stronger than standard bike lanes and 280% stronger than shared-lane markings.
Read the Nature Cities article
For Better Mental Health, Researchers Recommend Walking and Biking
The largest recent study examining the mental health impacts of walking and biking, led by European researchers who reviewed more than 100 earlier studies, found neighborhood walkability, access to opportunities, and green space tend to make people feel less lonely.
Read the SSTI article.
Op-Ed: Why Bus Service Enhancements, Not Cuts, Pave the Way Forward
The typical public transit user is changing. While bus service has historically been vital for lower-income communities, recent data indicates that a wider range of people are now depending on transit.
Read the Mass Transit Magazine article.
For information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook and subscribe to receive the latest MCDOT news by phone or email.
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