Friday, October 28, 2016

SafeTrack Surge 10 Begins October 29 – Are You Ready?


The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) SafeTrack Surge 10 will affect the Red Line from October 29 through November 22. This surge is expected to cause delays on the entire Red Line -- the Metrorail system’s busiest line. WMATA is urging commuters to find alternatives, particularly during weekday, peak travel hours. Surge 10 is the last surge that will directly affect Montgomery County.

Critical Information About SafeTrack Surge 10
  • Metrorail stations at Brookland-CUA and Rhode Island Ave. will be closed.
  • Red Line trains will run in two segments -- Shady Grove to NoMa-Gallaudet U every six minutes and Glenmont to Fort Totten every ten minutes.
  • For those riding other sections of the Red Line, there will be fewer trains arriving less often.
  • Metro will run free shuttle buses to replace trains between NoMa-Gallaudet U and Fort Totten.
  • Ride On will run free shuttle buses between the Silver Spring, Takoma and Fort Totten Metrorail stations during extended rush hours.
  • The Green/Yellow Line provides a good alternative between Fort Totten and Gallery Place.
  • Other alternatives include the MARC train; additional Metrobuses along key north-south routes; and Park and Ride lots at Green/Yellow Line Metrorail stations.
  • Overall, Red Line customers are urged to consider telecommuting, off-peak travel, bus, MARC and other alternatives. Commuters should expect trains to be extremely crowded.

Help for Riders
Transportation alternatives available using buses, MARC train, Metrorail or bikes.
Get more information about transportation alternatives available using buses, MARC train, the Metrorail Green/Yellow Line or bikes: Read more.

Help for Drivers
Learn more about park and ride, ride-sharing, car share, telecommuting and what MCDOT is doing to help drivers. Read more.

Explore Commuter Services Options
Get help to start telecommuting and flex time programs and learn more about the County’s FareShare program that reduces the cost of some commuting options. Read more.

Other Ways MCDOT is Helping to Educate Travelers
Look for Ride On staff, signs and other information at affected Metrorail stations or check out Ride On’s social media. Read more.


Additional information:
Montgomery County Press Release




MCDOT Commuter Services Options During SafeTrack 10


Explore Commuter Services Options
  • View Montgomery County’s telework video and webinar or receive free, expert consulting services from Montgomery County Commuter Services. Call 240-777-8380 or email. MCDOT can provide assistance with telework, alternate work schedules, carpooling, vanpooling and use of car-sharing.
  • Consider allowing employees to flex their time.
  • Consider signing up for the County’s FareShare program for employers that allows them to buy-down the cost of transit or vanpooling for their employees. Contact Montgomery County Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 or email.

What MCDOT Is Doing to Help Drivers During SafeTrack Surge 10

What MCDOT Is Doing To Help Drivers
  • Drive, park and ride. Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map created by MCDOT.
  • Check Commuter Connections for ride-sharing information or contact Montgomery County Commuter Services for assistance at 240-773-8747.
  • Use a car share vehicle. Montgomery County offers Zipcars at some parking garages.
  • Use telecommuting resources at Montgomery County Public Libraries.
  • MCDOT is:
o   Monitoring traffic and adjusting traffic signals in areas most affected by SafeTrack to improve bus operations and traffic flow.
o   Suspending MCDOT road repair projects along key commuter routes affected by surges.
o   Asking that the Maryland State Highway Administration restrict lane closures and construction projects along key routes affected by surges.
o   Prohibiting metered parking on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. along the MD 97 and US 29 corridors in Silver Spring to improve bus operations and traffic flow.
o   Coordinating with Montgomery County Police to provide traffic control to improve bus operations at the Silver Spring Transit Center and other key locations.


Additional information:



What MCDOT is Doing to Help Riders During SafeTrack Surge #10

What Is MCDOT Doing To Help Riders

Transportation alternatives available using buses, MARC train, Metrorail or bikes.

Ride a Bus

  • Ride On: To encourage commuters to travel outside of peak hours, provide Ride On “Red Line Shuttles” between the Silver Spring, Takoma and Fort Totten Metrorail stations weekdays every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. MCDOT is extending peak-hour service to 4 ½ hours in both the morning and afternoon. Look for Ride On shuttles at the following locations: 
o   Silver Spring (southbound only): Colesville Road (between Wayne Avenue and the Metrorail entrance);
o   Takoma (northbound and southbound): Bus Bay A; and
o   Fort Totten (northbound only): Bus Bay C.
o   Route 80 weekday rush hour service connecting downtown DC and Fort Totten;
o   Route P6 weekday rush hour service connecting downtown DC and Rhode Island Station;
o   Route L2 weekday rush hour service connecting downtown DC with Chevy Chase Circle; and
o   MetroExtra S9 limited stop service, midday and rush hour, between Silver Spring and McPherson Square.
  • Other bus options:
o   Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.
o   Ride On regular bus service.
o   Metrobus, such as Route 70 between Silver Spring, Gallery Place and Archives.

Ride a MARC Train
  • MCDOT is encouraging commuters to try MARC by distributing free round-trip tickets, while they last, at the Silver Spring and Rockville Metrorail stations on Wednesday, October 26 through Friday, October 28 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Purchase MARC train tickets at the MCDOT TRiPS store in Silver Spring, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Try the Brunswick Line, which has stations in Rockville, Metropolitan Grove, Garrett Park, Kensington, Silver Spring and Union Station (limited parking available near Garrett Park and Kensington stations).
  • Connect with Ride On at many MARC stations. Enter station name here to view transit options.
  • Buy MARC train tickets at the station or in advance.
o  Use Quik-Trak ticket vending machines at some stations.
o  On the platform from MARC staff at Rockville and Silver Spring during peak travel times.
o  Onboard with cash only; $20 denominations or less. (Note: MARC charges a $5 surcharge for onboard purchases.)
o  Online: http://www.mta.commuterdirect.com (Note: When purchasing a ticket, use "Washington, DC" for Union Station.)
o  Silver Spring TRiPS store at the Silver Spring Transit Center, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ride Metrorail Green/Yellow Line

Ride a Bike
  • Ride to the West Hyattsville Green/Yellow Line station.
o  Look for bike route “SafeTrack Detour” signs MCDOT has posted at station entrances to connect West Hyattsville on the Green/Yellow Line with the Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont stations.
o  Route distances along the Sligo Creek Trail, with local street connections, range from about five miles between Takoma and West Hyattsville to 11.6 miles between Glenmont and West Hyattsville.
o  As with any bike route, prepare for the weather and be sure your bike has a headlight.
  • Use the Georgetown Branch Trail between Silver Spring, Bethesda and Georgetown. This signed trail combines on-street travel with a gravel and paved path. Route distances are 5.7 miles between Silver Spring and Bethesda and 12.1 miles between Silver Spring and Georgetown.
  • Use Capital Bikeshare.
o   Access Capital Bikeshare in Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Friendship Heights, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Lake, Rockville or Shady Grove. See full station map online.
o   Use a credit card for a $2 single trip fare, good for up to 30 minutes, or an $8 daily fare.
o   Offer free Bikeshare memberships, training and helmets to qualified, low income residents through the MC Liberty program. Call Montgomery County Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 to learn about eligibility for a free, annual, Bikeshare membership.
  • Plan your ride by checking the Montgomery County Planning Department's Level of Traffic Stress map.  
  • Join a "Learn the Route" free, guided bike ride from Glenmont Metro station Sponsored by MCDOT, on Saturday, October 29 at 10 a.m. to aid bike community.


Help for Drivers

  • Drive, park and ride. Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map created by MCDOT.
  • Check Commuter Connections for ride-sharing information or contact Montgomery County Commuter Services for assistance at 240-773-8747.
  • Use a car share vehicle. Montgomery County offers Zipcars at some parking garages.
  • Use telecommuting resources at Montgomery County Public Libraries.
  • MCDOT is:
o   Monitoring traffic and adjusting traffic signals in areas most affected by SafeTrack to improve bus operations and traffic flow.
o   Suspending MCDOT road repair projects along key commuter routes affected by surges.
o   Asking that the Maryland State Highway Administration restrict lane closures and construction projects along key routes affected by surges.
o   Prohibiting metered parking on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. along the MD 97 and US 29 corridors in Silver Spring to improve bus operations and traffic flow.
o   Coordinating with Montgomery County Police to provide traffic control to improve bus operations at the Silver Spring Transit Center and other key locations.


Explore Commuter Services Options
  • View Montgomery County’s telework video and webinar or receive free, expert consulting services from Montgomery County Commuter Services. Call 240-777-8380 or email. MCDOT can provide assistance with telework, alternate work schedules, carpooling, vanpooling and use of car-sharing.
  • Consider allowing employees to flex their time.
  • Consider signing up for the County’s FareShare program for employers that allows them to buy-down the cost of transit or vanpooling for their employees. Contact Montgomery County Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 or email.

Helping to Educate Travelers
  • Extend MC311 Call Center hours during Surge 10 to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, between October 31 and November 22. People can call 311 from within the County, 240-777-0311 from outside the County or use Maryland Relay Services.
  • Provide Ride On staff at affected Metro stations to assist passengers, direct them to shuttles and distribute information.
  • Hold “pop-up” events at Metrorail stations to educate passengers.
  • Post interior and exterior Ride On bus and bus shelter ads.
  • Display informational posters at all transit centers.
  • Use social and traditional media to communicate with customers and the public.

Additional information:




Ways MCDOT Is Helping To Educate Travelers During SafeTrack Surge 10

What MCDOT Is Doing To Educate Travelers
  • Provide Ride On staff at affected Metro stations to assist passengers, direct them to shuttles and distribute information.
  • Hold “pop-up” events at Metrorail stations to educate passengers.
  • Post interior and exterior Ride On bus and bus shelter ads.
  • Display informational posters at all transit centers.
  • Use social and traditional media to communicate with customers and the public.

Additional information:

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Leggett, Riemer and Roshdieh Announce Completion of Nebel Street Separated Bike Lanes; Another Step Forward in Transforming the Pike District

County Executive Ike Leggett (center) was joined at the ribbon cutting ceremony by (from left to right) WABA Member Wayne Clark; David Anspacher, Park & Planning; County Councilmember Hans Riemer; MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh; MCDOT Bike Coordinator Pat Shepherd and MoBike Chair Jack Cochrane.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation has completed construction of one-half mile separated bike lanes on both sides of Nebel Street between Randolph Road and Marinelli Road. This is another important step forward in transforming the Pike District into a bikeable, walkable, transit-oriented community. Once an additional connection is completed on Marinelli, there will be a continuous protected bike lane connection from Montrose Parkway along Nebel Street connecting it to the White Flint Metrorail Station. Read more.




SafeTrack is Coming to Montgomery County Again: Next Surge Affects Red Line Starting October 29


Start thinking about transportation alternatives now to prepare for Metro’s next phase of SafeTrack which will completely close the Red Line between Fort Totten and NoMa. Check out what MCDOT is doing to assist travelers. 

Registration Now Open for Telework Quick-Start Webinar on October 20

Metro's SafeTrack Surge 10 will have a major impact on the Red Line from October 29 to November 22.  Given the urgency of finding commuting solutions during SafeTrack, now is the time for employers to start a telework program to help continuity of operations during this rail safety project. Join MCDOT Commuter Services on October 20 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. for an informative webinar explaining how to quickly begin a telework program. Read more.

DTE Division Chief Bruce Johnston Featured on Channel 7; Discussed MCDOT’s Silver Spring Bike Lane Project


Montgomery County Department of Transportation's Division of Transportation Engineering Division Chief Bruce Johnston was recently featured on a WJLA story about protected bike lanes that are under construction on Spring and Cedar streets. This bike lane is part of a larger plan to expand bike and pedestrian connectivity in Silver Spring. Watch the news story online

MCDOT Pedestrian Safety Street Team Distribute Safety Information at Pike District Fall Fest


The Montgomery County Department of Transportation promoted pedestrian safety at the Pike District Fall Fest on October 8 with its innovative street teams.  Wearing back packs with attached StreetSmart safety message banners, the team members engage residents by distributing safety tips and retroreflective zipper pulls that help walkers and bikers stay visible at night. 

MCDOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator Organizing Upcoming Pedestrian and Bike Safety Events


Students learning crosswalk safety

Nadji Kirby, MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator with the Division of Traffic Engineering and Operations, is working with Montgomery County Public Schools, AAA Mid-Atlantic and the Montgomery County Police Department to organize school-based activities to promote safe walking and biking over the next few weeks.

The activities include:

An “Otto the Auto” presentation at Sherwood Elementary School by AAA Mid-Atlantic.  Otto is a three-foot-tall, remote-controlled, talking car that engages children in fun and memorable traffic safety exercises. Otto stresses the importance of pedestrian safety, bike safety, buckling seat belts, and sitting in child safety seats. 

A Crosswalk Simulation training by Kirby at Sligo Creek Elementary School for five kindergarten classes that teaches kids how to cross the street safely.

Bike rodeos conducted by the Physical Education teacher at Oakview Elementary School. 

Learn more about Safe Routes to School.


Cabin John Bridge Will Be Closed to Traffic for One Day on October 20


The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will temporarily close the one-lane Cabin John Bridge (Aqueduct Bridge) to traffic on Thursday, October 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read more.

Highway Services Hosts Delegation from Sri Lanka

DHS staff with the Sri Lankan delegation
Last month, the Division of Highway Services (DHS) hosted the Sri Lanka Road Authority, a national agency, similar to the United States Department of Transportation, that oversees all roads and their related infrastructure on the island nation of 20 million. The delegation, which included the National Director of the Agency, is meeting with agencies in the United States to learn more about this country’s public works operations.

Topics discussed included disaster preparation, contract administration, infrastructure maintenance and road condition surveys.  The meeting was arranged as part of MCDOT’s continuing efforts to expand and improve a global dialogue on best transportation practices.

Metro Requests Feedback on Proposed Changes to Metrorail Operating Hours

Photo By Ben Schumin
Metro is asking the public to provide feedback on four proposed changes to Metrorail’s hours of operation by 5 p.m. on October 25. Each proposal provides Metro with an additional eight hours every week of track access to improve safety, reliability and maintain the Metrorail system in a state of good repair, and seeks to minimize the number of riders who are affected by the change in operating hours. Read more.