 Montgomery County Residents Encouraged to Participate in Annual ‘Car-Free Day' to be Held on Friday, September 22Montgomery 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, using public transit such as bus or rail, joining 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 Friday, 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 will provide a “fare-free day” on Ride On buses. The action is coordinated with the Maryland Transit Administration which is offering free rides on Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC, Commuter Bus and Mobility service. Learn about other transportation options 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 Metro Station. 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.
- Friendship Heights Shops at Wisconsin Place. 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.
- Germantown Transit Center. 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.
- Shady Grove Metro Station. 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.
- Silver Spring Metro Station. 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.
- Twinbrook Metro Station. 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.
- Wheaton Marian Fryer Plaza. 6:30 am to 8:30 am
- White Oak Transit Center. 6:30 - 8:30 a.m.
- Lake Forest Transit Center. 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Wheaton Marian Fryer Plaza at the Hispanic Heritage Festival. 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
 MCDOT Hosts Virtual Open House and Pop Up Events for Ride On Reimagined StudyMCDOT has announced a virtual open house to be held on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom to present a first look at the Ride On Reimagined study findings and get community feedback on proposed concept changes to the County transit network. Montgomery County residents are encouraged to register and attend to share their feedback. The ongoing Ride On Reimagined Study is a full-scale re-assessment of how the Montgomery County public transit network including Ride On, Metro Bus and rail and the future Purple Line, will operate in Montgomery County, with the goal of creating a future-focused public transportation system. MCDOT will also hold multiple pop-up events throughout October to share proposed changes to individual routes. Upcoming events include: - Monday, Oct. 2, 7 – 10 a.m. at
Germantown Transit Center - Thursday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at
Rockville Metro Station - Tuesday, Oct. 10, 7 – 10 a.m. at
Bethesda Metro Station - Wednesday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at
Shady Grove Metro
|
 Montgomery County Students Can Ride County Buses for Free with Youth Cruiser CardMCDOT recommends youth save on their transportation costs by picking up a free Youth Cruiser card available at area schools and libraries. Youth Cruiser cards offer free bus fare for all MCDOT Ride On buses, and most Metro buses operating in the County. The Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® card, which is available to Montgomery County residents ages 5 to 18 (older if still in high school), provides free rides on all Montgomery County Ride On buses, including Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex and Flash. The card also will waive fares on most Metro buses operating in the County. Value also can be added to the card for service on Metrorail and Metrobuses outside the County. Bicycles can be mounted on the front of all Ride On buses or taken aboard the Flash bus currently operating on U.S. 29/Columbia Pike, which makes using buses a friendly option for young riders. Learn more here. |
 MCDOT Announces New Flash Bus Rapid Transit WebsiteLearn about Montgomery County's Flash Bus Rapid Transit lines on the new webpage here. Flash is different from typical bus service in that it is designed to arrive every few minutes, has upgraded amenities, pre-boarding payment, priority traffic light signaling, and dedicated lanes where possible. This type of service is known nationally as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Flash also offers amenities such as level boarding for wheelchairs, strollers and bikes, easy-to-use bike racks, and free Wi-Fi and USB charging and the vehicles stop at each of the state-of-the-art stations so there is no need to pull a chord. |
 Ride On Trip Planner App Surpasses 10,000 Users in First 60 DaysThe new Ride On Trip Planner app allows for trip planning across multiple modes including Ride On buses, Metrorail and Metrobuses, scooters and Bikeshare. Additionally, it gives live reports on wait times and ridership levels for Ride On buses by utilizing a crowdsourcing information feature. The app was created in partnership with Moovit, a mobility and journey provider app. Riders can download the app from the Google Play or Apple app store. |
 Fall Cleaning of Montgomery County Public Parking Garages in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton Began on Monday, September 11 MCDOT has begun its semi-annual interior washdown to degrease and clean 21 County-owned parking garages in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton. The cleanings will occur on nights and weekends starting with Bethesda garages in September and concluding with Silver Spring garages on Saturday, Nov. 4. The full schedule of garage cleanings can be viewed here. MCDOT performs spring and fall washdowns to keep garages clean and help keep grease, oil and debris out of local waterways. Regular cleanings also prevent deterioration from prolonged exposure to salt, sand, oils, gas, dirt, pollen and leaves. |
 Elrich Seeks Applicants for Silver Spring Transportation Management District Advisory Committee Through September 20 County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill six vacancies on the Silver Spring Transportation Management District (SSTMD) Advisory Committee for three private sector employers of fewer than 50 employees (small businesses) in the district and three private sector employers of 50 or more employees (large businesses) in the district. The SSTMDAC advises the County government on all aspects of programs, management, and finances relating to the implementation of transportation demand management in the SSTMD. Learn more about Transportation Management Districts here. |
 In-Person Public Meeting on the Norfolk Avenue Streetery Planning Study to be Held on Wednesday, September 20Starting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, MCDOT will hold an in-person public meeting at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, Wisconsin Room, located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda to discuss and gather community feedback on possible long-term improvements to the Norfolk Ave. Streetery area. This meeting will allow MCDOT to share the recommended alternative for the long-term future of Norfolk Avenue. The current design is still very preliminary and is at the concept stage. The ultimate goal of the effort is to find ways to support a permanent streetery along Norfolk Avenue and improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety in the corridor. Learn more here. |
 Virtual Public Hearing to Be Held on the Petition to Permanently Close the Public Right of Way at the Westbard Avenue Intersection at River Road in Bethesda on Tuesday, September 19 Starting at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 19, MCDOT will hold a virtual public hearing on the petition to permanently close the public right of way at the NW terminus of Westbard Ave. Intersection at River Rd. in Bethesda. The petition was submitted by the 5500 Westbard Avenue Block Civic Association (the “Applicant”), pursuant to the 2016 Westbard Sector Plan. The Applicant is requesting permanent closure of the public right of way from all vehicular traffic, including emergency vehicles, at the intersection. The petition also requests that a temporary closure remain in place until a permanent closure can be installed. Online registration is required by 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 15. On the morning of the hearing, an email with a Zoom link will be sent to registrants. Written testimony carries the same weight as oral testimony. Testimony and information provided will become a matter of public record. Learn more here. |
 Montgomery County Executive to Hold ‘Community Conversations’ to Seek Input on Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, along with the County’s regional services offices and community partners will host 10 Community Conversations from September through December to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. Learn more and view dates and locations here. County Alcohol Services Launch Campaign to Curb Underage Drinking Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) announced a new ad campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking. Public service advertisements can be found on Ride On bus shelters ads are near high schools and Ride On bus taillights. The ads will run for six weeks and include a QR code that can be scanned for suggestions on how best to reduce under-21 alcohol use. Learn more here. |
 Metro Increased Red Line Service on Monday, September 11 Metro has launched its eleventh service increase since last summer with more frequent Red Line service. Trains will run more frequently between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The exact times of peak service will vary by station, the agency said in a press release. Weekend Track Work and Maintenance on the Red Line to Close Four Stations This weekend, Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17, Metro will close four stations on the Red Line to perform track work. To accommodate this work the Shady Grove, Rockville, Twinbrook and North Bethesda stations will be closed, with free shuttle buses replacing trains. Learn more here. Metro Launches an Income-Qualified Fare Program, Metro Lift Metro customers can enroll in Metro Lift, an income-qualified reduced fare program that was announced in July and provides a 50 percent discount on Metrorail and Metrobus fares for customers who qualify. The discount will reduce the cost of a bus trip to just $1 and rail fare to as little as $1 and no more than $3 depending on how far you travel. Customers who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Maryland, Virginia, and DC qualify and can enroll at wmata.com/MetroLift. Learn more here. Metro Introduces 'Kids Ride Free' Lanes to Help D.C. Students Use Metro to Get to School Students will see ‘Kids Ride Free’ signage directing them to use specific faregates at Metrorail stations most used by school children. Station Managers will be on hand to help students who may have issues with their Kids Ride Free SmarTrip cards. Learn more here. Metro to Shut Down Red Line Service at Three Stations in December for Critical Repairs and Upgrades On Monday, Dec. 18, Metro will begin a two-week construction project on the Red Line to perform critical safety repairs to the tunnel and track infrastructure, upgrade signal and communications systems, and install new platform edge lights. During construction, Red Line service will be unavailable at Farragut North, Metro Center, and Gallery Place stations with free shuttle buses replacing trains from Monday, Dec. 18 through Saturday, Dec. 30. While the Red Line is closed, service will continue to be available on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines on the lower level at Metro Center and Green and Yellow line on the lower level at Gallery Place. In addition, Judiciary Square Station will be closed from Friday, Dec. 22, through Sunday, Dec. 24. Learn more here. |
 MDOT SHA to Hold Virtual Meeting on Chevy Chase Area River Road Safety Study on Thursday, September 21 The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will host a virtual public meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. to share information and answer questions about the MD 190 (River Road) Corridor Safety Study. The study is examining ways that pedestrian and bicyclist safety can be improved along approximately 4,000 feet of MD 190 in the Chevy Chase area from Springfield Drive to Little Falls Parkway. The limits of the study include multiple driveways and intersections. The corridor study and needs analysis began in February 2023 and the team expects the study to be completed by fall 2023. MD 190 is a State-maintained road. Residents are encouraged to provide comments and ask questions before and after the meeting by email at MD190corridor@mdot.maryland.gov. Residents Encouraged to Provide Input On MDOT’s Maryland Transportation Plan “The Playbook” The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) recently concluded its initial internal and external engagement for the 2050 Maryland Transportation Plan (MTP), which is Maryland’s long-range transportation plan and is being referred to as the “The Playbook.” The Playbook provides more than 75 strategies to guide the state's transportation vision and investment priorities successfully for years to come. MDOT is passing “The Playbook” to the public for review and comment. The public can provide feedback until Monday, Nov.20 online here or by email at MDOTMTP@mdot.maryland.gov. Governor Moore Announces Path Forward for Future of I-495, I-270 Corridors On Monday, Aug. 21, Governor Wes Moore announced a path forward in addressing mobility and access challenges along the American Legion Bridge, I-495 and I-270, with the submission of a formal federal grant application for improvements to those corridors. This application advances a critical piece of the Moore-Miller program for multimodal enhancements in the Washington region along the I-495 and I-270 corridors. Learn more here. Read the Montgomery County Executive's response here. |
 Grants Available for Businesses Affected by Purple Line Construction Through Saturday, September 30 Montgomery County officials announced Phase III of its grants program that provides funding support for small businesses affected by the construction of the Purple Line. The Maryland Department of Commerce has provided a grant of $815,000 to support this grant program. Applications will be accepted online through Saturday, Sept. 30. Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP) Launches New Community Grant Program The new community grant program entitled Beyond the Rails will provide financial support for local groups working to improve our local communities. PLTP, the State of Maryland’s partner on the Purple Line, is sponsoring and wholly funding the Beyond the Rails grant program to support organizations working to improve communities along the Purple Line corridor. Please visit the Beyond the Rails webpage for additional details and to access a simple-to-complete application form. Please note the deadline for groups to submit applications for the initial group of grants is Thursday, Nov. 30. Read the MOCO36 article here. |
 HOV Enforcement Ramps Up on I-66 Outside the Capital Beltway in Virginia Virginia State Police have ramped up enforcement on I-66. Learn more here. Maryland Seeks Federal Grant to Rebuild American Legion Bridge, I-495 Toll Lanes Learn more here. Virginia Studies Adding Beltway Express Lanes From Springfield to Maryland The Virginia Department of Transportation is studying whether to add more express lanes to the Virginia side of the Beltway. The lanes would run from Springfield through Alexandria and across the Potomac River to Maryland. The study also looks at the possibility of extending Metro across the Wilson Bridge to the National Harbor area. A decision on whether or not to build the lanes is expected next year. Learn more here. Laurel MARC Station is Closed for 10 Weeks for Platform Replacement The closure started Monday, Aug. 21 for a project that will replace both platforms, stairs and ramps at the station. The closure is scheduled to last until Sunday, Oct. 29. Learn more here. |
 NHTSA Proposes Seat Belt Warning System Expansion to Encourage Drivers and Passengers to Buckle Up The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a proposed rule that requires automobile manufacturers to equip vehicles with seat belt use warning systems for the right front passenger and rear seats to increase seat belt use. Learn more here. |
 Child Passenger Safety Week is September 20-26According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half (46%) of car seats are misused. This safety campaign is dedicated to helping parents and caregivers make sure their children ride as safely as possible - every trip, every time. Learn more at nhtsa.gov/right-seat. Did You Know? Montgomery County residents can schedule a free in-person or virtual car seat check. View resources, tips and schedule a seat belt check on Montgomery County's Fire and Rescue Service's website here. |
 On the Rebound: Micromobility Makes a Full Recovery from COVID-19 About 157 million trips were taken with micromobility devices in 2022, mirroring the level of ridership in 2019. The increase seems to indicate a full recovery from the steep pandemic downturn. The scooters and bikes are back. Those rentable e-scooters and bikes are an indisputable presence on the American urban landscape, serving as low-carbon options for millions of trips. Read the Gov Tech article here. |
 AAA Report: Annual Ownership Costs for New Cars Up to $12,000 A new report from AAA’s Your Driving Costs has found that owning and operating a new vehicle costs more than $12,000 a year. The sharp increase comes from higher car prices and financing rates. Read the Transportation Today article here. |
 For more information on MCDOT projects and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot and subscribe to receive the latest MCDOT news to your mobile phone or email inbox. |
