MCDOT encourages Montgomery County residents 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.
MCDOT will provide a “fare-free day” on Ride On buses. The action is coordinated with the Maryland Transit Administration who is offering free rides on Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC, Commuter Bus and Mobility service starting Friday, Sept. 22, through Sunday, Sept. 24.
Residents are invited to take the pledge to participate in Car Free Day by going car-free or car-lite 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’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 Smart Trip 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.
Residents and employees working in the County who do not have a bike available can use the Capitol Bikeshare system. Thousands of pedal bikes and e-bikes are provided throughout the region, including Montgomery County. Check out a bike and return it to any bikeshare 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.
Many shared e-scooters are also available in higher activity areas of the County for use by those taking short trips or to get to and from transit. Visit: montgomerycountymd.gov/commute and click on Bike and Scooter Sharing for more information.
Participants can take the pledge at carfreemetrodc.org/the-car-free-pledge.
