 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 RoutesHave 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.  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: 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 MonthLook 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. | 
