A Ride On Guide to Montgomery County Parks

Montgomery County residents are taking every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors before winter weather arrives. Montgomery County has a great selection of parks to enjoy - many of which are easily accessible no matter where in the county you reside. 

If you and your family need to get out of the house and into nature this fall, Ride On is ready to help get you there. Read below for a selection of the area's parks and which Ride On routes you can take to get you there.

• Wheaton Regional Park:
  
  Visit Wheaton Regional Park in Silver Spring for fun for every member of your family. This park features multiple playground structures, lots of walking trails, sports fields and venues, and even a dog park. Take the kids for a ride on the carousel or ride the miniature train to see holiday decorations for a day they'll be begging to repeat. Feeling festive? The Wheaton Ice Arena has open skate times to make you feel like the holidays have come to stay. Take Ride On Routes 31 or 9 for access to this fun-filled spot.
  
  
• Cabin John Regional Park: 
  
  Cabin John Regional Park attractions include various athletic fields, tennis on both indoor and lighted outdoor courts, and even ice skating in any weather at the fully enclosed Cabin John Ice Rink. Visitors can become entranced by a ride on the model train, spend the afternoon relaxing with family and friends at various picnic and playground areas. Want to camp without leaving the city? The Robert C. McDonell Campground offers seven walk-in primitive sites. Take Ride On Route 37 to arrive right in the middle of the park, no parking spot necessary. 
  
  
• Seneca Creek State Park: 
  
  Seneca Creek State Park spans 6,300 acres, including the 90-acre Clopper Lake. Picnicking, boat rentals, trails and a tire playground are just some of its recreational opportunities. A restored 19th century cabin and a self-guided path interpret the history of the area. Over 50 miles of trails are open for hiking, horseback riding and bicycling which wind through a variety of habitat. To visit Seneca Creek State Park, take Ride On Routes 61, 71, 74, or 78.
  
  
• Rock Creek Regional Park: 
  
  Rock Creek Regional Park stretches across approximately 1,800 acres and includes the 75-acre Lake Needwood and the  55-acre Lake Frank. Meander along 13 miles of trails through woodlands and along the lake shores, or go picnicking, fishing, or boating while viewing the many species of resident wildlife. Other park amenities include playgrounds, Needwood Boat Rental and Snack Bar, Meadowside Nature Center, and lake tours on the Needwood Queen. Take Ride On Route 53 (or 59 if you like to hike) to visit this gem. 
  
  
• South Germantown Recreational Park: 
  
  South Germantown Recreational Park is one of Montgomery Parks’ most active parks. The large park offers a variety of activities to choose from, including hiking, biking, archery, miniature golf, swimming, soccer, picnicking, and adventure play, to name just a few. Whether you're a BMX biker or a cricket player, South Germantown Recreational Park has something for everyone. Ride On Route 98 passes directly through the center of this park, getting you right where you want to go.

Ride On bus fare is only $1 and monthly passes are $22.50 using SmarTrip, cash, or tokens. Seniors age 65 or older, persons with disabilities and youth ages 18 and under all ride free using specialized SmartTrip cards.

Riders can plan trips online using the free Ride On Trip Planner App. 

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. In addition, information is available at rideonbus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts, or by 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 Employee Spotlight Interview - Innocent Nartey

 

Tell us how long you have been with MCDOT and describe your career path within MCDOT.

I have been with the county for a total of 25 years. I drove a Ride On bus from 1998 to 2008. I went to the Finance Department for 6 years. I returned to MCDOT in 2014 as a Transit Operations Supervisor, until my recent promotion to Program Manager II

Please describe the day-to-day activities pertaining to your work.

I monitor the activities of the front desk, making sure all runs are covered and on time, minimize missed trips, handle safety issues at the depot, approve operator leave, assign work to substitute operators and prepare the relief board.

Please provide some examples of your role’s direct impact on Ride On operations.

I help new operators get to know the job. I also make sure each operator has a run (what routes they are driving that day) and is comfortable with what he or she is doing.

What are the most challenging parts of your job?

One of the most challenging parts of my job is making sure all runs are covered when operator callouts increase suddenly.

What is the best part of your job?

I love getting to work with people from different countries and different cultures.

What experience and personal characteristics are the best matches for this job?

In this position knowing how to manage people is very important, as well as knowing how to stay calm in stressful situations. 

If you are interested in working for the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, search 'Transportation' for job openings here. 

A Conversation on Bus Shelter Maintenance with Ride On Passenger Facilities Manager Wayne Miller

What amenities can passengers expect to find at Ride On bus shelters? 

A typical bus shelter is internally lit, has seating for up to 4 persons and has a significantly larger waiting area than a typical bus stop. Shelters also have larger trash cans. A select few shelters also have Realtime information screens with some having on-call audio announcements of routes and arrival information via a push button.

How does Ride On select locations for bus shelters, and what factors are considered in the process?

Locations are typically selected based on average daily boardings (>50), and the needs of vulnerable community members such as schools and senior residences. However, location selections are dependent on the availability of sufficient public right of way to allow for the larger footprint of a bus shelter and its related amenities.

Can you explain the process of creating new bus stops and shelters for areas that currently lack them?

New bus stops are usually driven by community activity and the availability of sufficient public right of way to construct ADA-compliant access and waiting areas for transit users. Typically rural areas may have greater distances between bus stops, followed by suburbs, with urban areas likely to have bus stops at each block to minimize the conflict between users and traffic. Ideally, bus stops are placed at intersections, before or after depending on turning movements, close to street lighting and accessible by sidewalk. The primary difference between siting of a regular bus stop verses a shelter is the space available.

Are there plans to expand the number of bus shelters in the area?

Since the end of the County’s franchise agreement in 2019, the County has lost 24 bus shelters which would be our first priority for replacement once funding became available. The next plan would be to provide shelters across the educational institutions that are currently without, followed by other locations on a case-by-case basis. The current 490 shelters are approximately 11-15 years old and will need to be replaced on a phased basis as many are beyond their useful life and would exceed the cost of a new shelter to repair.

What’s the significance of knee walls in bus shelter design, and how do they benefit passengers?

Knee walls are a creative solution to inadequate funding for bus stop furniture. They serve the purpose of delineating the bus stop, protects users from a change in grade behind the bus stop, and also provide an solid surface for seating.

How does Ride On ensure the maintenance and cleanliness of bus shelters? 

Ride On currently has a maintenance contract for repairs and cleaning of the bus shelters on a weekly basis, with monthly power washing, quarterly sanitization as well as landscaping as needed. In addition, we also leverage another contractor to provide trash collection at all the county-maintained bus shelters and numerous bus stops.

Ride On bus fare is only $1 and monthly passes are $22.50 using SmarTrip, cash, or tokens. Seniors age 65 or older, persons with disabilities and youth ages 18 and under all ride free using specialized SmartTrip cards.

Riders can plan trips online using the free Ride On Trip Planner App. 

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. In addition, information is available at rideonbus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts, or by 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 Newsletter - NOVEMBER 2023

 

NOVEMBER 2023 MCDOT NEWS MCDOT Begins Leaf Vacuum Collection in Specific Areas MCDOT began its annual leaf vacuuming program on Monday, Nov. 6, and will continue collections through December in specified areas. There will be two collections on each collection district street. The leaf vacuum collection district is bounded by I-495; I-270; the Rockville City limits; Norbeck, Bel Pre and Bonifant roads; Northwest Branch Park; and the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County lines. Before collection begins in a neighborhood, MCDOT will post signs along streets directing residents to the online leaf collection map for collection information. The map and collection information can also be found online on the MCDOT Leaf Collection webpage. Residents are asked to pile leaves near the street but off the road. They should avoid placing leaves on road shoulders, curbs, bike lanes and rain gardens as leaves in these areas can disrupt traffic, negatively impact stormwater drainage, hamper snow removal operations and become a fire hazard for automobiles parked over them. Leaf piles in the street also limit the availability of residential parking and, especially when wet, can pose a hazard for cyclists and pedestrians. “Last leafing season, crews collected nearly 114,000 cubic yards of leaves,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The leaves are mulched and composted at a local facility and sold as a popular fertilizer called Leafgro, which is sold in area hardware stores. Profits generated by these sales go back into the leafing program, reducing the cost to affected residents.” Learn more here. Montgomery County Bike Drive Collects Nearly 300 Bicycles MCDOT is connecting people in the County who have a bike to donate with people who need one. On Friday, Oct. 20, MCDOT collected 290 bicycles at its annual one-day bike collection event in Rockville. MCDOT sponsored the collection of child and adult bikes in partnership with Rockville Bike Hub and Bikes for the World. Volunteers from the organizations will refurbish the bikes and place them with children and adults in need through Bikes for the World, the MCDOT Bike Match Program and the Rockville Terrific Kids program. This was the fifth year that MCDOT sponsored a bike drive (no events were held during the two years of the COVID-19 health crisis). In those five years, the drives have resulted in the collection of more than 1,050 bikes. MCDOT operates a bike match program year-round through the BikeMatchMoCo program. Bikes donated must be in ready-to-ride condition and should be cleaned and sanitized before drop-off. Residents who wish to donate or receive a bike can do so by filling out the online form on MCDOT’s BikeMatchMoCo website. Once a donated bike has been matched to a recipient, an MCDOT representative will facilitate the donation and pickup. The bike donation deliveries are conducted separately, and all information is confidential. MCDOT Receives $2 Million Grant to Conduct Bus Rapid Transit Study That Will Serve as Blueprint for Washington Metropolitan Region MCDOT has been awarded a $2 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (RIA) program to support the expansion of the Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network in the County through a new research partnership with the University of Maryland. Administered by the USDOT Build America Bureau, RIA provides funding for research of best practices in project planning, studies and analysis, preliminary engineering and design. The project will serve as a blueprint for the region. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems are part of a national movement toward upgraded bus systems focused on faster, more convenient and reliable bus services. BRTs are known to have limited-stop bus service implemented along set routes in metropolitan areas across the U.S. and worldwide. Flash is Montgomery County’s BRT system and includes plans for a network of eight fixed routes.   The high-frequency service is designed to get people to their destination faster, and less expensively, than by car. Flash corridors spur development as businesses and housing tend to spring up along BRT routes creating or fortifying vibrant mixed-use communities. The lines will support a high level of mobility, connecting communities throughout the County.  Funding from the grant will be used to research and establish best practices in financing and project planning for the expansion of the Flash BRT corridors in Montgomery County. Learn more here. MCDOT Continues Ride On Reimagined Efforts The Ride On Reimagined Study is a comprehensive, forward-looking assessment of Montgomery County’s transportation network. This study is taking an in-depth look at the County’s existing and planned transit systems, including Metrobus and the Purple Line. Through data analysis and community engagement, the study will provide recommendations for system-wide bus service changes, including Ride On and Metrobus routes operating in Montgomery County, to address the current and future needs of the community. The final report will be released early next year. Please consider providing feedback on ways transportation changes will better impact you and your community, online here through Wednesday, Nov. 15. MCDOT PROMOTES SAFETY It's Getting Darker Earlier; Use Caution While Traveling Getting darker earlier raises safety risks for pedestrians and bicyclists. As the days become shorter, with less daylight, it's important that drivers take extra caution while commuting.  Past records show that two-thirds of all fatal pedestrian injuries over the last four years occurred between dusk and dawn. Deer tend to be more active at dawn and dusk as well, especially during the fall season. Reduce your speed at night and use high-beam headlights when other cars are not approaching. To address the changing conditions, MCDOT continues to make infrastructure upgrades such as streetlights and crosswalks to make streets safer for all users and urges residents to look out for each other and obey the rules of the road. Here’s What to Do if You Hit a Deer with Your Vehicle Deer activity typically increases during the autumn season as the animals primarily mate and migrate in the months of October, November and December. If you hit a deer: Move your vehicle to a safe location off the road. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights. Inspect your vehicle for damage. Use flares or reflective warning devices to alert other drivers to your vehicle. Note important information and photograph damage for insurance. Report the crash to the police. Learn more here. Montgomery County High School Students Can Apply to MCDOT's ‘Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors’ Program to Improve Traffic Safety MCDOT is seeking Montgomery County high school students to serve as Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors. The project-based learning program teaches teens leadership skills, the importance of roadway design, law enforcement, outreach and engagement techniques to address traffic safety needs in their community. Applications are being accepted from Monday, Nov. 13, through Friday, Dec. 15. Interested public, private and home-schooled high school students can learn about the program and apply here.  The program supports the County’s Vision Zero Initiative, whose goal is to eliminate traffic-related severe injuries and deaths. Youth Ambassadors have an opportunity to help the County work toward the goal by becoming road safety leaders in their communities while earning up to 35 Student Service Learning credits.  Invite MCDOT’s Pedestrian Safety Team to Your Event The Ped Safety and Safe Routes to School teams are busy throughout the year attending events around the County to share important walking, biking and driving safety information in fun and engaging ways. MCDOT would love to join your next school or community event. Tell us more about your event via this brief form here. MCDOT PUBLIC MEETINGS Hybrid Public Meeting on the Old Columbia Pike / Prosperity Drive Improvements Project in White Oak to be Held on Tuesday, Nov. 14 On Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT will hold a hybrid public meeting to discuss the latest progress of the Old Columbia Pike / Prosperity Drive Improvements project in White Oak. The on-site meeting will be held in the Community Lounge of the White Oak Community Recreation Center located at 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20904. The public will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments. Online registration is required to attend virtually.  Hybrid Public Meeting on Silver Spring’s Stateside Drive Sidewalk Project for Joann Leleck Elementary School to be Held on Tuesday, Nov. 14 On Tuesday, Nov. 14, starting at 6:30 p.m., the MCDOT will hold a hybrid public meeting to discuss the construction of sidewalks adjacent to Joann Leleck Elementary School within the Oakview community on Stateside Drive from Avenel Road to Stateside Court. The sidewalk project was initiated by MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School program to provide a safe route for students walking and biking to Joann Leleck Elementary School. MCDOT encourages you to attend, share your input and provide any suggestions that may better reflect your community’s needs. Online registration is required to attend virtually.   MCDOT’s Shady Grove Road Bikeway and Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project in Gaithersburg On Monday, Nov. 6, MCDOT held a virtual public meeting to discuss the project scope, details and projected schedule. The public has until Monday, Nov. 20 to ask questions and provide feedback through this online comment form. The project provides for a facility planning study to enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and people with disabilities as they travel to nearby schools and facilities. The project will also address intersection safety and traffic calming using signage and pavement markings as well as side paths, separated bike lanes and other traffic calming methods. Public input is encouraged and may influence the design of this project.    MCDOT Accepting Public Feedback on the Wisteria Drive Germantown Multimodal Improvement Study On Wednesday, Nov. 8 MCDOT held a hybrid public information meeting. Additional comments are being accepted through Dec. 8 This is a facility planning study of multimodal improvements, such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, safety and connectivity improvements, access improvements to nearby bus stops and the Germantown MARC train station in Germantown. This project will evaluate the safety needs of pedestrians and cyclists, as well as facilitate connectivity and access improvements such as sidewalks, bike lanes and bus stops. Residents can provide feedback through this online comment form. Virtual Public Hearing on the Heritage Triangle Trail Project in Sandy Spring to be Held on Tuesday, Nov. 28 On Tuesday, Nov. 28, starting at 7 p.m., MCDOT will hold a virtual public hearing to discuss the latest plans for the Heritage Triangle Trail Project in Sandy Spring. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions. The Heritage Triangle Trail is a project to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety along Dr. Bird (MD. 182) and Norwood Roads. Public input is encouraged and may influence the design of this project. Online registration is required to attend virtually.  MCDOT to Hold In-Person Public Forum on Changes to Bus Route 76, Impacting Quince Orchard High School Bus Stop MCDOT is holding an in-person meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 5 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Quince Orchard High School cafeteria located at 15800 Quince Orchard Road in Gaithersburg. MCDOT is proposing to change the Route 76 pick-up and drop-off location.     JOIN OUR TEAM MCDOT is hiring for the following positions: Parking IRC60043 Public Service Worker III IRC57387 Capital Projects Manager Transportation Engineering IRC60306 Manager III  IRC60105 Manager III  IRC57961 Capital Projects Manager Transit IRC60020 Transit System Information Systems Technician IRC59961 Senior Transit Information Systems Technician IRC59613 Transit Analyst Traffic Engineering and Operations IRC60108 Transportation Systems Technician IRC59982 Work Force Leader III IRC59559 Engineer Technician I/II IRC59483 Traffic Management Technician I / II IRC59484 Engineer III/II/I (Fiber - Telecom) IRC59447 Engineer Technician I/II (Sign & Marking Shop) IRC58960 Senior Engineer IRC58781 Senior Planning Specialist IRC58678 Transportation Systems Technician I/II/III For details on the above job postings search "Transportation" or the IRC number online here. MCDOT Welcomes New Ride On Bus Operators MCDOT is continually hiring and training new bus operators. Bus drivers are instrumental to transportation access. Residents depend on them to get where they are going and provide a watchful eye. The latest class of Ride On bus operators graduated on Friday, Oct. 13. MCDOT’s Bus Operator training is a 6-week course that covers a variety of topics. In order to pass the course, aspiring operators must successfully complete a "Skills Pad" driving course and master customer service skills. Congratulations to the recent graduates. MCDOT is appreciative of the work that all our operators do to provide the best transportation service in the region. Brian Johnson Maryam Bilaal-Gray Robert Cathron Donald Washington Byran Greenlee Stafford Owens Richard Bright Bereket Kelbore Calvin Parker Sabir Lynch Fernando Allen, Jr. Jerome Brown Salima Randall Tilahun Faris Wisdom Adoble Imal Lama Alemayehu Weldeamanuel COUNTY NEWS   Public Meetings to Discuss  American Legion Bridge and I-270 Corridor The Maryland Department of Transportation announces a series of open house meetings to engage the public on the American Legion Bridge and 270 Corridor Program and gather community feedback as the program advances. The meetings provide the opportunity for corridor travelers, project neighbors and other stakeholders to directly engage with the program team on potential multimodal transportation solutions for the corridor. The open houses in Montgomery County will take place at: Monday, Nov. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda. Transit Accessible: WMATA Red Line, Bethesda Station; Metrobus J2; Ride On routes 29, 32, 34, 47, 70. Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m., DoubleTree Hotel, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg. Transit Accessible: Ride On routes 54, 55, 56, 59, 61. The same information will be available at each meeting. There will not be a formal presentation. Meeting materials are available at americanlegionbridge270.com. The public is strongly encouraged to participate. Electrify MC is LIVE The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protections provides residents with a one-stop option to help them electrify their homes. Electrify MC is a pilot program providing home energy audits, recommendations for electrification add-ons, and direct installations using the financial incentives available through the program.   Norfolk Avenue Streetery Reopens to Vehicle Traffic in Bethesda (Photos) The Norfolk Avenue Streetery's barricades and outdoor dining seating were temporarily removed for the winter season and reopened to vehicular traffic in Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle. Metered street parking has also resumed on both sides of the roadway. The Bethesda Urban Partnership, who manages the space, will return the Streetery in the spring   Results of Community EV Charging Survey Earlier this year, DEP surveyed the public about community EV charging. Nearly 600 respondents provided input on how Montgomery County should expand publicly accessible EV charging, including what locations, charging experiences, and help is most valuable.  Learn more about the survey results on My Green Montgomery. County Executive Elrich’s Next ‘Community Conversation’ on Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget on Monday, Nov. 13, Will Focus on Silver Spring Area Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, along with the County’s regional services offices and community partners, is hosting a series of “Community Conversations” to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. The next conversation will be from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Learn more here HOLIDAY NEWS MonsterFlash and Ped Safety Celebrate Halloween The Monster Flash bus made an appearance this Halloween at the annual Germantown 5th Police and Fire Station and HalloWheaton. The bus was decorated on the inside with fun monsters, spider webs, lights and more. Families enjoyed walking through the festive bus and learning about the Flash Bus Rapid Transit system that is planned across the county.   ﷟ Special thanks to the 5th District Police & Fire Stations, and the Wheaton Urban District for having us! View photos of Monster Flash at these events here. Transportation Schedule for the Veterans Day Holiday, Nov. 10-11  MCDOT - Closed. Ride On bus service - Holiday schedule on Nov. 10; Saturday schedule on Nov. 11.  Ride On extRa and Flex bus services - Holiday schedule on Nov. 10; not in service on Nov. 11. Ride On Flash bus service - Orange Route operates on a Weekend and Holiday schedule. TRiPS commuter store at Silver Spring Transit Center - Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10; closed Nov. 11. TRiPS mobile commuter store - Closed. Public parking in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton - Free. Take Ride On Bus to Winter Events in Montgomery County View a list of holiday happenings from music performances to community gatherings here. Take the Ride On bus! Use the Trip Planning app to find a bus stop near you.   Transportation Schedule for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Nov. 25 MCDOT - Closed. Ride On bus service - Sunday schedule. View bus schedules here. Ride On extRa and Flex bus services - Not in service. Ride On Flash bus service - Orange Route operates on a Weekend and Holiday schedule. TRiPS commuter store at Silver Spring Transit Center - Closed. TRiPS mobile commuter store - Closed. Public parking in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton - Free. MCDOT to Participate in Montgomery County’s Thanksgiving Parade at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring on Saturday, Nov. 18 The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will usher in the holiday season in Downtown Silver Spring. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. for one mile along Ellsworth Drive, to and along Georgia Avenue, ending at Spring Street.  Come out and enjoy the marching bands, dancing groups, glittering floats and special appearances by Santa and his elves. Be sure to watch out for MCDOT’s Flash bus, Mobile Commuter Store and Zeal the pedestrian safety Zebra! Winter Wonderland Returns Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Norfolk Avenue Streetery in Downtown Bethesda Celebrate the holiday season with Santa Claus, live ice sculpting, live music, face painting, games and more. Be sure to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.   Winter Wonderland takes place from 1 - 4 p.m. on Norfolk Avenue, between St. Elmo and Cordell Streets.  Veterans Day Approaches on Saturday, Nov. 11: County Joins ‘Operation Green Light,’ Ceremonies Will be Held as Tribute to County Veterans As Veterans Day approaches on Saturday, Nov. 11, Montgomery County has joined the national “Operation Green Light” salute to veterans. The program asks for displays of a green light, from Nov. 6-12, in a window of businesses or residences to honor veterans. From Nov. 6-12, Montgomery County’s Memorial Plaza, which is located adjacent to the County Executive Building at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville, will be lit with green lights. Learn more here. MCDOT Reminds Residents to Plan Out Their Evenings This Thanksgiving Holiday & Never Drink and Drive During the Thanksgiving weekend, millions will hit our nation's roads, eager to gather with family and friends. It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year and the most dangerous. More people on the roadways means the potential for more vehicle crashes.  The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Eve,  – has also been known as one of the deadliest nights of the year due to heavy consumption of alcohol.  Nationally, from 2017-2021, 832 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes during the entire Thanksgiving holiday period (6 p.m. the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through 5:59 a.m. the Monday after Thanksgiving). Nationally, in 2021 there were 13,384 fatalities in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, accounting for 31% of all traffic fatalities. Follow these National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tips: Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Don't risk it. Plan ahead. If you don't have a designated driver, contact a friend or family member, use public transportation, a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. If you see a suspected drunk driver on the road call 9-1-1 to report the driver to authorities. It could save lives. Never let family or friends drive if they have had too much alcohol to drink.  MCDOT MAINTAINING THE INFRASTRUCTURE MCDOT is Making Montgomery County Safer MCDOT is responsible for building and maintaining infrastructure along County-owned roadways including sidewalks, traffic control devices and building dedicated bike lanes. The department built seven miles of sidewalk last year, installed about 20 hybrid pedestrian beacons and continues to add to the County’s 108 miles of protected bike lanes.   MCDOT Manages the County’s Tree Canopy MCDOT Division of Highway Services maintains over 250,000 trees in the dedicated county right of way and another 200,000 in rural areas. Any tree growing in a street right-of-way is a county-maintained tree.  Note that it is not always obvious where the street right-of-way ends and private property begins. The line can be several feet into a front yard beyond the edge of the sidewalk or street.  Request to Plant a Street Tree Online Request to Inspect, Remove, or Prune County Trees online MCDOT Primary/Arterial Roads Resurfacing Program New and current projects include: Brink Road, Germantown MacArthur Boulevard, Potomac MCDOT Sidewalk & Curb/Gutter Repair Replacement Program New and current projects include: Manor Lake Subdivision, Rockville Kemp Mill Estates Phase I, Silver Spring Father Hurley Boulevard, Germantown Spartan Road, Olney MCDOT Prepares for the Winter Season  MCDOT staff and crews conducted a mock snowstorm event to test out MCDOT Highway Service’s snowplow tracking system to ensure readiness for the winter season.     MCDOT Residential Roadway Repair Program New and current projects include: Aspen Hill Allanwood Subdivision Bethesda Hillmead Road Sumner Phase I  Sumner Phase II  Colesville Oak Spring Phase II Gaithersburg Goshen Hunt Hills Subdivision Lindstrom Court Potomac/Rockville Ashleigh Subdivision Prospect Drive Silver Spring Forest Glen Investment Co. Subdivision  Randolph Hills Subdivision  Tanglewood Subdivision  MCDOT Wraps up Garage Washing and Degreasing This Month  MCDOT concluded garage washing at Silver Spring garages on Saturday, Nov. 4. This includes the completion of the annual cleaning of all its County-owned parking garages in Wheaton and Bethesda. These efforts work to remove grease and oil that would otherwise end up in our waterways. MCDOT Replaces LED Lights in Wheaton Market Place Lot 13 MCDOT completed the installation of LED lights in Wheaton Market Place Lot 13 in Wheaton in mid-October. LED lights use at least 75% less energy, and last up to 25 times longer, than regular lighting.    MCDOT Completes King-13th Street Garage (Garage 16) Painting MCDOT completed painting in Garage 16 (between King and 13th Street Garage) in Silver Spring on Wednesday, Oct. 25. On Monday, Sept. 18 crews began work on Levels G1 and G2 power washed walls and floors and applied two coats of paint and striping.   METRO NEWS     Metro Closing Four Red Line Stations in December There will be no Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Gallery Place between Monday, Dec.18 and Saturday, Dec.30. The Farragut North and Metro Center upper-level stations will be closed. The service suspension and closures will enable Metro to make critical safety repairs. There will be other Red Line service disruptions between Friday, Dec. 22, and Sunday, Dec. 24: No Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Union Station. Judiciary Square station will be closed. No Red Line service at Gallery Place, and the Gallery Place entrance at Ninth & G Streets NW will be closed. Free shuttle service will be available. See additional details in the press release. Metro Reminds Customers of This Weekend’s Work Affecting Red, Blue, Silver, and Green Lines Metro is reminding customers to plan ahead if traveling on the Red, Blue, Silver, and Green metrorail lines this weekend due to planned track and construction work.  On the Red Line, trains will be single-tracking between Medical Center and Grosvenor while crews perform rail renewal and joint elimination to provide customers with a smoother ride. Trains will run every 10 minutes between Friendship Heights and Glenmont, and every 20 minutes between Friendship Heights and Shady Grove. Learn more here.  IN THE NEWS A Transformative Flash Bus Rapid Transit Plan in Montgomery County Nationally, there is a movement towards upgraded bus systems that focus on faster, more convenient, and reliable bus services, known as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. BRTs are known to have limited-stop bus service implemented along set routes in metropolitan areas across the US and worldwide. Flash is a planned bus rapid transit network with more than 100 stops along nine routes that will offer high frequency service designed to get people to their destination faster, and less expensively, than by car. Flash is different from typical bus service in that it is designed to arrive every few minutes and has upgraded amenities. Flash also offers amenities such as level boarding, easy-to-use bike racks on board, and free Wi-Fi and USB charging. The vehicles stop at each of the state-of-the-art stations so there is no need to pull a chord. These projects also bring infrastructure upgrades such as sidewalks and modern bus shelters. Public transportation plays an important role in the daily lives of Montgomery County residents and visitors, providing access to work, schools, shopping, daily activities, and more. Public transportation projects are also known to boost the local economy, lessen traffic congestion and provide sustainable, hassle-free transportation. Learn more at montgomerycountymd.gov/brt/index.html. “Ride On Reimagined” will bring Montgomery County’s Buses Into the 21st Century — If It’s Funded Over the last 50 years, Montgomery County’s Ride On bus system has turned itself into the region’s second busiest bus network, only behind Metrobus in terms of ridership. Prior to the pandemic, Ride On carried 68,000 people over 81 routes every day, about 18% of regional bus ridership; currently, ridership is at 60,000 daily according to the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT). And while Ride On has grown dramatically over the past half-century, much of its routing has remained untouched. But that is about to change. MCDOT is doing a full-scale reimagining of Ride On. Community outreach has revealed a need for more frequent and reliable service, better cross-county connections, and more flexible service. Below, we outline what those changes could be and how they may impact your ride. Read the Greater Greater Washington article here. Your Next Car Could Be an E-Bike “A few years ago, e-bikes were a novelty product. But now, over 50 shops in the DMV area are selling e-bikes,” said Gregory Maassen, the founder of E-Bike Lovers. Read the WTOP article here When it Comes to Vehicle Travel, Less is More Motor vehicle travel provides many benefits, but also imposes large costs on users and communities. With better planning people can drive less, rely more on non-auto modes, enjoy more access, and be better off overall as a result. Read the Planetizen article here. Baltimore Banner: Could the (Baltimore) Red Line Really Become Just a Rapid Bus? It’s Not That Simple Though Light Rail was selected (in Baltimore) over Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the last Record of Decision that Hogan ultimately eliminated, BRT is back on the table again. Read the Baltimore Banner article here. EV Tax Credit Will Be Simpler in 2024 With an Instant Rebate at Dealership That $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles is getting a makeover: Starting in January, buyers can apply for the credit upfront at the dealership instead of getting the money back when they file their tax returns with the IRS. Read the Marketplace article here.   Follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook, Threads and Instagram. For more information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot and subscribe to receive the latest MCDOT news to your mobile phone or email inbox.   Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.

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