 TONIGHT: County Executive Marc Elrich Will Host an Online Public Forum on Thursday, April 7, on Programs to Combat Climate Change in Recommended Operating BudgetFrom 7-8 p.m. tonight, April 7, county leaders and staff from several departments, including MCDOT, will join Elrich to answer questions from residents on items from his recommended FY 2023 operating budget that highlight significant investments in efforts to combat climate change. Online registration is required to attend. The forum will also be live-streamed for viewing at facebook.com/MyGreenMontgomery. Residents will also have an opportunity to offer feedback on the proposed operating budget at upcoming Council public hearings scheduled for April 19, 20 and 21. Learn more here. |
 Montgomery County Executive Elrich Issued Proclamation Recognizing ‘Transit Driver Appreciation Day’ on March 18The event was streamed live on the @MCDOTNow Twitter account and additional photos can be viewed here. MCDOT employs more than 650 bus operators to support the transit services that include Ride On, Ride On extRa, Flex and Flash. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich proclaimed March 18 as Transit Driver Appreciation Day and expressed gratitude to MCDOT's Ride On bus drivers for delivering safe, friendly and reliable transportation to visitors and residents of Montgomery County. “Montgomery County residents rely on our transportation system as a lifeline,” said County Executive Elrich. “When everyday life came to a halt early in the pandemic, MCDOT Ride On bus operators adapted quickly and were on the front lines to keep Montgomery County moving. The dedication, work ethic and resilience of each of these behind-the-scenes heroes have proved them to be leaders in times of need. I’m pleased the County Council recently approved my recommendation for a bus operator and transit coordinator salary increase. We are now providing competitive compensation that is well deserved.”
Ride On bus service provides more than 40,000 riders affordable transportation to about 80 bus routes covering 1,463 miles throughout the County. |
 Montgomery County Keeps Streeteries in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton Open at Least Through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5Streeteries were established as part of MCDOT's Shared Streets program, allowing restaurants to establish outdoor dining areas on streets that have been closed to vehicular traffic. First created in response to the COVID-19 health crisis, the pedestrian-friendly program will be extended throughout the summer at streeteries located in the downtown areas of Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton. Learn more here. |
 MCDOT's Annual Sweeping Program Now Underway / 4,000+ Lane Miles Will Be SweptMCDOT' Street Sweeping Program runs from April through June. Last year, crews swept over 4,100 lane miles of residential roadways, removing over 1,200 tons of debris. “No Parking” signs will be posted in neighborhoods a few days in advance of sweeping operations. Residents may find the sweeping schedule, view the map and FAQs online here. These efforts help to promote the health and vibrancy of our local watersheds as well as the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay. To see what else MCDOT is doing to help improve environmental quality, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdotgreen. |
 MCDOT's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, branded Flash, provides upgraded bus service on select corridors. The County is looking to extend this bus service to North Bethesda. MCDOT has kicked off a planning study to assist in determining the street layout, location of stations and the endpoints of the corridor. Residents can provide feedback on how and why they travel in North Bethesda and preferred station locations by taking a brief project survey in English or Spanish here. To receive updates on the North Bethesda BRT, sign up here. |
 MCDOT Begins Ride On Reimagined Study The Ride On Reimagined Study, that will run over the next 18-24 months, is a comprehensive, forward-looking assessment of the bus network that will result in significant recommended changes to how transit operates in Montgomery County. This study will take an in-depth look at Montgomery County’s existing and planned transit systems, including Metrobus services that operate within the County limits and the future Purple Line. Data analysis and community engagement will guide the future direction of Montgomery County's bus network. Review the final scope of work in multiple languages here.  Virtual Hearing On Proposed Parkside Estates Community Sidewalk in Rockville to be Held on Wednesday, April 20Starting at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT staff will present the project details, costs, schedules, and obtain public testimony. If approved, the completed project will enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and people with disabilities, as they travel to nearby schools and facilities. Public input is encouraged and will influence whether MCDOT constructs any, all, or a portion of the proposed sidewalks. Online registration is required to attend. |
 Maryland House Appropriations Committee Recommends $61.5 Million in Additional and New Funding for Capital Projects in Montgomery CountyThe Capital Budget Subcommittee of the Maryland House Appropriations Committee recommended new and additional funding for projects throughout the State and Montgomery County. Recommendations include items that were listed as Joint Priorities of the Montgomery County Executive and Council at the beginning of the 2022 Maryland General Assembly legislative session. The funds, together with funds previously allocated from the Maryland Senate, ensure that key Montgomery County projects will be able to make significant progress in the upcoming fiscal year. Allocated funding includes: - $30 million for the County’s landmark Bus Rapid Transit system, ensuring a total of $61 million from the State to aid the County in accelerated growth of this project.
- $6.8 million for the County Zero Emissions Bus Program.
- $6 million for two new bike trails for a total of $7.5 million.
Learn more here. |
 Montgomery County Council Approves Corridor Forward: The I-270 Transit PlanThe Montgomery County Council unanimously passed a resolution approving Corridor Forward: The I-270 Transit Plan. The plan will help guide the future of public transit along the I-270 corridor and surrounding communities and encourages continued growth of key activity centers and industry clusters. Corridor Forward seeks to improve public transit, accessibility and mobility along I-270 corridor. The plan was drafted by the Montgomery County Planning Department with recommendations and input from MCDOT staff. Corridor Forward contains recommendations for a near-term network of dedicated bus lanes and a long-term vision of an extension of Metrorail’s Red Line and enhanced MARC service along the Brunswick Line. The network of dedicated bus lanes builds on existing master planned projects, including the MD 355 and Veirs Mill Road Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects to create a transit network that serves communities and employment centers along the I-270 corridor. This plan recommends the MD 355 BRT and Veirs Mill Road BRT as crucial first steps in improving transit accessibility along the I-270 corridor. Incremental implementation of the Corridor Connectors and efforts to advance the Red Line extension and MARC commuter rail enhancements are included in the plan’s long-term vision. View the Council staff report here. |
 COG Unveils New 2030 Planning FrameworkThe Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors has set planning priorities for the next decade related to equity, transit and land use, housing, and climate change. Taken together, these priorities form Region United, COG’s new framework for 2030, which highlights grants, technical assistance, maps and tools, and strategies to help member governments accelerate action toward their shared goals. The following four planning priorities make up the framework for 2030. - Equity Emphasis Areas (EEAs)
- High-Capacity Transit Station Areas (HCTs)
- 2030 Housing Targets
- 2030 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Goal and Action Plan
Learn more here. |
 Public Has Until Sunday, May 1 to Provide Feedback on the Region’s Long-Range Transportation PlanThe National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board is seeking public comment on Visualize 2045, the long-range transportation plan update for the metropolitan Washington region. Input will help elected leaders and regional planners better understand how the plan aligns with public priorities as they make decisions about the region’s transportation future. Visualize 2045 highlights hundreds of regionally significant road and transit projects, bicycle and pedestrian projects, freight movement factors, and key land-use issues facing the region. Residents can provide input and learn more here. |
 Metrorail Weekend Service Adjustments for Saturday, April 9 through Sunday, April 10
Metro will run increased train service for cherry blossom season with no daytime or evening track work scheduled. Metrorail will open at 7 a.m., closing at 1 a.m. Saturday and midnight on Sunday. Trains operate every 10 minutes until 10 p.m., transitioning to every 18 minutes until close. For additional information and tips for cherry blossom season, view Metro's Travel to the Cherry Blossoms guide. Before traveling check Metro’s Status and Alerts page or follow @Metrobusinfo on Twitter for up-to-date information about service disruptions and delays. Take Me Out to the Ballgame: Metro Says it's Adding Extra Trains on Nationals Game Days With Metro train service still much slower than normal, Metro tells 7 News it plans to add extra trains to help with crowding for Nationals Games this season. Learn more here. Metro’s Next Rail Cars to be Built at New $70 Million Maryland Plant Metro’s next series of rail cars will employ nearly 500 people and supply rail cars for the Washington-area system and transit agencies across the country. Hitachi Rail announced last month it has chosen Hagerstown as the home for an assembly plant that will release Metro’s eighth generation of rail cars starting in late 2024. Metro selected the company about 18 months ago to build 256 cars for its 8000 series to replace Metro’s 2000- and 3000-series cars currently in operation. Designed to match the all-silver 7000 series, the latest model will have similar bench seating and wide aisles, as well as upgrades that include real-time digital maps, onboard WiFi, power outlets, high-definition security cameras, heated floors, increased ventilation and improved braking. Each car will be able to seat about 68 passengers. Hitachi Rail said the cars are quieter and more energy efficient than Metro’s previous models. Learn more here. |
 MDOT SHA to Perform Tree Trimming to Improve Visibility on I-495 (Capital Beltway) in Montgomery CountyThe Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will perform tree trimming work this weekend to improve visibility along a portion of Interstate-495 (Capital Beltway) in Montgomery County. Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, and Sunday, April 10, crews will trim trees and other vegetation on the I-495 Outer Loop ramp to Exit 41, Clara Barton Parkway. For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, visit the Project Portal. |
 Upcoming Report Will Examine Distracted DrivingThe Governors Highway Safety Association and General Motors plan to release a report this summer on distracted driving to reduce the behavior and change the social norm. According to national and state driver surveys, distracted driving is a top road safety concern. Distracted driving includes texting and using cell phones, eating and drinking, changing the radio, and personal grooming. A total of 51 percent of drivers admitted they text and/or email on their phone while alone in the vehicle, according to a 2021 AAA survey. Read the Transportation Today article here. |
 Buttigieg Announces USDOT Budget for 2023U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said President Joe Biden’s 2023 Budget Request includes an additional $37 billion to make transportation safer, more reliable, and more affordable. Read the Transportation Today article here. |
 For transportation updates, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot or sign up to receive the latest MCDOT news. |
