Read MCDOT's Latest Go Montgomery! Newsletter - March 26, 2021

 

Ride On Buses to Resume Front Door Boarding, Fare Payments, Monday, April 5 MCDOT will resume front door boarding and fare collection on all Ride On, Ride On extRa and Flash buses starting on Monday, April 5. Rear doors have been used for boarding since March of last year in response to the COVID-19 crisis, but will no longer be used for boarding on any services except for Flash.  For the health safety of riders and bus operators, clear protective partitions have been installed to provide separation between riders,  people entering the front door and bus operators. In addition to allowing front door access, partitions make it possible to reopen seating areas in the front of buses and allow for more passengers to ride in a distanced manner. Ride On to Accept Virtual SmarTrip Card Using Apple Wallet When Ride On resumes collecting fares on April 5, a new, faster and contactless way to pay will be available for those with an iPhone or Apple Watch. Customers will be able to add the SmarTrip card to Apple Wallet. To get started, download the SmarTrip app from the App Store. Payment support for Google Wallet on Android devices is in development by Metro.  Learn more about this and the fare collection.  MCDOT Kickoffs Vision Zero Youth Ambassador Program MCDOT hosted its virtual kickoff for the Vision Zero Youth Ambassador Program, welcoming a record 30 students who will help the County achieve its Vision Zero goals as road safety leaders in their communities. The County’s Vision Zero initiative aims to eliminate traffic-related severe injuries and deaths. Learn more about the Youth Ambassadors. Executive Boulevard at Old Georgetown Road Intersection Closed to Traffic for Five Months MCDOT has temporarily closed the intersection at Executive Boulevard and Old Georgetown Road. The closure is part of the White Flint Project, which is a combination of new and reconstructed highways, arterial roads and intersections to create a more walkable, bikeable and transit friendly area. Read the newsletter for more information and view the detour maps here. Learn more about the White Flint Project. MCDOT to Begin Electric Mowing Equipment Pilot  Program This Mowing Season  MCDOT has developed a pilot program which will use electric mowing equipment and be implemented during the upcoming mowing season, which typically runs from late April to early October. MCDOT is responsible for mowing roughly 4,700 acres of County owned right-of-way.   Currently, mowing crews use either gas or diesel powered equipment. The pilot program will outfit one crew with all electrically powered/charged equipment including mowers, weedwackers, clippers, trimmers, and blowers. The goal of this pilot program is to reduce the County's fuel costs,  carbon footprint, and noise pollution.  MCDOT Held Virtual Public Meeting on Great Seneca Transit Network On March 16, MCDOT and the Montgomery County Planning Department provided planning, transportation and development updates for the Great Seneca Science Corridor area. MCDOT presented its proposal for a new bus network that will make it easier to get to jobs, healthcare, schools and other key destinations in Gaithersburg, Rockville and Shady Grove. Learn more and view the entire meeting online. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Presented His Recommended Fiscal Year 2022 Operating Budget on March 15 County Executive Marc Elrich announced his priorities for the recommended Fiscal Year 2022 County Operating Budget, which included expansion of Bus Rapid Transit and to fund programs that tackle climate change. Learn more and view highlights of the recommended budget online at montgomerycountymd.gov/operatingbudget. WMATA Expands Metrobus Service WMATA (Metro) expanded its bus service to 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels, with changes to 59 Metrobus routes serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The expanded routes are expected to improve service, enhance reliability and help alleviate crowding so riders can feel safe and maintain social distance. Learn more.  April is Distracted Driving Month According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. While drivers texting behind the wheel tops what seems like an endless list of distractions, other risky actions include talking — whether it be on the phone or to others in the car, setting your navigation, adjusting what you’re listening to, drinking coffee, applying makeup, and more. By driving distracted, you lose valuable seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash. Learn more. Construction Projects to Disrupt Traffic on Sangamore Road and Massachusetts Avenue Through April Two projects in Bethesda will impact traffic during the next few weeks. Washington Gas will replace a natural gas pipeline and will close lanes on Sangamore Road from Massachusetts Avenue toward Walhonding Road, between 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday, for 30 days. Learn more. PARKING NEWS MCDOT Modernizes Waverly Garage Payment System Last month, MCDOT removed the single-space meters in the Waverly Garage (Garage 47) in Bethesda and replaced them with centralized, pay-by-space pay stations. The new system accepts credit cards and mobile payments. The hours of operation, rates, parking durations and PCS (Parking Convenience Sticker) status will remain the same. Click here for more information. Portion of Wheaton Market Place Garage Temporarily Closed for Repairs Level 4 in the Wheaton Market Place Garage is temporarily closed for about three months to facilitate waterproofing and concrete repair work. For more parking news visit montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-parking/news/index.html How to Use and Park E-Scooters/E-Bikes Safely Electric (E) scooters/bikes are a convenient and environmentally friendly way to get around the County’s urban areas. Stay safe, and protect others by following these simple rules: In Montgomery County, e-scooters/e-bikes are prohibited from sidewalks or streets where the speed limit is 50 mph or higher. Park e-scooters/e-bikes in public areas where they won't interfere with traffic operations; block driveway access, crosswalks, ADA ramps, pedestrian access, bus stops or fire hydrants; or impede access to private property or businesses. For suitable ways to park an e-scooter/e-bike, watch this video . Stay safe when riding an e-scooter/e-bike by following these guidelines: Wear a helmet, check the e-scooter/e-bike for damage, always test the brakes, see and be seen, beware of obstacles, don’t listen to music or perform stunts while riding and follow all manufacturer directions. Watch a video on e-scooter/e-bike safety. Possible Name Change for White Flint Metro Station County Executive Marc Elrich, Councilmember Andrew Friedson, The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, and Friends of White Flint are holding an online meeting March 31 at 7 p.m. to discuss a potential name change of the White Flint metro station. Register for the meeting at bit.ly/MetroNameChang. Drivers Struggling to Get Through to E-ZPass Customer Service Center After Receiving Toll Violations From Last Year In a recent WMAR article,  the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) switched to cashless tolling last March and temporarily paused billing between March and October of 2020 to provide financial relief.  Customers are receiving bills for violations, some dating back to last Spring, as well as civil penalties for overdue violations. For those drivers having issues getting through to customer service, they can make an appointment to visit a customer service center.  Also, motorists are encouraged to get an E-ZPass to avoid video tolls and to pay reduced rates. For more information visit ezpassmd.com. I-270 Monorail is “Viable” But Will Not Reduce Traffic According to State of Maryland A study by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) found that a monorail line between Frederick and the Shady Grove Metro station is a “viable” option. (Katherine Shaver / Post) The Washington Commute Could Return by Fall for Many Workers The Washington commute could return by fall for many workers. It won’t be the same as before. The transition to widespread in-person office work will probably be gradual, with telecommuting an option for many. (Luz Lazo / Washington Post) For department updates, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, SIGN UP to receive MCDOT news releases and SIGN UP to receive the Go Montgomery!’ newsletter to your inbox or phone. March 26, 2021 See what MCDOT has planned in April MCDOT Director Chris Conklin Discusses Transit Equity and Worker Safety at Sierra Club Virtual Meeting Conklin was a panelist at the Montgomery County chapter of the Sierra Club virtual meeting on March 3. The Director discussed three of MCDOT’s top priorities – reach the Vision Zero goal of no traffic-related fatalities, implement the County’s transportation climate action plan and support the County’s economic growth and development goals. Learn more about Conklin’s remarks. View the entire meeting online. MCDOT's Safe Routes to School Newsletter Now Available Sign up to receive the new quarterly Safe Routes to School newsletter.  Learn about upcoming events, safety tips, engineering updates, and ways to get involved in the program. Rockville Bike Hub Donates Bikes to MCDOT’s Bike Match Program Rockville Bike Hub, a non-profit that refurbishes donated bicycles, has made a generous contribution of bikes to MCDOT’s Bike Match Program. which connects people who have a bike to donate with people who need one. We have a waiting list of over 200 people that need bikes, so if you have a bike to donate, visit the Bike Match website. MCDOT’s Mobile Commuter Store Continues Operations MCDOT’s Mobile Commuter Store is a one-stop shop for paying for transit, including SmarTrip cards, MARC tickets and Ride On passes. It also offers other services, including one-on-one assistance, transportation information, schedules and maps. The store’s weekly schedule is available online. Did You Know that MCDOT Installs Bike Racks? Residents can request to have a bike rack installed anywhere in Montgomery County. Each U-type bike rack can accommodate two bicycles and the racks are installed on a first-come, first-served basis. To view bike rack locations, look up bike routes and learn about MCDOT's pedestrian or bike projects, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/ dot/bike.html. Check Out MCDOT's Commuter Services Better Ways to Work Newsletter View the monthly Better Ways to Work newsletter online or sign up to receive it right in your inbox. The newsletter includes information about better ways to work, teleworking webinars, the Capital Bikeshare Corporate program, Transportation Demand Management Annual Reports and more.  Montgomery Parks Car-Free Streets Reopen This Weekend Montgomery Parks reopened sections of Little Falls Parkway, Beach Drive and Sligo Creek Parkway to pedestrians and bicyclists today. Learn more at mocoparks.org/2OYJkMl. MCDOT Sponsors Adult Learn to Ride Classes MCDOT and WABA have partnered to offer three classes  for those adults who have never ridden a bike before or have not been on a bike in some time. Spring classes are fully enrolled, but MCDOT plans to sponsor additional classes in the fall. Visit WABA’s website at waba.org/classes for other classes throughout the DC Metropolitan area and follow @MoCoCommuter on Twitter and Instagram to learn about future opportunities. MCDOT Honors Ride On Staff for Outstanding Job MCDOT’s Transit Services Division Chief Dan Hibbert thanked Ride On Central Communications staff for their tireless work throughout the pandemic to make sure that bus operators, coordinators and the public are able to travel safely in rain, snow or shine. He said that these dedicated employees have played a key role in maintaining transit services in the community. The Bike Boom is Real, Says New Mode Share Data Since 2007, the share of people in the Washington region who ride bikes has gone up, while driving and riding transit have dropped, according to a gigantic once-per-decade report from Greater Greater Washington. To report down trees, sidewalk or curb damage, streetlight or signal outage, traffic or pedestrian signal timing issues, missing or damaged street or traffic signs, pot holes or give feedback on FLASH or Ride On bus service call 3-1-1 (240-777-0311) or report it online at montgomerycountymd.gov /311.

Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.

MCDOT's Most Recent Go Montgomery! Transportation Newsletter is Now Available - March 3, 2021

 

MCDOT’s Wheaton Revitalization Project is First Montgomery County Government Facility to Achieve ‘LEED Platinum’ Certification The Wheaton Revitalization Project is one of the largest projects of its kind ever built by the Montgomery County Government. The development of this innovative initiative was finalized on time and within budget, marking an important accomplishment worth remembering and has received formal “LEED Platinum” certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The platinum certification of the Class “A” building is the highest level in sustainable design that USGBC awards in objectively measuring a building’s sustainability. The 308,000-square-foot building project was led by MCODT and is the first County Government facility to receive a platinum rating. Learn more. MCDOT Ride On Bus Schedule Changes Began Feb. 28, To Increase Overall Service and Improve Efficiency MCDOT adjusted Ride On bus service schedules to increase service in areas with growing passenger demand. The changes reflect the continued shift of resources toward schedule patterns prior to the COVID-19 health crisis. The revisions increased Ride On and Ride On extRa service to nearly 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels. Flash service schedule remains unchanged. Learn more. Ride On Bus Service Remains Free for Now; Mandates Face Covering At All Times For the safety of our valued Ride On customers and team members using MCDOT’s public transportation system that includes all Ride On buses and the Flash, the following is required:   Passengers board using the rear door, unless the ramp is needed.  MCDOT has installed partitions to protect bus operators and passengers. Bus interiors and ventilation systems are cleaned twice daily with hospital-grade disinfectant.  Passengers are required to wear a face covering at all times (buses have a supply of face coverings for those who cannot provide their own). Passengers are asked to maintain maximum physical distance from riders from other households.  Ride On Receives Federal Funds to Improve COVID-19 Safety Montgomery County’s Ride On transit service received $450,000 from the Federal Transit Administration’s COVID-19 Research Demonstration Program to improve safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ride On will use the funds to track passenger counts in real-time and inform customers about buses’ available capacities. For more information, read the MYMCMedia article. MCDOT Makes Progress on Construction of Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements in Bethesda; Part of a Broader Plan to Expand Connectivity and Enhance Safety MCDOT brings bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements to Bethesda as part of a plan to create a bike network through the downtown area. Safety improvements in Bethesda are a key element in the County’s Vision Zero plan to end traffic deaths by 2030. Follow the project’s progress on Twitter at @MoCo_DTE. Transportation Initiatives Play Key Role in County Strategy to Achieve Climate Goals Montgomery County's draft Climate Action Plan proposes cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2027 and by 100 percent by 2035.  The 87 climate actions outlined in the draft plan lay the path to achieve the County’s ambitious climate goals while building a healthy, equitable and resilient community. MCDOT has been identified as either the lead or a contributor to carry out transportation actions and related initiatives to help meet these goals. Learn more. MCDOT Seeks High School Students and Bilingual Adults to Apply for Ride On Transit Advisory Group (TAG) The County wants a broad range of residents who represent a variety of groups to sit on the Transit Advisory Group. We encourage individuals who use transit, bilingual adults, seniors and the disabled to apply. We also want residents involved in community advocacy, environmental protection, and economic development to serve on TAG . High school students are welcome to apply and will receive Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. TAG members are briefed on service changes as well as new service offerings, technology upgrades, and provide value-added feedback. Find more information and apply online by April 5. MCDOT's Shared Streets Program Promotes Physical Activity During the Winter Season and COVID-19 Pandemic The Shared Streets program was launched by MCDOT last year to create safe areas for residents to socially distance. We temporarily adjusted the use of public spaces to provide for in-street activities such as biking and walking. We're thrilled to learn that some residents have discovered new and fun ways to move on this open space especially when faced with cold-weather and COVID-19 barriers. Many have put on their face covering and bundled up to sled, skate and have discovered new ways to move outside in the cold, brisk air. Check out some Winter Survival Tips and How To Retain Your Heat (And Stay Upbeat) With Friends Outside This Winter while you take advantage of MCDOT's Shared Streets program. Metro Seeks Public Input on Proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Budget to Support Regional Recovery Amid Pandemic-Related Financial Constraints The proposed service plan considers service cuts and workforce reductions if additional funding is not secured. The public comment period is open until March 16. The public can fill out an online survey with their feedback, ask open-ended comments and upload documents at bit.ly/37tGxBk. Metro recently scheduled four virtual public hearings for next week: Monday, March 8 @ 11 a.m. Monday, March 8 @ 6 p.m. on DC proposed changes. Tuesday, March 9, @ 6 p.m. on MD proposed changes. Wednesday, March 10 @ 6 p.m. VA proposed changes. Visit wmata.com/budget for more information. More Metro News Metro Announced Wireless Service in Rail Tunnels Systemwide - Metrorail riders now have wireless service available within Metro's 100-mile tunnel network. Learn more at bit.ly/2LZiYZP. Read the Washington Post article.  Metrobus/Metrorail Now Accepts the Virtual SmarTrip Card - The electronic SmarTrip Card can now be added to iPhones and Apple watches. Android phones are expected to be enabled in the first quarter of 2021. Learn more at  wmata.com/fares/mobilepay.. Metro's Lost and Found Procedures Changed - Amid ongoing pandemic-related budget constraints, Metro announced an upcoming change to its lost and found procedures. Beginning March 1, Metro's lost and found department will work to reunite customers only with their lost wallets and electronics, such as phones, tablets, and laptops. All other items lost in the Metro system will be disposed of, donated to charity, destroyed, or auctioned. New Escalators Coming to Customers at 32 Metro Stations; Contract Awarded to Replace 130 Escalators - Metro escalators are the link that brings customers in and out of stations every day, and a new contract to replace 130 escalators will continue an aggressive, decade-long program to replace and restore the oldest and least reliable escalators in the system beginning in May 2021. The new escalators will incorporate the latest safety features, including LED lighting. Learn more. Metrorail Makes Service Changes - During peak and off-peak hours, trains will operate at the same service frequencies, as follows: Blue, Orange, Silver, Green and Yellow lines, every 12 minutes, resulting in service every 4-6 minutes at stations served by multiple lines. Red line, every 6 minutes. Service after 7 p.m. remains unchanged. Learn more. WMATA Announces Pedestrian Bridge from Rockville Metro Station Over Rockville Pike Will Remain Closed for Repairs Through Fall 2021 - Metro announced that the bridge enabling pedestrians to connect from the Rockville Metro Station to Downtown Rockville by crossing over Rockville Pike will remain closed for repairs through fall 2021. Construction begins in March and will last several months. Free shuttle bus service will be provided. Learn more. MDOT Announces Redesign of Georgia Avenue / Route 97  The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced a $1.6 million redesign of the Georgia Avenue corridor from 16th Street to Forest Glen. The new design will feature a safe and accessible streetscape for the residents, small businesses, and thousands of commuters who take the road daily. Commuters should expect upgrades in the near future. Maryland, Citing Traffic Relief, Recommends Current Bay Bridge as Best Site for a New Span Recent study results suggest that to build another span at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge would relieve the most traffic congestion, potentially cause the least amount of environmental damage and cost the least of three sites considered. Read the Washington Post article. Additionally, the Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the ongoing Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study is now available for review and comment at baycrossingstudy.com through Monday, May 10, 2021. The study will consider two-mile-wide corridors to provide additional capacity and access across the Chesapeake Bay to improve mobility, travel reliability and safety. Learn more. Maryland Selects Transurban, Macquarie to Develop Toll Lanes for Beltway I-270 Maryland transportation officials recently announced that they have selected Australian toll road operator Transurban to develop high-occupancy toll lanes for the Capital Beltway and Interstate 270, potentially cementing the company’s dominance in the Washington region. Learn more. For department updates, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, SIGN UP to receive MCDOT news releases and SIGN UP to receive the Go Montgomery!’ newsletter to your inbox or phone. March 5, 2021 Subscribe to receive MCDOT News to your inbox or mobile phone. Ride On Provides Transportation to Glenstone Museum Beginning March 4, the museum grounds (not building) will reopen to visitors as an outdoor-only experience in a limited capacity. Scheduled visits are required and admission is free, visit the Glenstone Museum website. The Ride On bus route 301 will make several stops a day from the Rockville Metro Station.  Transportation Resources Available For Seniors and Disabled Adults Do you need help finding transportation to COVID vaccination locations? Residents over age 50 and adults with disabilities can contact Connect-A-Ride for information about available transportation options. MCDOT is a partner in the Connect-A-Ride Transportation Resource Center, a free service that helps seniors and disabled adults of all ages find the transportation they need.  MCDOT Commuter Service's Telework Webinars Available Online; Important Tips for Employers and Employees Pandemic restrictions and stay-at-home orders have caused many employers and employees to adapt to teleworking. Several months of video calls and virtual meetings have made a lot of people experience “Zoom fatigue.” To avoid experiencing these issues in a long-term telework environment, MCDOT has hosted a series of webinars to help employers and employees alike stay engaged, connected, and make the best out of their telework experience.  Read CNBC and ROUTE FIFTY articles to learn more about Zoom fatigue. For more information visit Commuter Service's website at montgomerycounty.gov/ commute and view or subscribe to this month's newsletter. Commute with Confidence: COVID-19 Commuting Tips & Resources The Commuter Connections webpage contains tips on how to keep yourself safe during your commute, as well as information on what local transportation providers are doing to make shared commuting as safe as possible. Learn more at ow.ly/SDEb30rwkMw. Climate Youth Town Hall Video Now Available Online Montgomery County hosted a virtual Climate Youth Town Hall on February 11. The event featured outstanding youth presenters and opportunities for young climate leaders to connect with each other and provide feedback on the Draft Climate Action Plan. Watch online now. Using Less Salt Still Protects Residents The Metropolitan Washington Council of Government says using a small amount of salt on sidewalks and driveways is all that’s needed to keep us safe while still preventing excess salt from running off hard surfaces into area streams, rivers, and reservoirs. You can help protect the region's water by being #WinterSaltSmart. Move More, Sit Less Teleworkers, it's important to take breaks throughout the workday. Physical activity can make you feel better, function better, and sleep better. Fit in physical activity to your day by jumping rope for 25 minutes or going for a brisk walk. Learn more. Other Than Vehicle Recalls, Did You know Car Seats And Tires Could Be Recalled, Too?  Responding to a recall notice in a timely fashion is very important. While safety recalls remain in effect for the life of the car, getting the work done as soon as possible keeps the roads safer for everyone, including you and your passengers. Find out if your car or equipment is affected by visiting NHTSA.gov/recalls. Google to Make it Easier for Travelers to Pay for Transport Through Maps The tech giant has announced features to make travelling simpler and more convenient through its Google Maps application. Google Maps will now enable travelers to pay for transport tickets as well as street parking within the app, eliminating the need for users to toggle between multiple applications when planning their trip. Read the Intelligent Transport article. Why a Fake Commute Could Pave the Way to Work-From-Home Balance Of all the things work-from-home employees might miss about pre-pandemic life, commuting wouldn’t seem to register high on the attention meter. But nearly a year after being sent home from the office, some employees, such as Giza, have realized that losing that time in the car — or on the bus, train or street — has had some drawbacks. Read the Washington Post article. To report down trees, sidewalk or curb damage, streetlight or signal outage, traffic or pedestrian signal timing issues, missing or damaged street or traffic signs, pot holes or give feedback on FLASH or Ride On  bus service call 3-1-1 (240-777-0311) or report it online at montgomerycountymd.gov /311. For transportation updates related to the COVID-19 health crisis, visit: montgomerycountymd.gov/ DOT/covid19.html.

Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.