Go Montgomery! Special Flash Edition - FEBRUARY 2024

 

Montgomery County Receives More Than $87 Million to Support Flash Bus Rapid Transit and Pedestrian Safety Projects from Maryland Board of Public Works Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced that the Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) approved more than $87 million in funding for pedestrian improvement projects and advancing the Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network in Montgomery County.   The State funds were allocated to the County through a General Assembly Bond Bill passed in 2022.    An additional $6 million was allocated to the MD 355 Flash BRT corridor in a Fiscal Year 2021 bond bill.  The funding also will be used as a local match for two Federal transportation grants including the Federal Small Starts Capital Investment grant for Veirs Mill Road Flash BRT and the Federal New Starts grant for MD 355 Flash BRT.   Flash is Montgomery County’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service. BRT is a limited-stop bus service that is gaining popularity in metropolitan areas across the U.S. and worldwide. BRT systems such as Flash are designed to arrive every few minutes, have upgraded amenities, pre-boarding payment, priority traffic light signaling and dedicated bus lanes where possible.   The completed Flash network will include nine routes, including a US 29 extension to Howard County, with more than 100 stops. Flash fare is the same as other County buses, $1 per ride. Seniors 65-and-over, persons with disabilities and youth 18-and-under ride County buses for free using specialized SmarTrip cards.  Learn more here. US 29 Flash is One of the Most Popular Bus Routes Have you seen the articulated Flash buses on US 29 Columbia Pike/Colesville Road? These buses run between Downtown Silver Spring and Briggs Chaney, and extends to Burtonsville on weekdays, with stops in Four Corners and White Oak along the way. The County-operated bus line began in 2020 and offers fast, convenient service running every 15 minutes all day and more frequently during rush hour. US 29 Flash has been a popular option ranking as one of the County's most utilized bus routes.  Flash operates like light rail, stopping at each of the bus stops along a fixed route. Montgomery County has plans for 9 additional Flash corridors. These projects will transform mobility options by connecting riders to activity and employment centers. The service will also improve passenger transit mobility and bicycle and pedestrian improvements along the corridors, making it easier and safer to get to Flash stations. Flash uses queue jumps and transit signal priority at select intersections to provide faster and more reliable service. Where possible, Flash will run in its own dedicated bus lanes to bypass traffic congestion. On the US 29 Flash corridor, MCDOT is currently assessing the route for dedicated bus lanes. The stations are designed to make boarding vehicles easier, improving travel time and increasing transit equity. The unique modern stations will provide weather protection, pre-payment kiosks and real-time arrival information.  Learn more at ridetheflash.com. RIDERS LOVE FLASH MCDOT Celebrates Valentine’s Day with Decorated Buses and Social Media Contest MCDOT is spreading the love during the month of February with five US 29 Flash buses decorated with pink neon heart-shaped lights in honor of Valentine’s Day. In addition to the decorated buses, MCDOT is offering residents and riders a way to send love to their Valentines, and possibly win a prize package for two. Through Wednesday, Feb. 14, residents and riders can repost a #LoveFlash Valentine to a friend on social media and tag both their valentine and @MCDOTNow for a chance to win two $50 Visa gift cards -- one for the sender, and one for their Valentine. Since Thursday, Feb. 1, #LoveFlash Valentines have been posted on RidetheFlash.com and on the @MCDOTNow X, Facebook, Instagram and Threads social media channels. The winning entry will be drawn at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 14 and announced on the @MCDOTNow social media channels at 5 p.m. The sender and the person they tagged each will win an electronic Visa gift card. Full contest rules can be found on RidetheFlash.com. On Valentine’s Day MCDOT outreach teams will visit Flash bus stops along the US 29 corridor to pass out sweet treats to riders and bus operators. Look out for us at the Silver Spring and White Oak transit centers. At full capacity, each articulated Flash bus can transport up to 90 passengers lightening resident’s carbon footprint, easing traffic congestion and making travel faster and easier.  “The Flash buses are a convenient and affordable way to reach some of Montgomery County’s most popular destinations on Valentine’s Day or anytime,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “We hope the decorated buses and engagement, online or in person, will encourage our community to try a Flash bus for their next trip along US 29 and learn more about our plans for future Flash corridors. We’re building a Flash network that will better connect riders throughout the County with faster, more convenient service."  HERE'S WHAT RIDERS ARE SAYING: TRANSIT EQUITY MCDOT Honors Rosa Parks’ Birthday and ‘Transit Equity’ Throughout February Look out for posters on Ride On buses throughout February commemorating civil rights activist Rosa Parks and her impact on transit equity. The posters have a QR code directing people to the MCDOT Transit Equity Day website. The website features information about the historical and cultural significance of Transit Equity Day and rider video testimonials on the importance of transportation access as a civil right.   Transit Equity Day is observed annually on Rosa Parks’ birthday, Feb. 4, to promote public transit as a civil right and a strategy to combat climate change.   MCDOT is currently operating 14 zero-emission buses, with a contract to purchase 100 more within three years. The zero-emission buses are part of the County’s Climate Action Plan to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from County transit by 2035.  Transit Equity Day is part of a larger recognition of the contributions of Black Americans. During Black History Month MCDOT will post a series on historical Black figures who contributed to the transportation system we know today on social media platforms and the website. Montgomery County will recognize Black employees making history today through their work, leadership and public service throughout the month on the County’s X and Facebook social media channels.  Learn more here. MCDOT Celebrates Black History Month Look out for @MCDOTNow social media posts celebrating Black inventors and engineers who have positively impacted the way we travel today. Garrett Morgan Invented the first 3-light traffic signals in 1923, leading to the “yellow light” as a caution to drivers of an upcoming stop. Isaac R. Johnson Invented an innovative bicycle frame in 1899, that could be taken apart to allow for easy storage in small places.  Meredith Gourdine Invented an exhaust purification system for vehicles, now known as the catalytic converter, in 1967 that reduces harmful carbon emissions released into the air. FLASH FLYERS For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. 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.  Ready to Ride the Flash on US 29?  The above video describes the features and amenities of the US 29 Flash service.  Did you know? One Flash vehicle can take up to 90 cars off the road. Transportation Schedule for Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 19 County Offices - Closed. Ride On, extRa and Flex - Holiday schedule. Ride On Flash Orange Line - Holiday schedule.  TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center - Open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store - Closed. Public Parking in Garages and Lots in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton - Free. Super Bowl is Sunday, Feb. 11 – Don’t Drink and Drive Download the Ride On Trip Planner App for regional public transit trip planning here. All County run buses have $1 fare. Ride On Ridership is Rising This past December ridership was up 37% from last year. The average weekday ridership for the month of December 2023 was nearly 54k which is a 37% increase over December 2022 when ridership was 39k.  Wheels are Welcome Flash provides full accessibility for wheelchairs, persons with disabilities, strollers, bikes and carts. Wheelchairs should enter through the front door. Bikes should be walked on through the backdoor and easily secured. Watch this video on how to board on wheels and this video on how to board with your bike. MCDOT is Hiring Bus Operators MCDOT is looking for dynamic individuals with a passion for public service, at any stage of their career. No experience is necessary. Benefits include: Competitive Starting Salary Paid Commercial Driver’s License Training Paid Holidays, Annual and Sick Leave Retirement Benefits Health Insurance Ongoing Professional Development  Learn more and apply at rideonbus.com/jobs. Ride On Transit Advisory Group (TAG) is Recruiting Riders With Disabilities, Bilingual Adults and High School Students Ride On is seeking applications from high school students, riders with disabilities and bilingual adults who wish to be selected as a TAG member.  TAG members receive monthly updates on Ride On events and news and meet with Ride On management staff three times a year so they can voice their opinions and give feedback on Ride On bus services. Students can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Those interested can apply online here. MCDOT Interviews Bus Riders on Transit Equity Watch interviews online here. Metro Eliminates $2 SmarTrip Card Fee for Seniors 65+ As of Tuesday, Jan. 16, Metro has been offering Senior SmarTrip cards at no cost to customers aged 65 and older. With the card, seniors can ride all County buses and most Metro buses within the County for free. Senior SmarTrip cards are available at all Montgomery County libraries, TRiPS stores, and the County Treasury office in Rockville. Please bring a valid government issues ID. Warm Rides, Cool Destinations: Explore Montgomery County with Ride On This Winter Winter is underway and Ride On is here to help you explore Montgomery County this season! Learn more about the places you can go for recreation in Montgomery County. Lose Something on the Flash Bus or Want to Give Feedback? Contact MC311 by calling 311 (or 240-777-0311or online at montgomerycountymd.gov/ 311.

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

A Ride On Guide to Montgomery County Libraries

As the weather gets colder and outside activities are no longer plentiful, Montgomery County residents look for other sources of entertainment to get them through the darker days. Luckily, the County has 21 public library locations, ensuring there's always a public library near you! Everyone knows libraries are a great place to read, but our County libraries also include a variety of internal activities, attached community centers, and so much more. 

If you and your family need to get out of the house while still staying toasty warm indoors, Ride On is ready to help get you there. Read below for a selection of the area's public libraries and which Ride On routes you can take. Before you go, visit mcpl.libnet.info/events?r=today to find an event that meets your family's needs.

Noyes Library for Young Children: Young children realize immediately that this charming one-room library in Kensington is just for them. Noyes offers books and programs specifically for early childhood, along with a comfortable space for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to read and play. To get to this branch, take Ride On Routes 4 or 33.

Rockville Memorial Library: Located in Rockville Town Square, this library offers all the programs and services library patrons have come to depend on in a convenient location. Stop in for a book or periodical while running errands or picking up dinner. To get to this branch, take Ride On Routes 45, 46, 55, or 301.

White Oak Library: Visit the White Oak branch of the Montgomery County Public Library in East County off New Hampshire Avenue. Programs cover a range of ages and interests, including story times, finance and investing seminars, and Tai Chi and Qigong classes. To get to this branch, take Ride On Route 21.

Damascus Library: Our northernmost library location, Damascus Library can be found right in the center of town. Programs at this location include games and crafts for teens, computer help and repair, and weekly bluegrass music jam sessions. To get to this branch, take Ride On Route 90.

Wheaton Library: Located off of Georgia Avenue in Wheaton, Wheaton Public Library is a destination for the whole family. The jointly housed Wheaton Community Rec Center includes activities ranging from sports, fitness, dance, music and art, while the outdoor playground is a draw for children on a rare warm winter day. An incredibly unique feature is an indoor track for walking or running. To get to this branch, take Ride On Routes 9 or 31.

Gaithersburg Library: The Gaithersburg branch has something for everyone when it comes to its programs. Attend a pro bono legal clinic, participate in the Intergenerational Graphic Novel Book Club, or join an English Conversation club. The Charles W. Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center and Montgomery College Community Engagement Center are also located on the second floor. To get to this branch, take Ride On Routes 55, 56, 58 or 59.

Little Falls Library: Tucked deep into the neighborhoods of Bethesda, the Little Falls Public Library is our southernmost branch. This location features tons of programming for children, including story times, play hours, and a weekly Mandarin Chinese lesson for children ages 5-10. To get to this branch, take Ride On Routes 23 or 29.

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 SmarTrip 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 X, 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 X, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.