Friday, October 30, 2015

Go Montgomery - October 28, 2015


Go Montgomery

annualreportfy14

MCDOT FY14 Annual Report Now Available

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) fiscal year 2014 annual report is now available online. The report reflects MCDOT’s focus on delivering a balanced transportation system that provides travel options for all. Read more.

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Ride On Installs Real Time Signs and Maps at Nine Bus Shelters

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Ride On bus system has installed real time signs in nine Ride On bus shelters that are similar to transit screens installed earlier this year in the Executive Office Building and the Council Office Building. Read more.

smartmeterSS

"Smart" Parking Meters that Accept Credit Card Payment to be Installed in Silver Spring Starting Next Week

Beginning the week of November 2, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Parking Management Division will begin replacing more than 1,100 on-street parking meters in Silver Spring with new "smart" parking meter heads that expand payment options. Read more.

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MCDOT Prepares for Winter Storm Season with Mock Snow Day and Snow Summit; Leggett to Attend Snow Summit

On Wednesday, November 4, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), Division of Highway Services will conduct an all-day exercise to test the preparedness of the County’s snow plans and fleet. Read more.

streetsmart2_2015

Fall Street Smart Campaign Begins this Week

On Tuesday, October 27, the region launched the annual fall Street Smart campaign to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist collisions. The campaign alerts everyone to be more cautious, especially with the shortened hours of daylight and the change this Sunday from daylight savings time – a time when pedestrian collisions increase. Read more

ZombieWalkSS

MCDOT Promotes More Visible Zombies in Silver Spring

This month, MCDOT’s Division of Traffic Engineering and Operations has organized teams to spread the word about pedestrian safety at many events in Bethesda and Silver Spring. The most recent was the Silver Spring Zombie Walk that was held on October 24. Read more.

roadsafetyaudit3

Pedestrian Safety Audit Planned for Lockwood Drive

On October 29, Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will meet with residents and other stakeholders to review information and get input prior to conducting a Pedestrian Road Safety Audit on Lockwood Drive. Read more.

seniorstransportation4

MCDOT Sponsors Peer Group Discussions for Older Drivers Who May be Considering Giving Up their License

MCDOT’s Division of Transit Services in partnership with the Jewish Council for the Aging is holding small, support group discussions for older adults who are considering the changes that take place with aging that may affect one’s ability to drive safely. Read more.


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October 28, 2015


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Leaf Vacuum Collection Begins November 9
On November 9, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will kick-off its annual leaf vacuum collection program, which is managed by the Division of Highway Services (DHS). Read more.

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Leggett Seeks Applicants for Rustic Roads Advisory Committee

County Executive Ike Leggett is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies on the Rustic Roads Advisory Committee for an individual who represents a civic association located in the agricultural reserve, and an individual with knowledge of roadway engineering through practical experience and training. Read more.

smarttripyouth

Ride On Seeks Student Videos to Promote its Special Youth Fares

Ride On is looking for middle and high school students who want to create fun and educational videos that spread the word about Ride On’s free and discounted kids programs: the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card, the Youth Monthly Pass, and the Youth Summer Pass. Read more.



Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. This service is provided to you at no charge by Department of Transportation of Montgomery County MD. Visit Go Montgomery to view more news.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

MCDOT FY14 Annual Report Now Available

 FY14 Annual Report
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) fiscal year 2014 annual report is now available online. The report reflects MCDOT’s focus on delivering a balanced transportation system that provides travel options for all. MCDOT is striving to build and maintain a network that keeps the infrastructure in good repair; reduces traffic congestion; increases mobility; improves pedestrian, bicyclist and vehicle safety; provides essential transit and alternative transportation services; and promotes access to our central business districts. Our staff endeavors to deliver the highest quality service to its customers through innovative approaches.

Check out the new format that includes the following sections:

  • Awards and Presentations
  • What's New
  • Improve the Transportation Network with Access for All
  • Focus on the Basics
  • Reduce Congestion by Promoting Alternatives
  • Enhance Environmental Quality
  • Use Technology to Improve Services and Cut Costs
  • Reaching Out to the Community
  • FY 14 By the Numbers
  • The MCDOT Organizations


Ride On Installs Real Time Signs and Maps at Nine Bus Shelters

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Ride On bus system has installed real time signs in nine Ride On bus shelters that are similar to transit screens installed earlier this year in the Executive Office Building and the Council Office Building. The signs display customized information showing when the next Ride On and Metro buses will arrive at that location. A unique feature of the signs is a real time map that allows riders to trace their bus’s progress. In addition, the signs continually scroll Ride On’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.


“Expanding the availability of real time travel information is another way that MCDOT is encouraging people to try transit,” said MCDOT Acting Director Al Roshdieh. “MCDOT is innovating with new technology to use our “big data” so that taking Ride On is even easier and more convenient. By providing more information about the available options to driving alone, we’re enhancing our community’s mobility and quality of life.”

In-house Ride On staff created the programming and graphics to make better use of the “big data” it collects on its bus system. Ride On plans to make its data more accessible to the public to enhance their traveling experience and get them the information they need to make taking transit more predictable. Ride On is using beam technology to count passenger boardings and exits at each stop and GPS to track bus locations in real time.

The data feeding the new bus stop signs is accurate to within about one to two minutes. This accuracy will improve in the future if plans to switch from a radio wave based system to a cellular system are realized.

Sign at Powder Mill Road and New Hampshire Avenue. Scroll at top is Ride On Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Ride On selected bus shelters with high ridership and distributed the signs around the County. The locations of the signs and the bus routes serving each one are:

Ride On & Metro Bus Routes
1.      Observation Drive at Montgomery College, Southbound             55
2.      Monroe Street at Monroe Place, Westbound                                44,46,47,54,56,63
3.      Bel Pre Road at Grand Pre Road, Eastbound                                34,41,49, L8
4.      Stewart Lane at Old Columbia Pike, Southbound                        10, Z's
5.      Rockledge Drive at Democracy Blvd, Eastbound                        47,96, J's
6.      Clubhouse at Montgomery Village Ave, Southbound                 59, 60, 64, 65
7.      Rockville Pike at Edson Lane, Southbound                                 5,46, J5
8.      Clopper Rd at Mateny Rd, Eastbound                                          61,71, 78
9.      Powder Mill Rd at New Hampshire Ave., Eastbound                 10,20, 22,24

A tenth sign will be installed on Muncaster Mill Road at northbound Woodfield Road.

The signs were funded using a State grant from the Maryland Transit Administration.

More information about Ride On is available online.

"Smart" Parking Meters that Accept Credit Card Payment to be Installed in Silver Spring Starting Next Week

 http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Parking/News/IPS.html

Beginning the week of November 2, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Parking Management Division will begin replacing more than 1,100 on-street parking meters in Silver Spring with new "smart" parking meter heads that expand payment options. The smart meters accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards in addition to coins or pay-by-cell phone. The changeover is expected to take about two weeks, weather permitting. Last year, MCDOT switched Bethesda’s on-street meters.

"Smart parking meters expand the payment options for on-street meter parking, providing even more convenience for our parking customers," said County Executive Ike Leggett. "These meters have proven to be very popular in Bethesda, making it even easier to pay for parking. I commend the Department of Transportation for their ongoing efforts to use advances in technology to continually improve the parking experience of residents, employees and visitors."

The changeover to new meters reuses existing meter poles and the lower part of the meter head. The display portion of the meter and its internal workings will be replaced with the new technology.

The parking meters use a solar-powered battery system with a highly visible expiration time indicator. The meters have real-time communication capabilities, which allow web-based identification of broken meters and instant processing of credit card transactions that use the highest level of security. Information in the meter window displays parking rates, hours and days when payment is required, and notes parking restrictions.

MCDOT expects to eventually replace all on-street meters in the County’s other two parking districts in Wheaton and Montgomery Hills. MCDOT is also assessing the best options for upgrading meters in lots and parking garages.

More information about parking in Montgomery County is available on the Division of Parking's website

Leaf Vacuum Collection Begins November 9


On November 9, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will kick-off its annual leaf vacuum collection program, which is managed by the Division of Highway Services (DHS). Collections will take about six to eight weeks to complete depending on weather conditions and how quickly the leaves fall. DHS will make two collections in each neighborhood that in the Leaf Collection District (see map). DHS has assigned each Leaf Collection Area a number to help residents track their collection dates.


MCDOT leafing crews will post yellow or green leaf collection signs in a neighborhood several days before DHS’ first anticipated leaf pick up. The signs will be posted far enough in advance to give residents a weekend to rake leaves to the edge of the road before the vacuum trucks arrive. Residents should regularly check DHS’ website as collection schedules will be regularly updated based on weather and other conditions. Crews will remove the Leaf Collection signs once they have completed a street. 
 http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Highway/Leaf/index.html

The second and final collection will begin shortly after the Thanksgiving holiday. Once again, residents should look for the leaf collection signs and check online for the most accurate collection schedule.

You can help DHS collection crews by:
  • Keeping leaves out of the street;
  • Raking leaves to the road edge or placing leaves in paper yard waste bags;
  • Removing sticks, trash or other items that cannot be collected by the vacuum trucks; and
  • Keeping parked vehicles away from leaf piles to allow crews easy access.

MCDOT asks residents to avoid raking leaves into the street; instead, pile them near the edge of the property nearest the road. Leaves stored this way will not damage a lawn. Placing leaf piles in the street can cause many problems by:

  • Disrupting traffic - Many neighborhoods have narrow streets and on-street parking. Leaf piles extending into the roadway limit parking and the ability of vehicles, especially school buses, to safely negotiate the streets.
  • Disrupting surface drainage - Storm drains may clog when rain washes leaves into them.
  • Hampering snow removal operations - Snow covered leaf piles can become extremely heavy and freeze to the roadway surface.
  • Creating hazardous and very slippery conditions that could lead to accidents - When leaves get wet, they create a slick surface that makes it difficult for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists to stop, start or change direction.
Residents who believe their leaves may have been missed can contact the MC311 Call Center by dialing 311 or 240-777-0311.   Watch a short video about the leafing program filmed during last year’s collection.



MCDOT Prepares for Winter Storm Season with Mock Snow Day and Snow Summit; Leggett to Attend Snow Summit


On Wednesday, November 4, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), Division of Highway Services will conduct an all-day exercise to test the preparedness of the County’s snow plans and fleet. Snow plow operators will run snow routes on more than 5,200 lane miles of County-maintained roads. Staff will handle a simulated six-inch snow storm.

The next day, Thursday, November 5, MCDOT will hold its annual Snow Summit and Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett will address officials from all County agencies with snow removal responsibilities. The summit is an opportunity to assess the County’s readiness for winter storms and discuss new initiatives. MCDOT chiefs from the Transit Services, Parking Management, Traffic Engineering and Operations and Highway Services divisions will discuss how they prepare for snow and winter storms.

At the FY14 Snow Summit, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett thanked staff and contractors for their dedication and commitment to keeping the county's road network clear during snow storms.

Fall Street Smart Campaign Begins this Week

 http://www.bestreetsmart.net/

On Tuesday, October 27, the region launched the annual fall Street Smart campaign to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist collisions. The campaign alerts everyone to be more cautious, especially with the shortened hours of daylight and the change this Sunday from daylight savings time – a time when pedestrian collisions increase. When daylight saving time ends on November 1, evening commuters -- drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists -- will be traveling in the dark.  This is the most dangerous time of year for pedestrians!

 http://www.bestreetsmart.net/

Law enforcement patrols will increase throughout the metropolitan Washington area and will be ticketing drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists who are not complying with traffic safety laws. Residents may also notice street teams of “walking billboards” to raise awareness and reduce traffic crashes. 

As daylight hours decrease, local safety officials remind motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists to be extra vigilant. The message is especially urgent with Halloween approaching this weekend, putting more pedestrians on area streets, including many children in costumes that reduce visibility.  In 2013, 72 percent of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. occurred during hours of darkness.

Pedestrian Safety Audit Planned for Lockwood Drive

On October 29, Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will meet with residents and other stakeholders to review information and get input prior to conducting a Pedestrian Road Safety Audit on Lockwood Drive. Road safety audits are a formal, data-driven process used by MCDOT to identify safety issues and potential improvements in a specific roadway corridor.  Field reviews over several days will provide information on how MCDOT can make the roadway safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The meeting will be held at the third District Police Station, 1002 Milestone Drive, Silver Spring, at 6 p.m. At the meeting, roadway users and agency representatives will review pedestrian crash data in the area and provide input to the field review process. Once the audit is completed, MCDOT will develop recommendations to improve the roadway’s safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.  
 http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot

Ride On Seeks Student Videos to Promote its Special Youth Fares


Ride On is looking for middle and high school students who want to create fun and educational videos that spread the word about Ride On’s free and discounted kids programs: the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card, the Youth Monthly Pass, and the Youth Summer Pass. The deadline for entries is November 15.

The Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card allows those 18 years of age or younger to ride free on Ride On weekdays from 2 to 8 p.m. The Youth Monthly pass provides kids unlimited rides for only $11 a calendar month. The Youth Summer Pass provides unlimited rides from June 1 through August 31 for $18.

Contact Jennifer Davis at Montgomery County Transit at jennifer.davis2@montgomerycountymd.gov for more information. 

 http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit/kidsridefree/index.html

MCDOT Promotes More Visible Zombies in Silver Spring



This month, MCDOT’s Division of Traffic Engineering and Operations has organized teams to spread the word about pedestrian safety at many events in Bethesda and Silver Spring. The most recent was the Silver Spring Zombie Walk that was held on October 24. Team members with billboard backpacks interacted with pedestrians, handed out glow sticks and promoted pedestrian safety and increased visibility. They encouraged safe practices, such as wearing bright or reflective clothing at night, using the crosswalk at all times and looking both ways before crossing the street.       

Law enforcement officers made sure that people were using crosswalks and following traffic safety laws. 

See event photos on Flickr.







MCDOT Sponsors Peer Group Discussions for Older Drivers Who May be Considering Giving Up their License

 Jewish Council of Aging

MCDOT’s Division of Transit Services in partnership with the Jewish Council for the Aging is holding small, support group discussions for older adults who are considering the changes that take place with aging that may affect one’s ability to drive safely. These free sessions are sponsored by MCDOT’s Connect-A-Ride program.

Small groups of older adults meet once a week for three weeks. Each 90-minute session is led by a facilitator. At the last meeting, a Certified Mobility Specialist from Connect-A-Ride will share information about transportation options that can help older adults stay mobile when they stop driving.

For more information or to register, contact Connect-A-Ride online or by calling 301-738-3252, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Leave a message at other times.) 

Leggett Seeks Applicants for Rustic Roads Advisory Committee

 Montgomeryplanning.org

County Executive Ike Leggett is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies on the Rustic Roads Advisory Committee for an individual who represents a civic association located in the agricultural reserve, and an individual with knowledge of roadway engineering through practical experience and training. The incumbent who represents a civic association is eligible to apply for reappointment. All members must be Montgomery County residents. The deadline for applying is November 16.

The Rustic Roads Advisory Committee consists of seven voting members. Its duties include promoting public awareness of the Rustic Roads Program, and reviewing and commenting on the classification of rustic roads, development proposals that affect rustic roads, and executive regulations and policies that may affect the program.

Members serve three-year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. The committee meets at least six times per year; usually the fourth Tuesday evening of each month at 6 p.m. in the Executive Office Building in Rockville.

Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity are encouraged to apply. Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Leggett’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of those selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process.   Apply online.


Friday, October 23, 2015

Go Montgomery - October 23, 2015

Go Montgomery

EVChargingStation

MCDOT Installs Five More EV Charging Stations in County Garages

MCDOT’s Division of Parking Management is installing electric vehicle charging stations in five more County-owned parking garages that should be available the week of October 26. The five locations will each have one station providing service to two parking spaces. Three stations servicing six parking spaces were installed in the Bethesda Capital Crescent Garage (Garage 31) in April of this year. Read more.

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Highway Services to Make Repairs at Falls Road Bridge

The Division of Highway Services (DHS) will begin an urgent erosion abatement project on October 26 at the Falls Road Bridge, located about 50 yards south of Oaklyn Drive. The project is expected to take about five weeks to complete, weather permitting. Read more.

BikeShareRiders

Free Capital Bikeshare Memberships Available for Low Income Residents

Free one-year Capital Bikeshare memberships are available for those who meet income eligibility requirements. This includes residents who receive assistance through any Montgomery County social services organization or qualify through low-income criteria.  Eligible residents must fill out a registration form that can be completed online or is available by contacting Commuter Services at (240) 777-8380 or via email. Send the completed registration form to mcdot.commuterservices@montgomerycountymd.gov,)

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White Flint Transportation Community Open House Held in Bethesda

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) held a community open house on October 19 to discuss transportation plans for White Flint. The meeting, at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, included presentations by MCDOT Acting Director Al Roshdieh, White Flint Coordinator Dee Metz, Montgomery County Councilmember Roger Berliner and Commuter Services Division Chief Sandra Brecher.  Read More.

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Ride On Holds Annual Bus Roadeo

On Saturday, October 10, Montgomery County’s Ride On bus system held its annual bus “Roadeo” where bus operators compete to demonstrate their driving skills. The winner of the competition was Leslie St. Louis from the Gaithersburg Depot. He will now go on to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) International Bus Roadeo that will be held in May. Last year’s Ride On winner, Alex Folgar, placed seventh in the International competition. Read more.

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Older Drivers Can Enhance their Safety and Skills at Two Upcoming Opportunities

CarFitan educational program developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, teaches participants how to make their personal vehicle “fit” them to increase safety and mobility. The next CarFit program will be held on Wednesday, November 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring The event is sponsored by the Senior Connection, the Montgomery County Department of Recreation, the Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education and Olney Home for Life. Read more.

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Older Residents are Invited to Participate in a Community Survey

If you are age 55 or older, consider taking a community survey in EnglishSpanish or Chinese to offer your thoughts and ideas about Montgomery County as a place to live and retire.
Results of the survey will be used to plan the upcoming County Executive “Summit on Aging in Montgomery County”, which will focus on ways to make Montgomery County an even better community for a lifetime. Feel free to forward this information to friends, family and others in the community who might also like to provide their thoughts. 

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October 23, 2015


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Ride On is Hiring

Montgomery County’s Ride On transit system is hiring new bus operators. It is looking for drivers who enjoy working with people, have a good driving record, and are interested in working for one of the largest suburban transit system in the country.

BusOperator

Applicants must be over 21 years old, possess a valid driver’s license and have three years of driving experience and no more than one point on the driving record. Experience driving a transit bus is a plus.
Those interested who need assistance with the application process should bring an electronic version of their resume to the Bus Operator Assistance Fair planned for Saturday, October 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the County Council Office Building, Lower Level Auditorium 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville

MSHA

SHA to Reconstruct Roadway at Bus Stops on New Hampshire Avenue

Beginning Friday, October 23 at 9 p.m. (weather permitting), the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin reconstructing the roadway in front of bus stops on New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650) near the intersections of both Ruatan Street and Merrimac Drive in Langley Park, near the Prince George’s/Montgomery County border. Read more.


Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. Visit Go Montgomery to view more news.