MCDOT's Go Montgomery! Newsletter is Now Available! Jan. 20, 2022

MCDOT Has Temporarily Reduced Ride On Bus Service, Due to Bus Operator Shortage MCDOT has temporarily reduced Ride On bus service due to a growing number of employees sick from, or exposed to, COVID-19. The schedule changes offer considerably more service than the previous pandemic-related cuts, but the system will have fewer trips on about half of its routes while maintaining the same span of service. Overall, service will be reduced by about 9 percent from the current schedule. The service changes will be revisited in six to eight weeks or once bus operator availability begins to return to normal levels. As part of the reduced service changes, the Flash weekday service is now operating on a weekend schedule, and Ride On Flex and extRa bus services have been suspended. View the new bus schedules here. MCDOT Announces ‘Heads Up, Phones Down’ Video Contest to be Held Feb. 1-22 for Teens to Promote Safer Driving and Walking Montgomery County teens will have an opportunity to win some great prizes by producing videos to encourage peers not to allow cell phones to distract them while driving and walking. MCDOT's “Heads Up, Phones Down” high school video contest will accept entries of 30-second Public Service Announcements (PSAs) starting Tuesday, Feb. 1. Montgomery County public and private high school students can submit videos for the contest. Video entries can be submitted individually or as a group of up to four in English or Spanish. Entries can be submitted for individuals or for groups of up to four. There is one grand prize and a first and second runner up for both the individual and group submission categories. Winning group submissions will split the grand prize with gift cards for each member. Individual submissions may qualify for prizes including a PlayStation Five, an Apple Watch or tripod. Students can submit their entries on the website’s entry form here. Students may also qualify for up to five Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for successfully completing an entry. Visit the contest website for more information at montgomerycountymd.gov/HUPD. MCDOT Provides Free Taxi Service to COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Sites for Seniors 65+ and Residents with Disabilities Select taxicab companies that operate in Montgomery County are providing free roundtrip transportation for older adults and members of the disability community to COVID-19 vaccination and testing locations.  To schedule a free trip: Call Connect- A-Ride at 301-738-3252 and provide your name, address, phone number and age to receive a “Free COVID Taxi Code.” Then, call one of the Taxicab companies listed below to arrange your roundtrip transportation. You will be asked for the "Free COVID Taxi Code". At the end of your trip, the taxi driver will have you sign a voucher so MCDOT can reimburse them for the transportation. Drivers and riders must wear face coverings for the duration of the trip. Participating taxicab companies include: Action Taxi: 301-840-1000 Anytime Taxi 301-637-9292 Regency/Barwood Taxi: 301-990-9000 or 301-984-1900 Bethesda's Woodmont Corner Garage 11 Payment System Modernization and Rate Change Begin Tuesday, Feb. 1 On Feb. 1 MCDOT will change the payment system in the Woodmont Corner Garage (Garage 11) in Bethesda. The existing pay on foot system will be replaced with a pay by plate system The new system will operate like metered spaces where customers estimate their duration and prepay prior to leaving for their destination. The new hourly rate will be $1.50. The hours of operations and PCS status will remain the same. Don’t’ Be Salty, Be Salt-Wise With snow in the forecast. Be salt-wise, it's easy as 1-2-3. 1. Shovel right away 2. Use less salt 3. Sweep & reuse MCDOT manages the County’s snowstorm response and has implemented steps to reduce salt usage such as the use of brine to pretreat roads, installing rubber bumpers on all snow plows allowing for early plowing and staff and contractor training on salt usage. Learn more about the Be Salt-Wise program at bit.ly/SaltWise. Free Bikeshare Rides for Mobile SmarTrip Card Offer Available Through June Metro and Capital Bikeshare are pleased to offer free bike rides to eligible Metro customers on the regional bikeshare system. Create a mobile SmarTrip® card through the end of the promotional period and you can earn ten free 45-minute classic bike rides on any one of Capital Bikeshare's 5,000+ bikes across 650 docking stations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Existing mobile SmarTrip® users can also get in on the deal. The rides are available for 30 days after signing up, and you can redeem your free bike ride 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Sign up here. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Commuters Connection Program is Accepting Nominations for the 2022 Employer Recognition Awards Award nominations are open to all private sector companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies in Montgomery County who have initiated, enhanced or expanded an alternative commuter or telework program. Nomination deadline is Monday, Jan. 31. Learn more here. County Executive Elrich Releases Recommended FY 23 Capital Budget and Recommended FY23-28 Capital Improvement Program Learn more here. METRO UPDATES Shady Grove and Rockville Metrorail Stations Are Now Open During the station closures, construction crews worked around the clock to rebuild the platform canopy at Rockville Station, install safety and communications improvements at Shady Grove and Rockville stations and advance safety-critical track work.  Some ongoing parking closures will remain in effect as Metro completes improvements and restores the parking facilities at both stations over the coming weeks. The County's Ride On buses will remain at the current site until work on the Rockville Kiss and Ride lot is complete. Learn more here.  For Metro alerts and updates, visit wmata.com/alerts. Metro to Focus on Root Cause Analysis and Technology Solutions Prior to the Return of 7000-Series Railcars Metro will continue to operate its currently scheduled rail service, with customer wait times averaging less than 10 minutes on all lines. Learn more here. Metro Reduced Bus Service Due to Bus Operator Shortages Metro has reduced bus service schedules due to bus operator shortage. Learn more here. Maryland Department of Transportation Seeks Public Feedback on Draft Statewide Transit Plan  Maryland’s first Statewide Transit Plan will provide a 50-year vision of coordinated local, regional, and intercity transit across the state. This plan will define public transportation goals and strategies for Maryland’s rural, suburban, and urban regions with a vision toward increasingly coordinated, equitable, and innovative mobility.  The draft plan is available for public comment through Feb. 18. For more details, visit mta.maryland.gov/statewide-plan. MDOT SHA to Develop State’s First Pedestrian Safety Action Plan  The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) initiated the state’s first Pedestrian Safety Action Plan  (PSAP) to address the safety needs of pedestrians and bicyclists.  Throughout the development of the PSAP, there will be multiple opportunities for residents to provide feedback. Jan. 20, 2022 For department updates, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/ mcdot and sign up to receive the latest MCDOT news releases. JOIN OUR TEAM MCDOT is Hiring Ride On Bus Operators MCDOT has immediate openings for full-time and part-time Ride On bus operators. The positions offer applicants 21-and-over paid CDL license training, a competitive benefits package and a fun, supportive atmosphere, with ongoing professional development opportunities. For additional information, visit bit.ly/3C2fIRl.  Search “bus” or position code IRC53044. View this video on how to apply. “Great atmosphere. It’s like a second family. I get pleasure from knowing that riders trust me to get them safely to their destinations in a timely manner. Great advancement opportunities.” – Arline Christian, bus operator Get Updates From MCDOT's Online Snow Portal This handy, online website provides information on the latest plowing status, provides up-to-date snow-related information and allows residents to submit a service request. Visit:  montgomerycountymd.gov/snow. View MCDOT's Special Snow Edition newsletter here. Driving in Winter Weather Slow down. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. In fact, in 2019, there were an estimated 182,000 police-reported crashes that occurred in wintry conditions. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you. Don’t crowd a snow plow or travel beside the truck. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you pass the plow. Learn more here. REMINDER: Free Fare On All County Buses at Least Until July 2 County 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. MCDOT Installs Green Bike Lanes on Bethesda and Woodmont Avenues  MCDOT has installed green bike lanes throughout the County, including Silver Spring, Germantown, and now, Bethesda. Watch the process on Twitter. MCDOT has numerous projects under the Bikeways Program that include planning, designing and constructing bikeways, trails, and bike route wayfinding signage throughout the County to develop a safe bike network. REMINDER: Face Coverings are Required in County Facilities  Remember to wear your mask when visiting MCDOT's TRiPS Commuter Stores which provides SmarTrip cards, Capital Bikeshare membership, transit information assistance, trip planning, regional transit system maps and schedules, and more.   The new Board of Health regulation extended the indoor mask mandate through Jan. 31. MCDOT’s Bike Match Program Seeks Bike Donations  Did you receive a new bike during the holidays? Wondering what to do with the old one? How about donating it to MCDOT’s Bike Match program and providing a person in need with a reliable transportation option. Learn how to donate your bike here. Did You Know? Residents can check road conditions before heading to their destination by viewing online road cameras here. Call MC311 to Get it Done Have feedback after riding an MCDOT bus? Need to report a down tree, sidewalk or curb damage, streetlight outage, a pothole or down tree? Contact MC311 by dialing 3-1-1 or submit your request online at  montgomerycountymd.gov/ mc311. Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.

MCDOT's Go Montgomery! Newsletter: SNOW EDITION - January 3, 2022

 

Due to a high number of COVID-19 cases, there is a regional shortage of snowplow operators and contractors available to address this storm event. MCDOT will focus on keeping major roads clear and ensuring access to public safety and health facilities and will treat all County maintained roads as soon as possible. Residents may need to wait longer than typical for neighborhood streets to be treated and should visit the County County’s Snow Portal for up-to-date snow-clearing information. Five One-Minute Videos Answer the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Snow Removal These informative videos contain key information about what to expect during snow storms:   How MCDOT Responds to Snow Events Reporting an Issue During a Snow Storm In What Order are Streets Plowed? Parking During a Snow Storm Sidewalk Snow Shoveling Requirements When Snow or Ice is Predicted, MCDOT Springs into Action MCDOT has 200 Highway Services employees and 175 pieces of equipment to handle snow operations. If more resources are needed, contractors can be called upon to immediately provide hundreds of pieces of additional equipment and plow operators.  Here’s the basics: The MCDOT Storm Center opens to monitor conditions. The County snowplows have rubber-tipped blades that allow main roads to be plowed early. Montgomery County focuses on keeping major roads clear and ensuring access to public safety and health facilities. Residential roads are not typically plowed until approximately three inches of snow accumulate and major roads are sufficiently clear. MCDOT crews also clear 60 miles of sidewalks along County right-of-ways and three miles of bike paths and trails.  Residents are responsible for shoveling their own sidewalks. Who Plows My Streets? MCDOT is responsible for clearing snow from 5,200 lane miles of County-maintained roads – but this doesn’t include every road in the County. Visit the County's Snow Portal to find out who plows your street.   Some other agencies that also handle snow removal include: Maryland State Highway Administration is responsible for clearing state roads located in Montgomery County. These roads are numbered, such as MD355 and RT27. Residents can report issues on state roads, either online or by calling 410-582-5650. Montgomery Parks, which clears snow on roads, bridges and trails inside local parks. Montgomery County Public Schools, which is responsible for sidewalks and parking lots on school property. WMATA, which handles Metro stations and parking lots.  Ride On is Currently Operating on a Normal Schedule, Expect Delays Due to inclement weather, there are significant delays on all routes at this time.  Ride On contractors clear nearly 800 bus stops and work to keep transit centers clear of snow and ice. Follow Ride On on Twitter @RideOnMCT for real-time service announcements related to weather. Information on Snow Emergency Routes Both the State of Maryland and Montgomery County have designated certain roads as Snow Emergency Routes and they are prominently marked with red and white signs. When the State and/or County initiates their snow emergency plan, it is illegal to park on these designated roads. Vehicles found blocking snow routes during an emergency may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. State and County snow emergency plans may not be put into effect simultaneously, so pay special attention to news broadcasts when announcements are made. During Snowstorms, When is Parking Free in County Garages? During a County Executive-declared snow emergency in Montgomery County, the MCDOT Director may announce that parking is free in County-owned garages and lots for the duration of the snow emergency. This helps get cars off the roads to aid plowing operations and overall safety.  For on-street meters along non-snow emergency roadways, regular parking rates will continue to be charged.  Clearing Sidewalks of Snow and Ice - If You Own Property, It's Your Responsibility Clearing sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of a snowstorm is a civic responsibility that keeps our communities and neighbors safe – and it’s the law. Property owners are required to clear sidewalks in front of and alongside their properties. Be a good neighbor by clearing your sidewalks and assisting those in your neighborhood who may need help. For snow shoveling tips see this video. Learn More About How to Prevent Hypothermia Montgomery County activates its Extreme Cold Plan when forecasted temperatures, and/or wind chill drops below 32 degrees in any part of the County. This creates a hazardous situation in which hypothermia and frostbite are likely. If you must spend time outdoors in frigid weather, wear layers and take extra precautions. Learn more at bit.ly/2JdmQ3C. FOR MEDIA For media inquiries related to winter weather events, contact Emily Detitta at emily.detitta@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-372-2282. View and download MCDOT's snow photo album at flic.kr/s/aHsmSQ5KDe. January 3, 2022 SIGN UP to receive the latest MCDOT News and follow us on Twitter @MCDOTNow for real-time storm preparation and road conditions. WINTER RESOURCES Get Updates from the MCDOT SNOW PORTAL This handy, online website provides information on the latest delays and closings, shows the status of plowing in your neighborhood, provides up-to-date snow-related information and allows residents to submit a service request, visit:  montgomerycountymd.gov/snow Do You Know the Difference Between a Winter Weather Advisory, Watch or Warning? Check the National Weather Service website for these and other weather-related advisories.  Warnings: Take Action! Watches: Be Prepared Advisories: Be Aware Find out more at weather.gov/safety/winter MCDOT to Enhance Sustainable Salt Practices During Snow Removal MCDOT continues to use environmental controls to better balance salt use during snow removal operations this winter. Learn more here. Sign up for Montgomery County Alert Montgomery to receive emergency information, event updates, warnings and instructions directly to your email or device. WHO TO CALL Want more information about the status of County programs and services? Want to report unshoveled sidewalks, downed trees or other weather-related issues?  Contact Montgomery County’s Customer Service Center by calling 311 (or 240-777-0311 if outside the County) or visiting 311 online at: montgomerycountymd.gov/311  UTILITIES First Energy/Potomac Edison: 1-888-544-4877 BG&E: 1-800-685-0123 PEPCO: 1-877-737-2662 Downed Wires “Hot” or sparking call: 911 POLICE Emergency: 911  Non-Emergency: 301-279-8000 SCHOOLS/MCPS Call: 240-740-3000 Spanish Hotline: 240-740-2845 (Línea Informativa en Español) or email askmcps@mcpsmd.org COUNTY SERVICES Library Branch Opening and Closing Status: 240-777-6500. Recycling and Trash Collections - for updated information about the collection schedule during snow storms, sign up for email or text updates, or follow Solid Waste on Twitter. WMATA (Metro Services) call 202-637-7000 or follow on Twitter. CABLE TV / SOCIAL MEDIA County Cable Montgomery, Channel 6 for RCN Comcast subscribers and Channel 30 for Verizon subscribers, provide continuous updates on roadway conditions and transit services.

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