Take the Ride On Bus to Montgomery County Shopping Centers

The holiday season is upon us! Montgomery County shopping centers have everything you need to fill your table with food and your home with gifts this year. Check out the list below for some great Ride On bus accessible shopping destinations to help you finish your to-do (and to-buy) lists in a hurry and on budget.

• Montrose Crossing: This Rockville shopping center features multiple supermarkets, clothing retailers, discount shops, and restaurants. It is a great place to prep for your holiday gathering or grab a few gifts for loved ones.
  
  To get to the Montrose Crossing shopping center, take Ride On Route 46 or extRa. 
  
  
• Westfield Wheaton: At this shopping center get everything you need for the holidays in and around the mall. Purchase enough food to feed your army at Costco and Giant, pick up gifts for everyone on your list, and ship gifts to faraway loved ones at UPS.
  
  To get to the Westfield Wheaton shopping center, take Ride On routes 4, 9, 34, 38, or 48.
  
  
• Orchard Center: This shopping mall in White Oak features multiple grocery and department stores, discount retailers, and even a pet store to treat your furry friends.
  
  To get to the Orchard Center shopping mall, take Ride On Route 27.
  
  
• Plaza Del Mercado: At this Silver Spring shopping center pick up groceries, flowers, baked goods, and festive libations. Don't forget about yourself! This shopping center also includes a gym, salon and barber shop, and nail spa so you can look your best this holiday season.
  
  To get to the Plaza Del Mercado shopping center, take Ride On routes 26, 49, or 51.
  
  
• Montgomery Village Center: This shopping center is a bargain hunter's dream! On the way home, you can grab holiday decor, groceries, and dinner at these shops. Visitors can also find a Latin grocery store and pharmacy on the property.
  
  To get to the Montgomery Village shopping center, take Ride On routes 58, 59, 60, 64, or 65.
  
  
• Germantown Commons: This shopping center features a grocery store, pet store, and multiple discount retailers to brighten your season.
  
  To get to the Germantown Commons shopping center, take Ride On Route 97.
  
  
• Quince Orchard Plaza: This Gaithersburg shopping center has everything you need for your holiday table, from food to decor and gifts. While you're out, treat yourself to a cup of coffee or lunch to go!
  
  To get to the Quince Orchard Plaza shopping center, take Ride On routes 56, 71, or 78.
  
  
• Bethesda Row: This Bethesda shopping district has something for everyone on your list, including clothing, electronics, and jewelry. Make sure to grab some sweet or savory treats while you're there including cookies, cupcakes, bagels and burgers all within walking distance.
  
  To get to the Bethesda Row shopping district, take Ride On Route 36.

MCDOT 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 and 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. 

Ride On's Winter Public Transportation Rider Tips

Taking public transportation during winter is a great alternative to avoid the hassle of driving in poor weather conditions. Our valued customers can count on Ride On to be safe and reliable, getting you to your destination while you stay warm and relaxed in our buses.  

The safety of our customers continues to be our top priority. Here are seven safety tips we recommend you take while riding with us during the Winter weather:

• Plan for extra time in your commute. Winter weather conditions such as snow and ice may cause delays to the bus schedule. Planning extra time may ensure that even with the delays, you can get to your destination on time.  
  
  
• Dress accordingly. Be prepared to wait extra time for the bus to arrive. As a result, what you wear is crucial to staying warm while waiting on the bus or walking to your destination.
  
  
• Consider getting a virtual SmarTrip Card. Our hands tend to suffer the most during the Winter weather because they are usually exposed due to activity. With a virtual SmarTrip card, you can simply use your phone to pay for fares while still wearing your gloves. It also saves you time looking for the physical card while staying contactless during this time. The virtual SmarTrip card is available for iOS and Android. 
  
  
• Be Visible. It gets dark early so be sure to make yourself visible to an approaching bus. Hold a flashlight or use your cell phone’s light so that the bus operator can see you at the stop. If possible, wear reflective apparel or safety items (bands, pins) for more visibility on your coat or clothing.
  
  
• Stand clear from the curb. Standing close to the curb is dangerous especially during inclement weather. Buses may slide on snow as they approach the curb. Be sure to stand clear from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop and is ready for boarding. NEVER stand in the street. 
  
  
• Be careful when boarding and stepping off the bus. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before trying to board. Bus steps can become slippery from snow. Try to clean the snow off your shoes before boarding. Be sure to always use the handrails while getting on or off the bus and take your time.
  
  
• Use our Trip Planning App. Plan your trip, check bus arrival times, and get alerts when your stop is approaching with the new Ride On Trip Planner app. The app is available for download for iOS and Android devices, and in a desktop version. Download the app here. 

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.