MCDOT's Latest Go Montgomery! Transportation Newsletter - May 28, 2021

 

Federal Regulations Continue to Require Face Coverings on Public Transportation MCDOT reminds the public that Federal guidelines continue to require face coverings, through at least September 13, when traveling by bus, ride share, Metrorail or taxis. All MCDOT Ride On buses have a limited supply of face coverings for those who do not have their own. Ride On, Ride On extRa, and Flash buses remain free to all passengers through at least September. Fees were suspended during the health crisis. Learn more. Remembrance of Former Transportation Director Graham Norton MCDOT was saddened to learn that Former Director, Graham Norton passed away on Sunday, May 16. Graham served as Director of the Department of Facilities and Services and then Department of Public Works and Transportation (Former MCDOT) between 1988 and 1998. He is remembered as a principled and disciplined person and the consummate leader. He was an innovator and led many of MCDOT’s technology applications that have evolved and flourished over time. “From a personal standpoint, Graham greatly influenced my professional development as he took a keen interest in the development of our Advanced Transportation Management System. I stayed in touch with Graham over the years, and know that he regularly kept tabs on MCDOT from afar after his retirement. He was always quick to send supportive messages, and constantly shared how proud he was to work alongside everyone in MCDOT,” said MCDOT Deputy Director Emil Wolanin. We send condolences to his family and friends. See full obituary online. Montgomery County Executive Elrich Submits Letter to WMATA Requesting White Flint Metro Station to be Renamed 'North Bethesda Metro Station' Last week, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich submitted a letter to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) requesting the White Flint Metro Station to be renamed the “North Bethesda Metro Station.” Learn more.  MCDOT is Hiring Fulltime and Substitute Bus Operators Applicants must be over 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and 3 years of driving experience. Individuals that are hired will go through a five month training period before getting assigned to a transit depot in Silver Spring, Gaithersburg or Kensington. Applicants without CDL licenses are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply at montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/jobs.html. Free or Discounted Rides to Vaccination Sites by Capital Bikeshare, Lyft Rideshare or E-scooter A recent partnership between the White House and Lyft will help those who need transportation to and from a COVID-19 vaccination site. Individuals can request a free or discounted ride (up to $15 each way) from Lyft to use for Capital Bikeshare, Lyft rideshare, or e-scooters. Learn more. MCDOT Makes Great Progress in Constructing Bikeways MCDOT continues to make significant progress with the construction and design of the many bikeway projects throughout the County. These projects include cycletracks, protected intersections, shared use paths, separated bike lanes, bike signals and bike counters. Learn more. Elrich Announces P3 Agreement to Transition Buses From Diesel to Electric Power Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich recently announced an agreement with AlphaStruxure, a leader in energy solutions, to build an integrated microgrid and electric bus charging infrastructure project at MCDOT’s Brookville Bus Depot in Silver Spring. The new infrastructure will support the transition of at least 44 buses in Ride On’s fleet from diesel to electric power. Learn more. Council Supports the 'Open Streets' Initiative as County Recovers From Pandemic Council introduced a resolution in support of continuing Open Streets/Shared Streets programs implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative allows for safe and socially distanced outdoor dining, walking, biking and recreation. District 1 Councilmember Andrew Friedson drafted the resolution, which points to the Bethesda Streetery, Montgomery Parks Open Parkways, Newell Street Temporary Neighborhood Park Expansion in Silver Spring and the National Park Service's closure of Beach Drive to vehicle traffic as successful examples of how the County, and outside agencies and organizations have repurposed streets for public use. Learn more. For information on MCDOT's Shared Streets program visit montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/sharedstreets. MCDOT  Thanks  Employees During Last Week's National Public Works Week The American Public Works Association annually celebrates National Public Works Week to recognize the role that public works employees play in creating a great place to live. Throughout the pandemic, MCDOT’s dedicated staff has continued to ensure that our transportation and neighborhood infrastructure is safe, sound, and reliable for everyone -- pedestrians, transit-users, bicyclists and drivers -- by keeping our roads, bridges, transit centers, sidewalks, bikeways, storm drains and other facilities in good repair.  Reminder: Metro Riders May Need to Replace Their Metro SmartTrip Card If you have an older Metro SmarTrip card, you’ll need to replace it soon. Metro is upgrading its fare payment technology and will be phasing out its original SmarTrip cards beginning in June. The older cards won’t work with the new fare gates and fare boxes. Check the back of your card – newer ones start with the serial number 0167. If your card starts with any other numbers, it’s time to replace it. Click here for replacement instructions and view the Metro press release online. WMATA Announces Repairs to Pedestrian Bridge from Rockville Metro Station Over Rockville Pike May Cause Overnight Traffic Disruptions Through Mid-Summer The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA / Metro) had previously announced that the bridge over Rockville Pike, enabling pedestrians to connect from the Rockville Metro Station to Downtown Rockville will remain closed for repairs through fall 2021 due to safety concerns. The repairs are progressing, but the work may cause overnight traffic disruptions on northbound and southbound Route 355 through mid-summer beginning on June 1. The bridge allows people to access Ride On buses, Metrorail, taxis, public parking facilities and MARC to walk on an elevated connection over the lanes of Rockville Pike between the Metrorail Station and Maryland Avenue. Learn more and view the fact sheet. Residents Can Still Provide Feedback on a the State Pilot Project to Install Bike Lanes on University Boulevard in Wheaton The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a Multi-Modal Shared Streets Pilot Project on University Boulevard (MD 193) in Wheaton between Amherst and Arcola avenues to enhance safety and mobility for all roadway users by temporarily repurposing travel lanes into shared streets. The public can provide feedback online and view the meeting presentation.  Visit the project website for more information. Metro Board Approves Temporary Fee Waiver for Extended Service During Special Events Metro will provide extra rail service through December 31 for approved special events beyond normal operating hours and will temporarily waive the fee normally charged to organizers. The waiver will apply, when needed, to games by the Mystics, Wizards, Nationals, Washington Football Team and Capitals, as well as events, such as the Marine Corps Marathon and the Army Ten-Miler. Learn more. Comment on MDTA Toll Rate Proposal for American Legion Bridge and I-270 Through August 12 The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is accepting public comment on proposed toll rate ranges for a planned project to rebuild the American Legion Bridge and add toll lanes to a portion of I-270. Learn more. COVID-19 Has Changed Traffic Patterns The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has released data online indicating that traffic patterns have changed over the last year. Also available online is a multi-sector snapshot of the COVID-19 impacts in the areas of transportation, the environment, the economy, and health. For department updates, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot or sign up to receive MCDOT news releases to your inbox. May 28, 2021 See what MCDOT is doing in June. Transportation-Related Holiday Schedule for Memorial Day, May 31 County, State and Court Offices – Closed. Ride On – Sunday schedule (click on a route number).  Metrorail/Metrobus – Holiday schedule. MARC Train and Commuter Bus – Holiday schedule. TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center –  Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store – Closed. Parking at public garages, lots and curbside meters – Free. ‘Do Your Part’: Five Safe Driving Tips for Memorial Day Weekend  MCDOT urges residents to drive safely this holiday weekend and offers these five tips for safe road travel: Prepare before you go. Make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. Check air, recalls, etc. Drive distraction-free. Thousands of people have died in crashes involving cellphone use. Slow down. Speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities.  Designate a sober  driver. Drunk driving is a problem on our nation’s roads every day, but it’s more prevalent during the holidays. Buckle up. Of the 22,215 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019, 47% were not wearing seat belts.  Read the Safety and Health article. MCDOT Bicycle Swag Bag Contest Continues Through May 30 MCDOT encourages bike riders to promote their favorite place to travel in Montgomery County by submitting a picture of themselves enjoying their favorite bike path or trail. Tag @mococommuter and #MoCobikes on Twitter and Instagram or e-mail MCDOT Commuter Services to be entered into a weekly prize drawing for a Swag Bag. Learn more at ow.ly/8WBi50Ega7e. Bike to Work Day Was a Great Success On Friday, May 21, MCDOT sponsored 15 ‘Bike to Work Day’ pit stops as part of the 20th annual regionwide celebration hosted by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. The first 15,000 bikers who registered and participated received a free commemorative T-shirt and were entered into a raffle to win a new bike. Learn more. MCDOT Continues to Sponsor Popular ‘Learn to Ride’ Adult Bike Classes MCDOT and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) sponsors ongoing learning opportunities for adults ages 18 or older who have never ridden a bike, have tried to learn but have been unsuccessful or who have not ridden for some time. Newly added classes in July are already sold out. Learn about future events this fall by following MCDOT Commuter Services on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks to Everyone That Participated in MCDOT's 2nd Annual Virtual Safety Week; More Than 20 Interactive Safety Activities Still Available Online MCDOT's Safe Routes to School program and Montgomery County Public Schools developed a week's worth of activities and videos for families of elementary and middle school-age children to share from home. The activities emphasize the importance of pedestrian, bicycle and traffic safety. Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/ safetyweek. A message from SRTS Program Manager Duwan Morris Do You Owe Maryland Toll Road Payments? Check the New DriveEzMD Website to Find Out Those using Maryland Transportation Authority toll roads including the MD 200/Intercounty Connector can go to ‘Pay Tolls’ to see if toll dues are owed and save 15 percent before notices are mailed. For more information visit driveezmd.com. Have Questions? Call 311 For assistance with Montgomery County issues such as; down tree limbs, pot holes, illegal dumping, illegal signage, traffic and street light outages, storm drain issues, special bulk pick-up, permitting inspections, and more. MC311 Customer Service Center now offers a language interpretation service for over 150 languages. For assistance, call 311, follow @311MC311 on Twitter or visit montgomerycountymd.gov/311.

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

MCDOT's Latest Transportation Newsletter Go Montgomery! is Now Available - May 11, 2021

 

REMINDER: MCDOT Ride On Bus Schedule Changes Now in Effect; Increasing Service and Improving Efficiency Ride On bus service has adjusted schedules to increase overall service and improve efficiency. The changes reflect the continued shift of resources toward schedule patterns prior to the COVID-19 health crisis. In response to recent ridership demand, schedule adjustments were made to the following routes: 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 29,  30, 32, 33, 34, 39, 43, 46, 52, 54, 55, 56, 59, 73, 79, 81.. View all Ride On routes online. MCDOT's Bicycle Swag Bag Contest Week 6 Rock Creek Trail; Contest Continues Through May 30 MCDOT celebrates this year’s Bike To Work Day by promoting a different bike path/trail each week through May 30. This week’s featured location is the Rock Creek Trail. Bike riders are asked to submit a favorite picture of themselves enjoying their ride along the featured trail and tag @MoCoCommuter on Twitter and Instagram, or email the photo to commuter.services@montgomerycountymd.gov. The photo will be entered into a weekly drawing, visit tinyurl.com/4r7kd52w. View previous highlighted trail locations on MCDOT's Commuter Services' webpage.  Learn more. MCDOT’s Wheaton Revitalization Project is Finalist for ULI Awards for Excellence Program MCDOT's Wheaton Revitalization Project is one of 23 international finalists for the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Awards for Excellence program. The program criteria was based on design, planning, technology, economic impact, community engagement, innovation and sustainability, and the winners will be announced in June. The Wheaton Revitalization project was selected for its sustainable mixed-use design and for contributing to the revitalization of downtown Wheaton. The project includes a 200-seat auditorium and new town square that includes public space with an amphitheater as well as a fountain and public art on the plaza. Approximately 900 government employees will eventually work out of the 14-story office building, including Montgomery Planning and Montgomery Parks headquarters, and six other Montgomery County departments. Earlier this year, the Wheaton building became the first government-owned office building in Maryland to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Learn more about the project's sustainability features by viewing MCDOT's special edition newsletter. MCDOT Encourages Parents to Organize a ‘Walking School Bus’ to Help Young Students Walk to Neighborhood Schools MCDOT Safe Routes to Schools encourages parents to organize a “Walking School Bus” to enable young students to walk to school safely. Walking school buses provide a safe and fun way for children to get physical activity as they travel to and from school with adult supervision. Learn more. Sign up to receive the quarterly Safe Routes to School newsletter to learn about upcoming events, safety tips, engineering updates, and ways to get involved in the program. Update on the Vision Zero Youth Ambassador Program Twenty-eight high-school Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors, that represent all parts of the County, are hard at work on developing plans for projects to improve traffic safety in Montgomery County. Their projects include ideas for improved infrastructure, petitions, social media campaigns and a safety video contest. Each ambassador has worked diligently to engage 100 people in their project.  At the end of the program in June, the ambassadors will have an opportunity to share their projects with MCDOT leaders. MCDOT Highlights Vision Zero Ambassador Project; Pedestrian Safety Art Contest for Students in Grades K-5 The Pedestrian Safety Art Contest hosted by Vision Zero, MCDOT and the National Organization for Youth Safety, and is open to students in grades K-5. This contest is to raise awareness around good pedestrian safety habits. Students are encouraged to submit their own artwork that should reflect what a safe road is supposed to look like for pedestrians and what pedestrians should do to keep the roads safe. Art submissions are due by June 13 for a chance to win prizes. Learn more at bit.ly/3347qZU. MCDOT Invites Public to Virtual Hearing About Proposed Rock Creek Forest Sidewalk Construction in Chevy Chase Starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19, MCDOT will hold a virtual public hearing about the proposed construction of sidewalks on Terrace Drive, Farrell Drive, Spencer Road, Blaine Drive, Colston Place, Grubb Road and Ellingson Drive in Chevy Chase. These sidewalks will enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and people with disabilities, as they travel to schools and nearby facilities. Public input is encouraged and will influence whether MCDOT constructs all or a portion of the sidewalks. Learn more. MCDOT Resumes Rush Hour Ticketing on Colesville Road and Georgia Avenue MCDOT, in consultation with the Maryland State Highway Administration, agreed that due to the increase in traffic volume, restricted travel hours will once again be enforced along Colesville Road and Georgia Avenue during morning and afternoon rush hours. Visit MCDOT's Parking webpage for more news. Public Invited to May 13 Draft Vision Zero 2030 Action Plan Zoom Listening Session and Provide Input Help Montgomery County eliminate serious and fatal traffic crashes in the coming decade and learn about the draft Vision Zero 2030 plan by attending and providing feedback at one of three virtual listening sessions. The next 90-minute session will be held on May 13 at 7 p.m. The conversation will be focused on the UpCounty region, but any Montgomery County resident can attend. Online registration is required. Provide your input now, by filling out this online survey at research.net/r/vz2030plan.  Learn more at montgomerycountymd.gov/visionzero/2030plan.html. Public Invited to May 13 Multi-Modal Shared Streets Pilot Project Public Meeting The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has initiated a protected bike lanes pilot project to be implemented on University Blvd. (MD 193) between Amherst Avenue and Arcola Avenue in Wheaton. The project will temporarily repurpose travel lanes into protected bike lanes to enhance safety and mobility for all roadway users, making more space to walk, bike and access transit on this 1.3 mile stretch of this busy State road. MDOT SHA has installed two Eco-Counter devices along eastbound and westbound University Blvd. (MD 193) to collect data for all multi-modal users, both pedestrians and bicyclists for the next several months. The data gathered will be used to develop a full study that will help MDOT SHA understand the demand for the multi-modal program moving forward. For more information and to follow updates, visit the project website and read the Greater Greater Washington May 4 article. MDOT SHA will be holding a public meeting about the project's geographic limits, timeline for the pilot, and how the State will gather data related to use of the curb lanes and the sidewalks. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide feedback on Thursday, May 13 at 6 p.m. Click on the following link to join: bit.ly/3x7BamB. Metrobus Expands Late Night Service, Restores Additional Routes and Improves Service Metro customers will soon have more options, with expanded late-night service, additional routes restored and improved service on selected routes throughout DC, Maryland and Virginia. On June 6, late-night service will be extended until 2 a.m. on 36 of the busiest routes throughout the region, providing customers who work or travel late at night a way to get to work and home. The changes are part of improvements to more than 60 Metrobus routes to provide more frequent, reliable service and restore routes to support the region's recovery. These changes will bring Metrobus service to 85 percent of pre-pandemic service levels with more buses, more often, to accommodate the growing return of bus riders. Learn more. Metro Multi-year Escalator Replacement Project Has Begun   As part of a $179 million investment to improve safety and reliability, Metro has begun work to replace the oldest, least reliable escalators in the system. Gallery Place station was the first of 130 escalators to be replaced over the next seven years. Learn more. Construction Work Closes One Lane of Old Georgetown Road During Weekdays Through the End of 2021 Construction work for a new building at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda will close the far-right lane on Old Georgetown Road (MD 187) between Edgemoor Lane and Commerce Lane between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The construction company expects the work will be completed by the end of this year. Learn more. Meeting Held to Discuss Plans for Brookville Smart Energy Depot (photo of existing EV charging station) The County's Department of General Services plans to construct a smart energy depot (“microgrid”) at the Brookville Maintenance Facility Transit Shop Depot that will charge the County’s electric bus fleet using renewable energy technologies. This public/private partnership project will support the County’s goals of carbon reduction, resiliency and cost containment. See the community meeting presentation online. MCDOT has four electric buses purchased with a federal grant and will add 10 more later this year. Rock Creek Trail Rehabilitation, Pedestrian Bridge Project Underway WDVM-TV The District Department of Transportation and National Park Service began construction on the rehabilitation of the Rock Creek Park Trail and a new pedestrian bridge on March 31. The project has been in the works for over 10 years and will rehabilitate and construct more than 3.7 miles of the paved, multi-use trail that spans Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4. Learn more. A Washington Post article says that completing a network of trails in the D.C. region would bring a financial boost.  Residents Have Until  May 28 to Provide Feedback on the Pike District Connector The Montgomery County Planning Department, is partnering with the Friends of White Flint and the Better Block Foundation to add local semi-permanent art and public seating at four main intersections along this temporary one-mile connector that will link pedestrians and bicyclists from the Bethesda Trolley Trail to the Montrose Parkway Trail this summer. The public has until May 28 to provide feedback through an online survey.  Powerline Trail Receives State Funding to Expand Length from South Germantown to Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda The State of Maryland has provided $10 million to expand the Powerline Trail, a multi-use trail built within the Pepco right-of-way, to complete what will eventually be a 13-mile trail from South Germantown Recreational Park to Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda. Learn more. Amtrak Released FY20 Sustainability Report The FY20 Sustainability report provides details of Amtrak’s measured progress against annual and long-term sustainability goals. Visit amtrak.com/sustainability to learn more.  For department updates, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot or sign up to receive MCDOT news releases to your inbox. May 11, 2021 See what MCDOT has planned for May. May is National Bike Month National Bike Month is promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. It's a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to give biking a try. Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness, taking essential trips to work, to shop, or for coffee, you are part of a movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people. Celebrate Bike to Work Day May 21 With MCDOT; Registration is Now Open This year MCDOT will sponsor 15 "pit stops" throughout the County where participants can bike to pick up their free commemorative 20th-anniversary t-shirts. People who bike to work can continue to their place of business and telecommuters are encouraged to bike as a break during their workday. Learn more. Residents can register for this free event at biketoworkmetrodc.org. MCDOT Hosts 2nd Annual Virtual Safety Week, May 17-21 MCDOT's Safe Routes to School will host a free, week-long virtual event that is developed for elementary and middle school students and their families. This event emphasizes safety and the need to look out for others in all forms of travel and to remind children and parents about the importance of pedestrian, bicycle and traffic safety. Safety week offers over 20 online activities! More details to come, follow @mocopedsafety on Facebook. MCDOT Annual Sweeping Program Underway MCDOT has begun its annual Street Sweeping program that runs from April through June and sweeps more than 4,100 lane miles of residential roadways. Last year, more than 1,000 tons of debris were removed to keep these contaminants out of our waterways and make roads safer. Learn more. Watch this new video of MCDOT at work. MCDOT Offers Free, Direct Shuttle Service to Montgomery College Germantown Campus Mass Vaccine Site in Germantown; Now Accepting Walk-Ins For County residents 16 and older, MCDOT provides free Ride On shuttle service from the Shady Grove Metro station to the Montgomery College Germantown Campus vaccine site every 15 minutes, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. For Saturday access, use Ride On route 55. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced that all 13 State-operated mass vaccination sites are now accepting walk-ups as well as people seeking COVID-19 vaccinations with appointments, this includes the Germantown campus of Montgomery College. Take Advantage of MCDOT's Free Parking for COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments in Silver Spring MCDOT provides free parking at Town Square Garage 61 located at 801 Ellsworth Drive, for residents who have appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations at the Silver Spring Civic Building located at Veterans Plaza. Vaccinations are by appointment only.  Learn more. MCDOT Presentation Focuses on Transportation Equity At a recent 'Montgomery County on the Move' webinar, MCDOT discussed its role in free and low-cost transportation programs that may support residents who experience transportation challenges related to physical disabilities, financial barriers, or those with few transportation choices. These options include Capital Bikeshare for All, Connect-A-Ride, affordable e-scooters, Ride On specialty programs and Bike Match MoCo, which helps connect donors of bicycles with individuals who need them. Watch the recorded webinar online. MCDOT's Planning Place Public Parking Lot 2 in Silver Spring is Permanently Closed The Planning Place Parking Lot  2, located at 8781 Georgia Avenue, is permanently closed. Plentiful short- and long-term parking is available at the adjacent Spring Cameron Garage 2, 8700 Cameron Street. The lot closed to accommodate the redevelopment of the site into a mixed-use project that will include residences and retail. MCDOT Promotes Seat Belt Safety - It Starts With You Seat belts are proven to be one of the best ways to save your life in a crash. Yet, many still don't buckle up. Worse still, not wearing a seat belt is a habit that will pass on to impressionable youth who, in turn, will think it is safe to not buckle up. In nearly every state, including the DC area, seat belt use is required by law. In 2017 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 people if they had been wearing a seat belt. Whether you travel cross country or across the street, buckle your seat belt every trip, every time. And ensure that each and every passenger – child and adult – is properly restrained. Doing so could save a life. Learn more. TPB Launches New Visualize 2045 Website The Transportation Planning Board (TPB) launched a new website for Visualize 2045, the long-range transportation plan for Metropolitan Washington, to help area decision makers and residents “visualize” the region’s future. Read MWCOG.org May 3 article. Have Questions? Call 311 For assistance with Montgomery County issues such as; down tree limbs, pot holes, illegal dumping, illegal signage, traffic and street light outages, storm drain issues, special bulk pick-up, permitting inspections, and more, call MC311 for assistance at 311 (or 240-777-0311) or submit your issue/request online at montgomerycountymd.gov/311.

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