MCDOT's Latest Go Montgomery! Transportation Newsletter - May 28, 2021

 

Federal Regulations Continue to Require Face Coverings on Public Transportation MCDOT reminds the public that Federal guidelines continue to require face coverings, through at least September 13, when traveling by bus, ride share, Metrorail or taxis. All MCDOT Ride On buses have a limited supply of face coverings for those who do not have their own. Ride On, Ride On extRa, and Flash buses remain free to all passengers through at least September. Fees were suspended during the health crisis. Learn more. Remembrance of Former Transportation Director Graham Norton MCDOT was saddened to learn that Former Director, Graham Norton passed away on Sunday, May 16. Graham served as Director of the Department of Facilities and Services and then Department of Public Works and Transportation (Former MCDOT) between 1988 and 1998. He is remembered as a principled and disciplined person and the consummate leader. He was an innovator and led many of MCDOT’s technology applications that have evolved and flourished over time. “From a personal standpoint, Graham greatly influenced my professional development as he took a keen interest in the development of our Advanced Transportation Management System. I stayed in touch with Graham over the years, and know that he regularly kept tabs on MCDOT from afar after his retirement. He was always quick to send supportive messages, and constantly shared how proud he was to work alongside everyone in MCDOT,” said MCDOT Deputy Director Emil Wolanin. We send condolences to his family and friends. See full obituary online. Montgomery County Executive Elrich Submits Letter to WMATA Requesting White Flint Metro Station to be Renamed 'North Bethesda Metro Station' Last week, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich submitted a letter to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) requesting the White Flint Metro Station to be renamed the “North Bethesda Metro Station.” Learn more.  MCDOT is Hiring Fulltime and Substitute Bus Operators Applicants must be over 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and 3 years of driving experience. Individuals that are hired will go through a five month training period before getting assigned to a transit depot in Silver Spring, Gaithersburg or Kensington. Applicants without CDL licenses are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply at montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/jobs.html. Free or Discounted Rides to Vaccination Sites by Capital Bikeshare, Lyft Rideshare or E-scooter A recent partnership between the White House and Lyft will help those who need transportation to and from a COVID-19 vaccination site. Individuals can request a free or discounted ride (up to $15 each way) from Lyft to use for Capital Bikeshare, Lyft rideshare, or e-scooters. Learn more. MCDOT Makes Great Progress in Constructing Bikeways MCDOT continues to make significant progress with the construction and design of the many bikeway projects throughout the County. These projects include cycletracks, protected intersections, shared use paths, separated bike lanes, bike signals and bike counters. Learn more. Elrich Announces P3 Agreement to Transition Buses From Diesel to Electric Power Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich recently announced an agreement with AlphaStruxure, a leader in energy solutions, to build an integrated microgrid and electric bus charging infrastructure project at MCDOT’s Brookville Bus Depot in Silver Spring. The new infrastructure will support the transition of at least 44 buses in Ride On’s fleet from diesel to electric power. Learn more. Council Supports the 'Open Streets' Initiative as County Recovers From Pandemic Council introduced a resolution in support of continuing Open Streets/Shared Streets programs implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative allows for safe and socially distanced outdoor dining, walking, biking and recreation. District 1 Councilmember Andrew Friedson drafted the resolution, which points to the Bethesda Streetery, Montgomery Parks Open Parkways, Newell Street Temporary Neighborhood Park Expansion in Silver Spring and the National Park Service's closure of Beach Drive to vehicle traffic as successful examples of how the County, and outside agencies and organizations have repurposed streets for public use. Learn more. For information on MCDOT's Shared Streets program visit montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/sharedstreets. MCDOT  Thanks  Employees During Last Week's National Public Works Week The American Public Works Association annually celebrates National Public Works Week to recognize the role that public works employees play in creating a great place to live. Throughout the pandemic, MCDOT’s dedicated staff has continued to ensure that our transportation and neighborhood infrastructure is safe, sound, and reliable for everyone -- pedestrians, transit-users, bicyclists and drivers -- by keeping our roads, bridges, transit centers, sidewalks, bikeways, storm drains and other facilities in good repair.  Reminder: Metro Riders May Need to Replace Their Metro SmartTrip Card If you have an older Metro SmarTrip card, you’ll need to replace it soon. Metro is upgrading its fare payment technology and will be phasing out its original SmarTrip cards beginning in June. The older cards won’t work with the new fare gates and fare boxes. Check the back of your card – newer ones start with the serial number 0167. If your card starts with any other numbers, it’s time to replace it. Click here for replacement instructions and view the Metro press release online. WMATA Announces Repairs to Pedestrian Bridge from Rockville Metro Station Over Rockville Pike May Cause Overnight Traffic Disruptions Through Mid-Summer The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA / Metro) had previously announced that the bridge over Rockville Pike, enabling pedestrians to connect from the Rockville Metro Station to Downtown Rockville will remain closed for repairs through fall 2021 due to safety concerns. The repairs are progressing, but the work may cause overnight traffic disruptions on northbound and southbound Route 355 through mid-summer beginning on June 1. The bridge allows people to access Ride On buses, Metrorail, taxis, public parking facilities and MARC to walk on an elevated connection over the lanes of Rockville Pike between the Metrorail Station and Maryland Avenue. Learn more and view the fact sheet. Residents Can Still Provide Feedback on a the State Pilot Project to Install Bike Lanes on University Boulevard in Wheaton The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a Multi-Modal Shared Streets Pilot Project on University Boulevard (MD 193) in Wheaton between Amherst and Arcola avenues to enhance safety and mobility for all roadway users by temporarily repurposing travel lanes into shared streets. The public can provide feedback online and view the meeting presentation.  Visit the project website for more information. Metro Board Approves Temporary Fee Waiver for Extended Service During Special Events Metro will provide extra rail service through December 31 for approved special events beyond normal operating hours and will temporarily waive the fee normally charged to organizers. The waiver will apply, when needed, to games by the Mystics, Wizards, Nationals, Washington Football Team and Capitals, as well as events, such as the Marine Corps Marathon and the Army Ten-Miler. Learn more. Comment on MDTA Toll Rate Proposal for American Legion Bridge and I-270 Through August 12 The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is accepting public comment on proposed toll rate ranges for a planned project to rebuild the American Legion Bridge and add toll lanes to a portion of I-270. Learn more. COVID-19 Has Changed Traffic Patterns The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has released data online indicating that traffic patterns have changed over the last year. Also available online is a multi-sector snapshot of the COVID-19 impacts in the areas of transportation, the environment, the economy, and health. For department updates, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot or sign up to receive MCDOT news releases to your inbox. May 28, 2021 See what MCDOT is doing in June. Transportation-Related Holiday Schedule for Memorial Day, May 31 County, State and Court Offices – Closed. Ride On – Sunday schedule (click on a route number).  Metrorail/Metrobus – Holiday schedule. MARC Train and Commuter Bus – Holiday schedule. TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center –  Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store – Closed. Parking at public garages, lots and curbside meters – Free. ‘Do Your Part’: Five Safe Driving Tips for Memorial Day Weekend  MCDOT urges residents to drive safely this holiday weekend and offers these five tips for safe road travel: Prepare before you go. Make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. Check air, recalls, etc. Drive distraction-free. Thousands of people have died in crashes involving cellphone use. Slow down. Speeding is a factor in more than a quarter of all traffic fatalities.  Designate a sober  driver. Drunk driving is a problem on our nation’s roads every day, but it’s more prevalent during the holidays. Buckle up. Of the 22,215 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019, 47% were not wearing seat belts.  Read the Safety and Health article. MCDOT Bicycle Swag Bag Contest Continues Through May 30 MCDOT encourages bike riders to promote their favorite place to travel in Montgomery County by submitting a picture of themselves enjoying their favorite bike path or trail. Tag @mococommuter and #MoCobikes on Twitter and Instagram or e-mail MCDOT Commuter Services to be entered into a weekly prize drawing for a Swag Bag. Learn more at ow.ly/8WBi50Ega7e. Bike to Work Day Was a Great Success On Friday, May 21, MCDOT sponsored 15 ‘Bike to Work Day’ pit stops as part of the 20th annual regionwide celebration hosted by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. The first 15,000 bikers who registered and participated received a free commemorative T-shirt and were entered into a raffle to win a new bike. Learn more. MCDOT Continues to Sponsor Popular ‘Learn to Ride’ Adult Bike Classes MCDOT and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) sponsors ongoing learning opportunities for adults ages 18 or older who have never ridden a bike, have tried to learn but have been unsuccessful or who have not ridden for some time. Newly added classes in July are already sold out. Learn about future events this fall by following MCDOT Commuter Services on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks to Everyone That Participated in MCDOT's 2nd Annual Virtual Safety Week; More Than 20 Interactive Safety Activities Still Available Online MCDOT's Safe Routes to School program and Montgomery County Public Schools developed a week's worth of activities and videos for families of elementary and middle school-age children to share from home. The activities emphasize the importance of pedestrian, bicycle and traffic safety. Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/ safetyweek. A message from SRTS Program Manager Duwan Morris Do You Owe Maryland Toll Road Payments? Check the New DriveEzMD Website to Find Out Those using Maryland Transportation Authority toll roads including the MD 200/Intercounty Connector can go to ‘Pay Tolls’ to see if toll dues are owed and save 15 percent before notices are mailed. For more information visit driveezmd.com. Have Questions? Call 311 For assistance with Montgomery County issues such as; down tree limbs, pot holes, illegal dumping, illegal signage, traffic and street light outages, storm drain issues, special bulk pick-up, permitting inspections, and more. MC311 Customer Service Center now offers a language interpretation service for over 150 languages. For assistance, call 311, follow @311MC311 on Twitter or visit montgomerycountymd.gov/311.

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

MCDOT's Latest Transportation News "Go Montgomery!" is Now Available! December 14, 2020

 

MCDOT Posts Placards on Ride On Buses to Commemorate Rosa Parks Day in Montgomery County Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Montgomery County Council President Sidney Katz issued a proclamation to recognize Rosa Parks, an American hero who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus on December 1, 1955. MCDOT Director Chris Conklin joined Elrich, Katz and others at a County Council presentation recognizing Parks’ moral clarity in the face of bigotry and oppression, which inspired millions to stand up for fundamental fairness. Learn more. Watch the reading of the proclamation starting at minute 48:45 in the online video. MCDOT Updates County Council Committees on Shared Streets Program  MCDOT, Montgomery Parks and Maryland Department of Transportation briefed the Montgomery County Council’s Transportation and Environment and Planning, Housing, and Economic Development committees on Dec. 10, on their experiences in creating the Shared/Open Streets programs and provided a preview on what to expect for these programs over the upcoming winter months. MCDOT Director Chris Conklin, Acting Deputy Director for Policy Hannah Henn and Planning Specialist Kyle Lukacs discussed the adjustments that have been made since the program started from resident input.  MCDOT’s Shared Streets converts sections of streets in the county’s downtown areas to pedestrian-only spaces in an effort to provide restaurants and residents safe spaces for outdoor dining, recreation, safe social opportunities during the COVID-19 health crisis.  Outdoor dining is a part of the Shared Streets program in Bethesda and Wheaton, and other jurisdictions such as Rockville City and Takoma Park have supported outdoor dining on local streets. MCDOT also offers residents a chance to turn their street into a temporary shared street by submitting application for a permit. Learn more at  montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/sharedstreets. MCDOT Shared Streets Still Open This Winter  Many local restaurants and businesses continue to rely on MCDOT’s Shared Streets program for curbside access and space for outdoor dining. Shared Streets temporarily adjusts the uses of roadways to support activities such as biking, walking, outdoor dining and recreation. All in-street activity must comply with public health guidance during the COVID-19 health crisis. See the locations of Shared Streets and learn more at montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/sharedstreets. Webinar Recording Available On-Demand: Transportation Options During COVID-19 for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities  The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, MCDOT and the Jewish Council for the Aging’s Connect-A-Ride program recently held a webinar followed by a public question and answer session to discuss the many transportation options and resources available for older residents and adults with disabilities. The session highlighted information on changes in transportation services and safety practices in response to the COVID-19 health crisis. Learn more about the session and watch the recording at your convenience at youtu.be/xKB8CWMg0y8.  MCDOT’s Leaf Collection to Be Completed On Schedule This year’s mild fall weather helped MCDOT’s leafing crews to anticipate completing leaf collection this week. Watch this video about the program.  Learn more and check out the video on how to prepare leaves properly and why it is important to keep leaf piles clear of trash and off of the streets.   While leaf collection has concluded for the year, there are still year-round options for bagged leaf collection with paper lawn bags on your recycling day or by bringing leaves in brown paper bags or reusable containers to the Shady Grove Transfer Station. Another option is mowing them into your lawn and leaving them in place to fertilize your yard naturally.  If you are looking for a way to help your community, but still want to remain socially distanced and outdoors, please consider reaching out to your elderly neighbors or neighbors with disabilities to ask if they need help raking their leaves. Raking leaves is a great way to help others while getting good exercise. montgomerycountymd.gov/leafing   Virtual Public Meeting Planned for Dec. 16 on Dennis Avenue Bridge Replacement and Wheaton Branch Flood Mitigation Project in Silver Spring  On Wednesday, December 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will discuss two joint projects -- the Dennis Avenue Bridge Replacement and Wheaton Branch Flood Mitigation. Staff will present information on the scope, preliminary design, maintenance of traffic during construction, estimated costs and schedules. Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback. Online registration is required. Learn more.   MCDOT and Forbes Offer Information for Teleworkers  Working From Home During The Coronavirus Pandemic, What You Need To Know - Whether you’re a first-time telecommuter struggling to be as productive from your couch as you are from your cube, or a manager looking for ways to keep your newly remote team engaged, this is your guide to working from home.  5 Tips To Balance Remote Working While Your Family Is Also At Home - Never before has it been so challenging to strike a balance between the professional and the personal, but there are five steps everyone can take to juggle it all.   Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many employers have quickly implemented telework programs – with little to no preparation. Supervisors may find it challenging to manage staff resources while so many of your employees are working remotely and wonder what types of technology solutions, organizational structure or communications strategies might help you and your staff be more productive under these circumstances. Watch our webinar for helpful guidelines to start and manage your telework program. As an employee, are you finding it challenging to manage your workload and manager’s expectations? Wonder what types of technology solutions, organizational structure or communications strategies might help you to be more productive under these circumstances? Watch our webinar for guidelines to help you telework productively. Webinars can be found online at montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dir/commuter/telework/index.html. Temporary Partial Closure of MCDOT's Auburn-Del Ray Garage in Bethesda  MCDOT's Division of Parking Management will be conducting necessary repairs in the Auburn-Del Ray Garage (Garage 36) in Bethesda. The garage will be closed to the public from the entrance ramp upwards from Dec.15 at 5:00 a.m. to Dec.16 at 5:00 p.m. Only the ADA Spaces on the ground floor will be available. The garage will be partially closed to the public on Friday, December 18 from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Neighborhood Activity Grants Available Until June 2021  Neighborhood organizations, block groups, tenant or civic groups, and similar organizations are eligible to apply for matching grants of up to $1,000 for events and activities that promote community engagement, encourage capacity-building and networking and stimulate the local economy. Virtual and hybrid events qualify. Learn more and apply here. Take a Survey About I-495 and the American Legion Bridge Maryland and Virginia are seeking public input about potential solutions to reduce congestion on the I-495- American Legion bridge, improve trip reliability and regional connections, and enhance existing and planned multi-modal mobility and connectivity. Take the survey.   Bird E-Scooters Now Accept PayPal   Micromobility riders around the world can now set PayPal as their preferred payment option for their Bird account. Learn more by visiting the Bird Cities blog. Montgomery Parks Open This Winter Stay fit this holiday! Use almost seven miles of Montgomery Parks roads that are closed to vehicles 9 a.m. Fridays through 4 p.m. Sundays throughout the COVID-19 health crisis for walkers, bikers and runners, include: Beach Drive from Connecticut Avenue to Knowles Avenue (2.7 miles) Sligo Creek Parkway (2.6 miles) Old Carroll Avenue to Piney Branch Road Forest Glen Road to University Boulevard For department updates, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, subscribe to MCDOT news releases or subscribe to MCDOT’s ‘Go Montgomery!’ newsletter. December 14, 2020 Follow MCDOT on Twitter at twitter.com/MCDOTNow, subscribe to MCDOT NEWS releases and/or visit montgomerycountymd.gov.dot. MCDOT’s Holiday Schedule for Christmas and New Year Holidays County Offices - Closed  Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Ride On/Ride On extRa/ Flash Service - Will not operate after 10 pm on Dec. 24. Operates on a Sunday schedule Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. View the holiday brochure for details. TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center - Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.       TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store - Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.  Parking at Montgomery County public garages, lots and curbside meters - Normal parking fees and regulations in effect on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Free on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. View more schedule changes. Did You Know? Capital Bikeshare offers Corporate Memberships to companies. Many local companies, agencies and non-profits enroll in their corporate membership program to offer Bikeshare as a benefit for their employees. Learn more. Commuters can use the free WiFi on FLASH to be more productive during their trip to work. They'll have time to reply to emails, catch up with colleagues and plan their workday. Learn more. MCDOT added its first four electric buses to the Ride On fleet. Each of the 35-foot buses producees zero emissions and contributes to reducing noise pollution through their noticeably quiet operation. Learn more. MCDOT has a list of all the bicycle, motorcycle and accessible spaces in County-owned garages and parking lots in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton and Montgomery Hills. Learn more. MCDOT's Bike Match Program Needs Bike Donations Do you have a bike you no longer use?  Bike Match MoCo is a new, free service that enables people with extra or unused bicycles to connect with individuals who can use the bicycle for commuting or running errands. Currently, more than 300 residents need a bike. If you have one to donate, fill out the online form at montgomerycountymd.gov/ dot-dir/commuter/bikeshare/ bikematch.html. Get Some Exercise While Improving Biking Looking for a way to help your fellow bicyclists while improving bicycling in Montgomery County?  Contribute to RackSpotter – an app that displays neighborhood bike racks. Log into RackSpotter, take a picture and enter the location. During the past month MCDOT's Commuter Services has logged over 200 bike racks into RackSpotter, visit  ow.ly/QELw30rg7f5. Make This Holiday Season Greener   MCDOT is promoting the County’s  annual “Gift Outside the Box” campaign with ads on Ride On buses.The campaign encourages everyone to gift greener this holiday season by supporting local businesses, making more sustainable choices and reducing one's carbon footprint by using alternatives to driving alone. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, household waste in the U.S. increases an average of 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Get ideas for environmentally friendly gift-giving online. CDC Urges Action NOW to Fight Rapidly Rising COVID-19 Cases   Do your part:   Wear a mask over your mouth AND nose.   Stay six feet away from others.   Wash your hands.  Stay home if you can.  Get the facts.  County Health Officials Offer COVID-19 Holiday Safety Tips   Celebrating the holidays during the pandemic can be challenging as we try to keep ourselves, family and friends safe. Check out the following suggestions on what to consider when planning your holiday celebration. Read more.  Distracted Driving Way Up During the Pandemic  A new study finds that a shocking 27 percent of all drivers were using their cell phones within 60 seconds of impact — and transportation safety leaders are doing almost nothing to stop it, despite a preponderance of proven strategies. Read article by Kea Wilson. Have you ridden the FLASH and have feedback? Be sure to call 311. If you're calling from outside Montgomery County please dial 240-777-0311. To report down trees, sidewalk or curb damage, streetlight outage, traffic or pedestrian signal timing issues, street or traffic sign damage or foliage obstruction and pot holes or have feedback on FLASH or the Ride On bus services call 311 or report it online at montgomerycountymd.gov/ 311. For transportation updates related to COVID-19 health crisis, visit MCDOT's transportation resource page for COVID-19. Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.