 Free Fare On All County Buses Has Been Extended Through July 2, 2022County buses include Ride On, Ride On extRa, Flex, and Flash. Passengers are required to wear face covering and must continue wearing the covering for the entire time of their trip. All MCDOT buses have a supply of face coverings for those who cannot provide their own. Buses will continue to be cleaned twice daily with a hospital-grade viral disinfectant. Bus filter and ventilation systems also are treated each night with a disinfectant.  Happy First Anniversary to Our Flash Service on US 29In October, MCDOT celebrated the one-year anniversary of the County’s first rapid transit service—the Flash. Flash service began on US 29 on October 14, 2020. Flash forward one year, and more than 500,000 riders have used the reliable and frequent service. Have you tried it yet? Find out everything you need to know at ridetheflash.com.  Some additional features of the Flash service include: - Upgraded vehicles:
- Free WiFi and USB charging ports
- An automated wheelchair securement system allows passengers to safely secure themselves without assistance from the bus operator (unless requested)
- Level boarding: No steps mean easier access for riders with disabilities, strollers and bicycles.
- Frequent, reliable service: Buses come every 7.5 – 15 minutes depending on the route.
- Pedestrian/bike improvements: Flash is the first in the region to have bike racks inside of the bus.
- Faster boarding through three doors. All three doors open when the bus arrives, and riders can enter or exit from any door without waiting in one line.
- 10 new Capital Bikeshare stations were installed along the corridor to help people access Flash.
- Flash stations are located at 3 existing Park & Ride lots.
The US 29 Flash was the first step in creating a network of rapid transit lines in the County. The County is performing preliminary engineering and design for its next two planned Flash corridors along MD 355 (Rockville Pike) and MD 586 (Veirs Mill Road). MCDOT is in the preliminary planning stages for New Hampshire Avenue and North Bethesda. Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Updates
US29 MOBILITY STUDY
A US 29 Mobility and Reliability Study has kicked off to identify improvement(s) on US 29 that complement the investment in US 29 Flash from Burtonsville to the Silver Spring Transit Center. A Virtual Public Meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the additional study of the US 29 corridor to further refine and identify a preferred alternative(s). MCDOT staff and consultants will present the roadway and transit improvements that have been considered to date, the results of the previous study, and additional improvements being considered. We are seeking your feedback on these improvements as we start this additional study. To sign up to attend this virtual workshop, please register here. |
 MD 355 BRT The MD 355 BRT project team has been busy surveying the corridor and refining design concepts in support of completing the preliminary design (35% design). The team reached the 15% design milestone over the summer and is moving forward with a focus on station locations and access, bus lane design and right-of-way needs. Park and Planning’s Corridor Forward study also has a strong connection to the MD 355 corridor, and the project team has been working with planners to develop recommendations that support Flash on MD 355 and will result in the project’s future success. Keep an eye out for a community meeting in the new year. Two New BRT Corridor Studies are Kicking Off If you live, work, or visit the North Bethesda or New Hampshire Avenue areas we hope you will engage in two new BRT planning projects getting underway. Keep an eye out for information on Corridor Advisory Committees (CAC) being formed for each project. The CACs help shape the projects by providing input and feedback during public forums and workshops. CAC members are project stakeholders, such as neighbors, civic and business representatives, transit riders, and property owners. |
 MCDOT Holds Virtual Public Forum On Proposed Ride On Bus Route 4 Service Changes On Dec. 7The proposed change would extend services on Route 4. The proposed routing would extend services on Route 4 to terminate at the Wheaton Metrorail Station. For additional information access the Ride On website for the full notice and session handout. Click here to join the forum at 6:30 p.m. |
 Montgomery County has Proclaimed Dec. 1 as Rosa Parks Day, an American hero who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus on Dec. 1, 1955. Her arrest sparked the Dec. 5 boycott of city buses by 42,000 African Americans, which helped change the course of America. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Nov. 13, 1956, that segregation on city buses was unconstitutional. To honor Parks, MCDOT has placed placards (see above image) inside all Ride On buses throughout December to commemorate her leadership, activism and bravery.  Dec. 7 Virtual Community Meeting On Fenton Street Cycletrack and Fenton Street / MD 410 Intersection ProjectsMCDOT is undertaking a redesign of the intersection of Fenton Street and MD 410 to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety and to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces. MCDOT is also in the process of advancing design for the Fenton Street Cycletrack, which includes a two-way cycletrack on the west side of the street, one travel lane in each direction on Fenton Street for vehicles, a northbound left turn lane at intersections, and parking and loading zones on the east side of the street. Visit the project website for more details here. Online registration is required to attend. |
 Dec. 16 Virtual Public Hearing On the Franklin Avenue Sidewalk ProjectStarting at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT will discuss the proposed construction of the Franklin Avenue Sidewalk Project between Colesville Road (US 29) and University Boulevard (MD 193) in Silver Spring. The proposed sidewalk will enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists accessing bus stops and nearby destinations. In addition, this project includes the installation of a new curb, gutter and storm drain system. The public will have an opportunity to provide written and oral testimony. Online registration is required to attend. Written testimony or questions may be submitted to the Project Manager, Robert Gonzales, through this online comment form or by emailing robert.gonzales@montgomerycountymd.gov. Written testimony carries the same weight as oral testimony. |
METRO NEWS WMATA Plans to Continue Reduced Rail Service Through End of the Year The authority does not have a schedule to return the 7000-series cars to service and supply chain challenges with parts are delaying the return of 6000-series cars. Learn more here. December 2021 Metrobus Service Changes Metro is making schedule changes to 49 Metrobus routes on Dec. 26, to improve service reliability. In addition, Metro is also making several route changes, bus stop relocations and suspending one route. Learn more here. For the latest alert visit wmata.com/alerts. Rockville, Shady Grove Metro Station Reopening Delayed Until January The reopening of two Metro stations that were closed in September so a platform canopy could be demolished and reconstructed will be delayed by a month, learn more here. To receive biweekly construction and other project updates, sign up here. |
ROAD CLOSURES MCDOT Reopened Clarksburg Road Between Barnes Road and Prices Distillery Road in Clarksburg Due to September's heavy rain, MCDOT closed a portion of Clarksburg Road due to the accelerating deterioration of a culvert spanning a branch of Bennett Creek. MCDOT has repaired the culvert and reopened Clarksburg Road. A Portion of N. Frederick Avenue is Temporarily Closed in Gaithersburg Washington Gas is replacing a section of gas main and service, closing one north and southbound lane as well as the turn lane, between 302 N. Frederick Ave. and 455 N. Frederick Ave. from 9 a.m. Monday through 3 p.m. Friday. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31. For questions contact Sean Hook at Chook@washgas.com or 571-926-1130. |
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