MCDOT Announces the Return of Decorated Winter Holiday 'Flash Lights' Buses
MCDOT is bringing back the popular Flash Lights holiday buses. Residents can catch a ride on one of the five decorated Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses running along Colesville Road/Columbia Pike (US 29) throughout December.
The buses feature colorful winter lights framing the bus and windows, and a neon sign reading “Happy Holidays” along the side.
The lighted buses are now in circulation on the US 29/Colesville Road route.
MCDOT is encouraging everyone to snap a picture of a Flash Lights bus when they see one and post it on their X, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, or Facebook account. Follow and tag @MCDOTNow for a chance to win a $35 Amazon gift card in a weekly, random drawing. The contest will run until Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
MCDOT is working to implement Flash BRT service along eight routes across the County to implement faster, high-frequency bus service and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. Utility work for the Veirs Mill Road Flash BRT has begun with service expected to begin in 2028.
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Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Announces the Redevelopment of Lakeforest Transit Center in Gaithersburg
The new Lakeforest Transit Center is part of a plan to transform the closed Lakeforest Mall into a mixed-use development that will support residential housing, entertainment, shopping, and public gathering spaces.
Lakeforest Mall opened in 1978. It was the largest mall in the County for some time and was a well-known community gathering spot for shopping and dining for 45 years.
Under the first phase of the agreement, WRS Inc. Real Estate Investments will prepare nearly two acres of land for construction, including filling in a drainage pond and grading the site, ensuring it is build-ready for a new transit station.
The new transit center will serve the eight Ride On bus routes that currently use the existing Lakeforest Transit Center, as well as support the buses for a planned MD 355 Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor.
“The partnership with WRS will allow us to provide safe, accessible transportation to the revitalized Lakeforest community,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The new transit center will support the nearly 2,000 riders per day who rely on the current Lakeforest Transit Center, as well as create capacity to accommodate the planned Flash Bus Rapid Transit corridor along MD 355 and any future developments. We are building this transit center with scalability in mind as more residents seek transportation options that reduce reliance on cars.”
The first phase of the transit center redevelopment is expected to take about a year. Once complete, MCDOT will purchase the land from WRS and plan for construction of the new center.
MCDOT Ride On Buses Honor Rosa Parks Throughout December
Rosa Parks was an American hero who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus on Dec. 1, 1955. Her actions inspired the local Black community to organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The boycott kicked off on Dec. 1, lasted more than a year, and ended only when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was unconstitutional. The year of the boycott was filled with hardship for the Black community, many of whom were dependent on buses for transportation. Parks lost her job and experienced harassment but became a nationally recognized representation of dignity and strength in the fight to end racial segregation.
Annually, December 1 is remembered as Rosa Parks Day.
Park’s role highlighted racism in the public transit system and ignited change. It affirmed that transportation equity is a civil right and highlighted the importance and great responsibility that all transit departments have to ensure that all residents are served equitably.
At MCDOT, everything we do is measured through a lens of equity. Bus fares have been eliminated, to make transit available to all needing transportation options. The department is also continuing local programs that provide free rides to seniors, people with disabilities, and county youth on most Metrobuses within the County.
Throughout December, MCDOT will commemorate her legacy by placing special interior bus cards across the entire Ride On bus fleet, consisting of nearly 400 buses.
Montgomery County Vision Zero Annual Report Shows a 29% Reduction of Serious and Fatal Crashes on High Crash Corridors
Serious and fatal crashes on Montgomery County’s high injury network (HIN) corridors decreased 29% in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) compared to the pre-COVID-19 years of 2015 to 2019, according to the County’s Vision Zero annual report.
The Vision Zero initiative is the County's multi-departmental effort to end serious and fatal crashes on roadways by 2030. HIN corridors, which have the highest serious and fatal crash rates, are prioritized for safety interventions under the Vision Zero Action Plan.
Serious and fatal crashes in Montgomery County overall were 5% lower compared to the pre-COVID-19 years of 2015 to 2019, according to the report.
The annual report details progress made on 113 projects, campaigns, and initiatives that were undertaken between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The complete FY25 Vision Zero annual report can be found on the County’s Vision Zero website.
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MCDOT Wraps Up Leaf Collection This Month
MCDOT began its annual on Monday, Nov. 10, and will wrap up cat the end of December, . There will be two collections scheduled within each collection district.
Since 1983, the County has been composting the leaves it collects at a County-operated facility in Dickerson. The compost produces a fertilizer called Leafgro, which is sold in retail stores.
Residents who missed the two scheduled vacuum collections or who do not live within the leaf vacuuming area can have their leaves collected by placing them in paper yard trim bags for pick up on their regular recycling and yard trim collection day. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be accepted. Residents also can bring properly bagged leaves to the Shady Grove Transfer Station. Another option is to mow fallen leaves into the yard to allow them to compost naturally.
Visit the Montgomery County Leaf Vacuum Program webpage for more information or watch this video.
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Montgomery County and WSSC Water Launch Salt-Wise Campaign to Promote Smarter Salt Use This Winter
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and MCDOT are joining forces with WSSC Water through the Salt-Wise campaign to raise awareness about the environmental and health risks of over-salting. The campaign also provides practical, eco-friendly tips for safer and more sustainable winter maintenance.
Be SaltWise: Three Simple Steps
- Shovel early and often to prevent ice from forming.
- Use only 1½ cups of salt (about 12 ounces) for every 10 sidewalk squares or a 20-foot driveway.
- Sweep up leftover salt after the storm to reuse it later.
Protecting Roads and Rivers
MCDOT plays a critical role in balancing road safety with environmental protection.
“During winter weather events we monitor the forecast and pavement conditions closely to determine when and how much salt to use,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “We only use what we need to keep roads safe. We avoid salting when temperatures are above freezing or rain is expected, and we use tools like rubber-tipped plows and salt brine to reduce salt use.”
Residents are encouraged to report excessive salt use on County roads and facilities by calling 311 or 240-777-0311 for cleanup efforts after the storm. State roads are managed by the Maryland Department of Transportation.
RIDE ON SERVICE UPDATES
Ride On Bus Service Changes Coming on Sunday, Jan. 11, to Improve Efficiency
MCDOT will adjust 36 Ride On bus route schedules starting Sunday, January 11, 2026, to improve efficiency and on-time performance. The changes reflect a shift of resources to allow for more reliable service where demand is higher. The new schedules will be available at rideonbus.com and in print.
Bus routes with more than one change are counted once.
Route changes include:
- Thirty-one (31) routes have timetable changes: 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 37, 45, 46, 55, 61, 65, 73, 76, 78, 79, 90, 101, extRa Lime, and extRa Pink
- Six (6) routes have bus bay changes: 34, 36, 42, 70, 81, and extRa Pink
Closure of Medical Center Bus Loop in Bethesda to Impact Ride On Bus Routes 34 and 46 on Select Sundays Through Spring 2026
Due to Metrorail construction, the bus loop at the Medical Center Metro Station will be closed on:
- Sunday, Dec. 28.
- Sunday, March 1.
- Sunday, March 15.
This will impact MCDOT’s Ride On Bus Routes 34 and 46.
Ride On Bus Routes 30, 33, 70, and Ride On extRa 101, which use the loop during weekday service, will not be impacted as they do not operate on Sundays.
Construction work will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS & FEEDBACK DEADLINES
Written testimony carries the same weight as oral testimony. All information provided will become a matter of public record.
Virtual Public Hearing on the Flower Avenue Separated Bike Lanes Project in Silver Spring to be Held on Wednesday, Dec. 10
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT will hold a virtual public hearing to discuss the proposed Flower Avenue Separated Bike Lanes project in Silver Spring. MCDOT will present project details, costs, and the project schedule. MCDOT will also obtain public testimony and answer questions. Public input is encouraged and may influence the final design of the project.
The Flower Avenue Separated Bike Lanes Project will add a low-stress bikeway along Flower Avenue between Arliss Street and Piney Branch Road (MD 320) and will also improve traffic and pedestrian safety. This facility will help to provide connections for cyclists to the future Purple Line station at Arliss Street.
Online registration is required to attend via Zoom platform.
The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback via the online written testimony form by Saturday, Jan. 10. Residents may also reach out to the Project Manager, Khursheed Bilgrami, with questions at Khursheed.Bilgrami@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Public Can Still Provide Feedback on the Proposed Modification to the Highland Stone Residential Permit Parking Area in Potomac
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, MCDOT held a virtual public hearing to discuss the proposed modification to increase the size of the existing Highland Stone Residential Permit Parking (RPP) area in Potomac.
The RPP program began in 1974 to reduce the impact of non-resident parking on neighborhood streets in areas near certain public facilities and land uses (such as Metrorail stations) and is governed by Executive Regulation 13-23. Parking by too many non-residents can restrict resident access to on-street parking, increase air and noise pollution and create unsafe traffic conditions.
The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback via the online written testimony form or by email to the Project Manager, Douglas Halpert, at TrafficOps@montgomerycountymd.gov by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec 16.
Public Can Still Provide Feedback on Glen Haven Elementary School and Sligo Middle School Safe Routes to School Safety Improvement Project
As part of a countywide initiative to identify and build safe and accessible routes for students walking and biking to school, MCDOT has completed a walkability study for Glen Haven Elementary School and Sligo Middle School. The study evaluated 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 to walkyourway@montgomerycountymd.gov or phone 240-777-2170 by 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 2.
PARTNER NEWS
WMATA to Change 50 Metrobus Routes on Sunday, Dec. 14
On Sunday, Dec. 14, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will be changing 50 Metrobus routes.
The changes come in response to rider feedback, according to WMATA. In addition to tweaking existing routes, Metro will add a new Route from Alexandria to downtown D.C.
See a full list of changes in WJLA's news article.
Tap Your Credit or Debit Card on Metrorail and Metrobus
SmarTrip Still Accepted
You can now pay for Metrorail and Metrobus by tapping your contactless credit or debit card at the faregate or farebox.
- cards are still accepted.
- To use our new Tap. Ride. Go. feature, there's no need to sign up, register, or purchase a SmarTrip card.
- This is an extra feature. No other changes are being made.
- For , , , or , continue to use your SmarTrip card for now.
Metro Announces New Signs Are Coming to Metro Stations
Metro station signage is being updated across the WMATA Metrorail system to make wayfinding easier.
The new signage will show station names and accessible travel path information. By removing terminal destinations, Metro reduced the need for frequent updates when service changes occur. Metro piloted a lettered exit system across a handful of stations and is now expanding its implementation to all stations. These new signs help riders navigate to points of interest, local intersections, and transit connections more easily. Riders may notice temporary gaps in signage at some stations as maintenance crews are working hard to swap out old signs for new ones.
Stay tuned and explore the new wayfinding experience as it rolls out systemwide. Learn more at wmata.com/initiatives/wayfinding.
Metro Prepared for Winter Weather, Will Communicate Impacts to Bus Service in a New Way
Since implementing a new bus network in June, Metro has also been assessing how to communicate service changes during winter weather events.
Customers can now visit WMATA.com/Snow for constant, up-to-the-minute updates on the status of all bus routes and maps of bus detours. Each route listed will show Regular Service, Snow Detour, or Temporarily Suspended. Customers are encouraged to bookmark the site for future reference.
Montgomery Parks Announces Fall/Winter Open Parkways Schedule
Montgomery Parks has started the fall/winter hours for the Open Parkways. In addition, following a decision by the Montgomery County Planning Board, the Beach Drive Open Parkway schedule will no longer include Fridays. The parkway from Knowles Avenue to Cedar Lane will be open to pedestrians and cyclists on Saturdays at 7 a.m. through Sundays at 4 p.m.
Fall/Winter Open Parkways schedule (started Friday, Nov. 7):
- Beach Drive between Knowles Avenue and Cedar Lane (2.2 miles) Saturdays at 7 a.m. through Sundays at 4 p.m.
- Sligo Creek Parkway between Forest Glen Road and University Boulevard West Fridays at 9 a.m. through Sundays at 4 p.m.
Sligo Creek Parkway between Old Carroll Avenue and Piney Branch Road will be on an amended schedule due to Purple Line construction. Click here to learn more about this change.
Join the Second Annual goDMV Commuter Competition
Commuter Connections is inviting employers across the Metro region to take part in the Second Annual goDMV Commuter Competition, launching on April 1, 2026.
The friendly regional competition encourages employees to choose more sustainable, healthy, and affordable ways to get to work, such as transit, carpooling, or bicycling. Participating organizations can boost employee morale, reduce parking demand, and make progress toward workplace sustainability goals.
Commuter Connections programs and services are always free to both employers and employees, including the goDMV Commuter Competition. While participating in the competition, employees can easily win enough rewards points through the CommuterCash app to redeem for cash and also enjoy a great chance to win prizes. Top performing employers will be rewarded with a trophy, team luncheon, and recognized in a future Commuter Connections newsletter.
Register on the goDMV website.
25 DUIs During First Week of Holiday Alcohol Task Force
The Montgomery County Police Department’s (MCPD) annual Holiday Alcohol Task Force resulted in 25 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests, according to the Montgomery County Police Department on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
MCPD established sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols as of Wednesday, Nov. 19 lasting until Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, according to the County.
The task force focuses on alcohol-related offenses over the holiday season. During the last holiday season, the task force arrested a total of 244 people for DUI.
The numbers from the task force do not factor in arrests from patrol officers outside the task force so, the overall number of DUIs during the season is higher.
The task force is a partnership that includes MCPD officers as well as County Sheriff’s deputies, Gaithersburg City Police, Takoma Park Police, Maryland National Capital Park Police, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, and Maryland State Police.
Read the MYMCMedia article.
Final Purple Line Rail Car Delivered as State Project Reaches 85% Completion
The 28th and final Purple Line car was recently delivered according to the Maryland Transit Administration.
The project is almost 85% complete with more than 148,000 of a total of 193,100 feet of track laid.
The light-rail service, which will run from Bethesda to New Carrollton, is expected to accept passengers in early 2027. There will be 10 stations in Montgomery County and 11 in Prince George’s County.
Read MyMCMedia 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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