Ride On Route 15 to Experience Temporary Bus Stop Closures Due to Purple Line Construction Beginning Wednesday, September 28

Due to the installation of the storm water drainage system across University Boulevard for Purple Line construction, the following bus stops will experience closures from Wednesday, September 28 to Thursday, October 6, 2022.  

• Stops 26680 and 26684 - No access to bus stops from 7:00 PM to 6:30AM from September 28, 2022, to October 4, 2022. Double right lane closures from Gilbert Street to Carroll Avenue. Alternate stop will be 26686.
• Stops 26698 and 26694 - No access to bus stops from 7:00 PM to 6:30AM from October 2, 2022, to October 6, 2022. Double right lane closures from Carroll Avenue to Gilbert Street. Alternate stops will be 16022 and 26692.

Ride On interiors will continue to be cleaned by the County's Department of General Services with hospital-grade disinfectant. Bus filter and ventilation systems are also treated with a disinfectant.

All passengers are encouraged to wear face coverings when traveling by public transportation. All MCDOT buses have a supply of face coverings for those who cannot provide their own.

Fare collection resumed on all Montgomery County buses on August 1. The one-way pre-pandemic fare, which was $2 per ride, is now $1. Monthly passes, which were $45 per rider, are now $22.50.

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/delivery, or texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT's "Go Montgomery!" newsletter.

Ride On Route 15 to Experience Temporary Bus Stop Closures Due to Purple Line Construction Beginning Wednesday, September 28

Due to the installation of the storm water drainage system across University Boulevard for Purple Line construction, the following bus stops will experience closures from Wednesday, September 28 to Thursday, October 6, 2022.  

• Stops 26680 and 26684 - No access to bus stops from 7:00 PM to 6:30AM from September 28, 2022, to October 4, 2022. Double right lane closures from Gilbert Street to Carroll Avenue. Alternate stop will be 26686.
• Stops 26698 and 26694 - No access to bus stops from 7:00 PM to 6:30AM from October 2, 2022, to October 6, 2022. Double right lane closures from Carroll Avenue to Gilbert Street. Alternate stops will be 16022 and 26692.

Ride On interiors will continue to be cleaned by the County's Department of General Services with hospital-grade disinfectant. Bus filter and ventilation systems are also treated with a disinfectant.

All passengers are encouraged to wear face coverings when traveling by public transportation. All MCDOT buses have a supply of face coverings for those who cannot provide their own.

Fare collection resumed on all Montgomery County buses on August 1. The one-way pre-pandemic fare, which was $2 per ride, is now $1. Monthly passes, which were $45 per rider, are now $22.50.

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/delivery, or texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT's "Go Montgomery!" newsletter.

MCDOT's Go Montgomery! Transportation-Related Newsletter - Sept. 15, 2022

MCDOT Adjusts 24 Ride On Bus Route Schedules to Improve Efficiency Although service levels are staying relatively the same, the changes reflect a shift in resources to allow for more reliable service. The new schedules are available in print and online here. There are 21 time changes that impact routes 4, 5, 9, 10, 15, 16, 20, 26, 34, 37, 38, 43, 46, 48, 55, 59, 61, 63, 79, 83, and 100. Learn more here. Take the Ride On Reimagined Customer Satisfaction Survey for the Chance to Win a $100 Gift Card MCDOT invites all current, former and potential Ride On bus users to take the survey, which is available online through Friday, Oct. 7. Those who participate will be entered into a sweepstake for one of ten $100 gift cards. Take the online survey here. Surveys will also be made available at pop up events around Montgomery County throughout the month of September.  The Ride On Reimagined Study is a comprehensive, forward-looking assessment of the bus network that may result in significant recommended changes to how bus transit (including Ride On and Metrobus) operates in Montgomery County based on current and future needs. This survey is a vital part of the Ride On Reimagined study. MCDOT wants to learn what is being done well, and what areas need improvement to help decide how best to invest in Ride On’s future. Learn more here. Prizes Raffled to Montgomery County Participants Who Register for Car Free Day, Held On Thursday, Sept. 22 Montgomery County residents are encouraged to participate in Car Free Day, a worldwide event that encourages traveling in ways that are greener than driving alone, such as walking, riding a bicycle, rail, bus, in a carpool or teleworking. Using more sustainable ways to get around helps reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. The more people that travel using alternative modes, the fewer greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. Residents are invited to take the pledge to participate in Car Free Day on Thursday, Sept. 22. Each entry will be entered into a raffle for some great prizes. Duplicate entries will be disqualified. Participants can take the pledge online here. MCDOT’s Commuter Services team will be at the following locations with free giveaways and pledge cards that can be filled out to enter in a raffle drawing for gift cards, Capital Bikeshare annual membership or a $200 SmarTrip card: Bethesda at the Metro bus bays 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Friendship Heights at Wisconsin Place 6:30 - 9 a.m. Germantown Transit Center 6:30 - 9 a.m. North Bethesda Metro station 6:30 - 9 a.m. Shady Grove Metro station 6:30 - 9 a.m. Silver Spring Metro station 6:30 - 9 a.m. White Oak – Lockwood Drive and New Hampshire Avenue Transit Center 7 - 9 a.m. Residents who do not own a bike can use the Capitol Bikeshare system. Thousands of bikes are provided throughout the region, including Montgomery County. Check out a bike and return it to any station near your destination. Single trip, daily and yearly memberships are available. The first 30 minutes of each trip is free. Visit the Bikeshare location map here. Virtual Public Hearing on the Proposed Abandonment of a Public Alley off Bayard Boulevard in Bethesda On Wednesday, Sept. 21 starting at 1 p.m., MCDOT will hold a virtual public hearing on the proposed abandonment of a public alley on the basis that there is no current or anticipated future public use. The public will have an opportunity to present oral or written testimony. Online registration is required by 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 16 to attend. Learn more here. Fall Cleaning of 21 Montgomery County-Owned Public Parking Garages in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton is Underway MCDOT’s Division of Parking Management began its Spring washdown of all 21 County-owned parking garages in Silver Spring, Bethesda and Wheaton. The washings began in the Silver Spring garages and will end in the Wheaton garages on Nov. 3. MCDOT performs spring and fall washdowns during nights and weekends to keep garages clean and help keep grease, oil and debris out of local waterways. Regular cleanings prevent deterioration from prolonged exposure to salt, sand, oils, gas, dirt, pollen and leaves. Some garages will experience partial closures, including select entrance/exit areas and ramps. View the schedule and learn more here. Councilmember Friedson Holds Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Walk Along Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda  On the morning of Friday, Sept. 9 Councilmember Andrew Friedson along with transportation partners conducted a walk along Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda in response to recent tragedies. Old Georgetown Road is a state road managed by the Maryland Department of Transportation – State Highway Administration (MDOT-SHA). Roadways that have numbers assigned to them are owned and managed by the state, MDOT-SHA. Robert Dyer Blog Promotes Activation of New Crossing Signals at Bethesda Row in Downtown Bethesda Cyclists now have their own signal. MCDOT has installed and activated the bike crossing signals at the intersection of Bethesda and Woodmont Avenues by Bethesda Row. Learn more here. Montgomery County Climate Action Annual Report Highlights Accomplishments Montgomery County has released its first Climate Action Plan Annual Report, a work plan detailing the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) accomplishments and Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) plans to combat climate change. The report highlights 75 accomplishments in the first year since the plan was released in June 2021. The Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a strategic plan to cut community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80 percent by 2027 and 100 percent by 2035, compared to 2005 levels. The plan also seeks to reduce climate-related risks to the County’s residents, businesses and the built and natural environment. Learn more here. Purple Line Work Resumes in Montgomery County The purple line is a project of the Maryland Department of Transportation. When finished, the 16-mile light rail line will connect job centers and densely populated neighborhoods in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, providing access to employment opportunities, the University of Maryland’s flagship campus in College Park, four Metro lines, MARC and Amtrak. Read the Patch article here.  Lymphoma Research Foundation Annual Bike Ride on Rustic Road in Upper Montgomery County on Sunday, Oct. 3 The Lymphoma Research Foundation is hosting its annual Bike Ride to raise awareness and funds to fight lymphoma and improve the quality of life for lymphoma survivors. The public can sign up here to attend. There will be three route options available at 10, 25 and 40 miles. The ride starts at Barnesville School and goes through Poolesville, Dickerson, Beallesville, around Sugarloaf Mountain, up to Boyds and back to Barnesville. Montgomery County’s Rustic Road committee will be onsite to talk about and promote rustic roads. Rustic roads are adoptable under MCDOT’s Adopt A Road program. Smart EV Chargers Eligible for County Tax Credits Montgomery County provides a tax credit of up to $250 per household each year for devices that reduce demand for conventional fuels. If you installed a home EV charger in the last 12 months or install one going forward, you can claim the tax credit by filling out an online form here. New Bay Bridge Span: Marylanders Can Give Feedback As Talks Progress by Friday, Oct. 14 Maryland may eventually build a third span of the Bay Bridge. The state asked residents to share their thoughts as the proposal advances. Planners hope these extra lanes would relieve some congestion around one of the state's biggest bottlenecks. Read the Patch article here. MDOT MTA Brings Real-Time Train Arrival Information to Light Rail Real-time tracking is now available on all MDOT MTA fixed-route services. All MDOT MTA fixed-route services now offer up-to-the-minute information for passengers. The deployment of real-time information on light rail simplifies multi-modal travel by improving riders’ ability to plan connections to Local Bus, Metro Subway or MARC Train. Read the Mass Transit article here. Hogan's Plan To Widen Capital Beltway, I-270 Gets Key Federal Approval The Federal Highway Administration issued a “record of decision” in the project's application process, the final step in the federal government's National Environmental Policy Act review phase of the project. Read the Patch article here. METRO NEWS Planned Metro Red Line Service Track Work Update From Saturday, Sept. 17 to Sunday, Sept. 18 there will be single tracking between Forest Glen and Silver Spring. From Monday, Sept. 19 to Thursday, Sept. 22 red line will be single tracking between Silver Spring and Forest Glen after 10 p.m. for leak mitigation. Metro Extends Customer Service Hours to Seven Days a Week Metro's customer service team has expanded its hours and is now open on weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. During the week, customer service hours will be extended by an hour (Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.). MetroBus Adjusts Some Routes to Better Serve Customers and Improve Safety Metro implemented service adjustments on more than a dozen routes across the District, Maryland and Virginia. Wait times between buses will change by only a few minutes. The adjustments will allow metro to better allocate resources across the Metrobus network and minimize the inconvenience to customers. Wait times between buses will change by only a few minutes. Glenmont Metro Station Temporary Bus Bay Relocations Started Monday, Sept. 12 WMATA’s Glenmont bus canopy rehabilitation project will be closing two bus bays at a time to replace the skylights and do structural work. The project will be completed in 4 phases of bay closures and is scheduled to be completed on July 5, 2023. For Phase 1, Bus Bays A and B will be closed until early November. Riders are asked to follow signs at the station. Learn more here. Wheaton Metro Station Temporary Bus Bay Relocations for Pavement Rehabilitation Sections of the WMATA bus loop will be closed for five months. During each phase of the work, a different set of bus bays will be closed, and routes will be served by temporary bus stops or alternative bus bays. This project will result in an improved experience for Metro and Ride On customers. Learn more here. Metro to Implement Five Station Name Changes; White Flint Metro Station Becomes North Bethesda Metro Station Metro implemented five station name changes on signage and maps across the system as requested by local jurisdictions and approved by the Metro Board of Directors. The White Flint Metro Station in Bethesda is now known as the North Bethesda Metro Station. Customers will see immediate changes on digital maps throughout rail stations and on bus displays as well as on wmata.com, Trip Planner, and Next Arrivals. Destination signs on Metrobuses and announcements also will recognize new station names. Work in Progress on Installation of New Escalators at the Silver Spring Metro Station As part of customer improvements at the Silver Spring Station, Metro is replacing five entrance escalators with brand-new escalators that are more durable and reliable. Work has begun at the north entrance between East-West Highway and Second Ave. The entrance is closed for approximately four months during construction. Metrorail service will not be impacted and customers will be able to access the station via the escalator and elevator at the south entrance closest to the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center. Metrorail Ridership Survey Underway Now Through November Through the end of November, Metrorail customers will be asked to complete ridership surveys that will help ensure future policy decisions reflect customer needs. Metro staff will be distributing paper surveys at various stations across the system, and completed surveys can be put in drop boxes at metro stations. Learn more here. Metro 7000-Series Trains Making Comeback Metro returned more of its newest trains to service on Monday, Sept. 12. The 7000-series trains were removed from service in October 2021 after the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) found safety issues.  With the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission’s approval, Metro’s updated return to service plan allows the agency to safely operate up to 20 of its 7000-series trains per day, up from the current limit of eight trains. States Play a Central Role in the EV Charger Buildout State and local officials should get an idea in the coming weeks of how the federal government plans to roll out one of its biggest programs for building a national electric vehicle charging network. Every state has submitted a proposal for how it plans to fulfill the national requirements, but the federal government is still firming up guidelines for the five-year effort. Read the Route Fifty article here. How Self-Driving Vehicles Took a Major Step Forward This Summer Within a few short weeks this summer, the prospect of self-driving vehicles has advanced from science fiction trials to reality, raising complex political and ethical issues as governments and manufacturers race to lead this potentially lucrative market. Read the Global Fleet article here. E-bike, E-Scooter Use Recovering After Pandemic Decline, NABSA Shared Micromobility Report Finds Though COVID-19 took its toll, the trade group for shared micromobility providers says 2021 data shows the industry is emerging stronger. Read the Smart Cities Dive article here. For more information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot and subscribe to receive MCDOT news to your email inbox or mobile phone. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022 Save the Date for MCDOT's Annual Bike Drive on Friday, Oct. 14 A bicycle donation event sponsored by MCDOT will provide bicycles for kids and adults in need. Bikes will be collected from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m., outside of the Council Office Building parking garage at the corner of East Jefferson Street and Monroe Street in Rockville. Donated child and adult bikes will be accepted. The drive will also accept bike parts. Residents may also donate financially to the program. Tax receipts will be available for all donations. MCDOT is Hiring Ride On Bus Operators Stop by the job fair on Wednesday, Sept. 21 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Long Branch Community Recreation Center at 8700 Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring to submit your application and talk about the position. MCDOT is looking for dynamic individuals with a passion for public service, at any stage of their career. No experience is necessary. MCDOT offers the following benefits: Competitive Starting Salary Paid Commercial Driver’s License Training Paid Holidays, Annual and Sick Leave Retirement Benefits Health Insurance Ongoing Professional Development  Career Path for Advancement Learn more here. September is National Preparedness Month National Preparedness Month raises awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. Check these preparedness tips and sign up for Alert Montgomery. Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 18- 24 Child Passenger Safety week offers a great chance for parents and retailers to brush up on baby-proof safety standards and tips. Here you can find information on how to find the right car seat, install it correctly, and keep your child safe in one. You can find child safety seat events or book free appointments and safety checks with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services here. MCDOT Continues to Sponsor Free E-Scooter Safety Training Classes for Individuals 18+ Participants can take a test ride, learn safety tips and get details on basic e-scooter laws. Drop by anytime during the two-hour class. No registration is required to attend and walk-ups are welcome. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license or ID. Learn more here. The next class is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Montgomery College Campus in Rockville. National Drive Electric Week Begins Friday, Sept. 23 From Friday, Sept. 23 to Sunday, Oct. 2 this nationwide celebration raises awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. Are you considering going electric? Search for an event near you here. MCDOT Participates in Community Events This Month Drive Electric Poolesville Day on Saturday, Sept. 17 Over 250 electric vehicles will be on display. Test drive and informational seminars, 5k run/walk, free raffles and an LED light bulb exchange, as well as a parade and street festival. MCDOT’s Pedestrian Safety team will be promoting safe walking, biking and driving and distributing safety tips and giveaways.  MCDOT will provide Ride On electric shuttle bus service during this event.  Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival, Sunday, Sept. 25 The festivities will take place in the new Wheaton town center (Marian Fryer Town Plaza) on Reedie Drive in Downtown Wheaton. MCDOT's Safe Routes to School (SRTS) staff will distribute SRTS program literature and reflective gear. Burtonsville Day Celebration and Parade on Saturday, Sept. 25 Food, vendors, live music, and activities and games for all ages, and the parade will begin at 10 am at Paint Branch High School. MCDOT's Ride On staff will join other vendors and activities after the parade at 11 a.m. to distribute information on the Flash and Flex bus service.  Old Columbia Pike will be closed from Old Briggs Chaney Road (Paint Branch High School) to Marilyn J. Praisner Library between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. for the parade.  Celebrate Walk Maryland Day on Wednesday, Oct. 5 Walk Maryland Day is a celebration of our state's official exercise and a call to action to support safe walking and walkability. You can join by registering to walk as a Walk Leader in your community. Walk Leaders are to encourage anyone who enjoys walking and wants to help others realize the benefits this healthy activity can bring to join them on a walk.  MCDOT Continues to Build Protected Bike Lanes in Bethesda A ribbon cutting is planned once the construction is complete in late fall. Have You Taken Any Photos While Biking Anacostia Trails? To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the Anacostia Watershed Community Advisory Committee (AWCAC) invites you to explore the Anacostia and photograph your favorite things about the river, its tributaries, and the watershed that sustains it Submit your photos by Friday, Sept. 16 for the chance to win up to $150. Learn more here. Montgomery County Launches Online Tool to Help Older Adult Residents Find Transportation Providers Montgomery County recently launched a new online tool to help older adult residents find volunteer ride providers to help them get where they need to go, when they need to get there.  Did you know? MCDOT offers alternate transportation options for seniors and persons with disabilities, including free Ride On bus rides and free taxi service to COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites. Buckle Up - Seat Belts Saves Lives They can only save lives if they're used and there are still many people in America who don't buckle up. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of a fatal injury by 45%. This is why your community needs to know that wearing a seat belt can make the difference between life and death. Learn more here. Did You Know? Lime e-scooters have a 'Training Mode' riders can select, that's designed to make your first ride on a Lime Bike smoother and more comfortable. Learn more here. Call 311 to Get it Done To report debris blocking the road or the sidewalk, street light or signal outages, potholes and more, contact MC311 Customer Service Center by calling 311 in the County or 240-777-0311, 711 for MD Relay TTY, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., follow on Twitter @311MC311 or submit your request online at montgomerycountymd.gov/311. Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.