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.