What MCDOT is Doing to Help Travelers During SafeTrack - Surges #6 and #7

What is MCDOT Doing to Help Travelers?

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is assisting travelers during SafeTrack as outlined below.

For Riders

• MCDOT is extending peak-hour service on its free shuttles to 4 ½ hours in both the morning and afternoon to encourage commuters to travel before 7 a.m. or after 9 a.m. and before 4 p.m. or after 6 p.m.

• For Surge #6: Provide free Ride On “Red Line Shuttles” between the Silver Spring, Takoma and Fort Totten Metrorail stations and the Grosvenor--Strathmore, Medical Center, Bethesda and Friendship Heights stations weekdays every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. MCDOT is extending peak-hour service to 4 ½ hours in both the morning and afternoon.

• For Surge #7: Provide free Ride On “Red Line Shuttles” between the Grosvenor-Strathmore station and Montgomery College via I-270 weekdays every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. MCDOT is extending peak-hour service to 4 ½ hours in both the morning and afternoon.

• For Surge #7: Provide enhanced Ride On Route 46 bus service (which operates between Montgomery College-Rockville and Medical Center), increasing frequency between Grosvenor-Strathmore and Rockville via White Flint and Twinbrook stations to every 10 minutes during peak travel times.

• Work with the Maryland Transit Administration to provide more MARC train cars on the Brunswick Line, sell tickets on some station platforms and provide tickets to MCDOT to sell at its TRiPS store in Silver Spring, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Provide commuter services assistance, including telework, alternate work schedules, carpooling, vanpooling and use of car-sharing.

• Post bike route “SafeTrack Detour” signs at station entrances to connect West Hyattsville on the Green Line, with the Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont stations.

• Co-sponsor “Learn the Route” free, guided bike rides in advance of each SafeTrack surge.

• Create an interactive map of Park and Ride Lot options.

• Coordinate with Montgomery County Police to provide traffic control to improve bus operations at the Silver Spring Transit Center and other key locations.

• Offer free Bikeshare memberships, training and helmets to qualified, low income residents through the MC Liberty program.

For Drivers

• Monitor traffic flow and adjust traffic signals in areas most affected by SafeTrack to improve bus operations and traffic flow.

• Suspend MCDOT road repair projects along key commuter routes affected by surges.

• Request that the Maryland State Highway Administration restrict lane closures and construction projects along key routes affected by surges.

• Prohibit metered parking along MD 355, MD 97 and US 29 corridors to improve bus operations and traffic flow.

Educate Travelers

• Provide Ride On staff at affected Metro stations to assist passengers, direct them to shuttles and distribute information.

• Hold “pop-up” events at Metrorail stations to educate passengers about upcoming surges.

• Post interior and exterior Ride On bus and bus shelter ads.

• Display informational posters at all Transit Centers.

• Use social and traditional media to communicate with customers and the public.

• Promote the Fare Share commuter benefits matching program in Transportation Management Districts and to major employers.

For more information visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/safetrack.

Information About SafeTrack Surge #6, August 1-7

CRITICAL INFORMATION

• This Surge affects the second highest number of passengers of all WMATA surges.
• Continuous single tracking between Takoma and Silver Spring will result in major disruptions throughout the entire Red Line.
• The number of trains running between Glenmont and Silver Spring will be cut in half; one quarter of the trains between Silver Spring and NoMa will be available; and service between NoMa and Grosvenor-Strathmore will be cut by a quarter.
• Anticipate significant Metrorail delays that could add an hour each way to commutes.
• Red Line passengers are urged to seek alternate transportation, telework or ride at off-peak hours.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON METRORAIL DURING SURGE 

On weekdays

• Between Shady Grove and NoMa, Red Line trains will run every six minutes during peak periods and every 12 minutes during midday and evenings.
• Between Glenmont and Grosvenor-Strathmore, Red Line trains will run every 12 minutes.
• After 10 p.m., trains will run every 15 minutes.

On weekends

• Train frequencies may vary.

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES

Ride a Bus

• Take a free Ride On “Red Line Shuttle” between Silver Spring, Takoma and Fort Totten Metrorail stations weekdays every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Connect to the Green/Yellow Line at Fort Totten. Look for shuttles at the following locations:

  o   Silver Spring (southbound only):                Colesville Road (between Wayne Avenue                                                                                                 and the Metrorail entrance)

  o  Takoma (northbound and southbound):       Bus Bay A                              o   Fort Totten (northbound only):                    Alighting Bus Bay (left of main entrance)

• Take a free Ride On “Red Line Shuttle” between Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, Bethesda and Friendship Heights stations weekdays every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Look for shuttles at the following locations:

o   Grosvenor-Strathmore  (southbound only)                 Bay D

o   Medical Center (southbound)                                     Bay D

o   Medical Center (northbound)                                      Bay E

o   Bethesda                                                                      Bay A

o   Friendship Heights (northbound only)                        Bay K

• Ride enhanced Metrobus service:

o   Route 80 weekday peak service connecting downtown DC and Fort Totten

o   Route Y7 weekday peak service between Olney and Silver Spring

o   MetroExtra S9 limited stop service midday between Silver Spring and McPherson Square

• Check other bus options

o   Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.

o   Ride On

o   Metrobus, such as Route 70 between Silver Spring, Gallery Place and Archives.

Ride the Metrorail Green/Yellow Line

• Use the Greenbelt, College Park or West Hyattsville stations (in addition to Fort Totten).

• Drive, park and ride from a Green Line station. Check typical parking availability on this map.

Take MARC Train(which will add extra rail cars)

• Try the Brunswick Line, which has stations in Rockville, Metropolitan Grove, Garrett Park, Kensington, Silver Spring and Union Station (limited parking available near Garrett Park and Kensington stations).

• Connect with Ride On at many MARC stations. Enter station name here to view transit options.

• Buy MARC train tickets at the station or in advance:

o   In Person:

§  Use Quik-Trak ticket vending machines at some stations.
§  On the platform from MARC staff at Rockville and Silver Spring during peak travel times.
§  Onboard with cash only; $20 denominations or less. (Note: MARC charges a $5 surcharge for onboard purchases.)

o   Online: www.mta.commuterdirect.com (Note: When purchasing a ticket, use “Washington, DC” for Union Station.)

o   Silver Spring TRiPS store at the Silver Spring Transit Center, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Check other bus options

o   Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.

o   Ride On

o   Metrobus, such as Route 70 between Silver Spring, Gallery Place and Archives.

Explore Commuter Services Options

View Montgomery County’s telework video and webinar or receive free, expert consulting services from Montgomery County Commuter Services. Call 240-777-8380 or email.
Consider allowing employees to flex their time.

Consider signing up for the County’s FareShare program for employers that allows them to buy-down the cost of transit or vanpooling for their employees. Contact Montgomery County Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 or email.

Try Biking

Ride to the West Hyattsville Green/Yellow Line station.

o   Look for MCDOT’s bike route “SafeTrack Detour” signs that begin at station entrances at the Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont stations.  

o   Route distances along the Sligo Creek Trail, with local street connections, range from about five miles betweenTakoma and West Hyattsville to 11.6 miles between Glenmont and West Hyattsville.

Use the Georgetown Branch Trail between Silver Spring, Bethesda and Georgetown.

o   This signed trail combines on-street travel with gravel and paved path.

o   Use Route distances are 5.7 mile between Silver Spring and Bethesda and 12.1 miles between Silver Spring and Georgetown.

Use Capital Bikeshare.

o   Access Capital Bikeshare in Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Friendship Heights, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Lake, Rockville or Shady Grove. See full station map online,

o   Use a credit card for a $2 single trip fare, good for up to 30 minutes, or an $8 daily fare.

o   Limited income residents can call Montgomery County Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 to learn about eligibility for a free, annual, Bikeshare membership. 

Plan your ride by checking the Montgomery County Planning Department’s Level of Traffic Stress map.

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Consider Driving as a Last Resort

For those with limited choices, driving may be the best option, but expect more traffic congestion than usual.

• Drive, park and ride. Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.

• Check Commuter Connections for ride-sharing information or contact Montgomery County Commuter Services for assistance at 240-773-8747.

• Use a car share vehicle. Montgomery County offers Zipcars at some parking garages.

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Go Montgomery - July 12, 2016

Demand-Based Pricing Begins in Three Bethesda Garages Beginning this month, Montgomery County Department of Transportation's Division of Parking Management began demand-based pricing at three Bethesda parking garages. Read more. Portion of the Woodmont/Rugby Garage Now Closed A portion of the Woodmont-Rugby Garage (Garage 35) in Bethesda has been permanently closed to the public for construction of the 2nd District Police Station. Read more. Ride On Routes 12 and 13 Detoured During Carroll Avenue Bridge Construction Ride On routes 12 and 13 will follow a detour for about 18 months as the Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration rehabilitates the Carroll Avenue Bridge over Sligo Creek in Takoma Park. Read more. County Executive Leggett Announces Latest Phase of Campaign to Reduce Pedestrian Collisions in Parking Lots County Executive Isiah Leggett announced additional efforts in the County’s ongoing campaign to improve pedestrian safety in parking lots. Read more. MCDOT Wins Five NACo Awards The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has won five Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties. Read more. Parking and Traffic Plan for Wheaton Redevelopment Project Available Online A presentation from a recent community meeting focused on parking and traffic mitigation plans and the Small Business Assistance Program related to the Wheaton Redevelopment Project. Read more. Public Invited to Ride On Forum about a Proposed Service Expansion in Potomac The public is invited to a forum to discuss the expansion of Ride On service for Tobytown, a smaller, isolated community in Potomac located south of River Road. Read more. MCDOT Wins Two Awards for Capital Crescent Garage The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) won two awards for its Capital Crescent Garage project -- an Innovation Award from the National Council for Public Private Partnerships and a Best Real Estate Deal Perseverance Award from the Washington Business Journal. Volunteer to Help the Bicycle Master Plan Team Locate Bike Racks Bike racks are an essential part of providing a complete bicycling network, but their availability is limited. Volunteers are needed to help locate existing bike racks in commercial areas and public facilities. Read more. AAA Reveals Top Driving Distractions for Teens Over the past five years, more than 5,000 people have been killed in crashes involving teen drivers during the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period starting at Memorial Day when teen crash deaths historically climb. Read more. Telework Webinar Now Online Teleworking offers one of the most effective ways to respond to the unique challenges presented by SafeTrack, the year-long effort to improve the safety and reliability of the Metrorail transit system. Read more. Metro Announces Major Rehabilitation of Shady Grove Metrorail Elevator Metro has closed the elevator at the Shady Grove Metrorail station between the east side parking lot Kiss & Ride and the mezzanine. The elevator will be out of service through October 2016. Read more. JULY 12, 2016 Highway Services Continues Road Resurfacing Projects This month, resurfacing projects begin in several neighborhoods. Read more. Free Bikeshare Rides Available on July 16-17 Try Bikeshare for free all weekend on Saturday and Sunday, July 16 and 17. Read more. Follow These Tips for a Summer of Safety Montgomery County has put together safety advice from A to Z to make sure everyone has a great summer! Check out the driver, pedestrian and cyclist tips – and lots more online. MCDOT to Replace Elmhirst Parkway Culvert  Elmhirst Parkway over Rock Creek will be closed for a culvert replacement beginning in mid-July. Read more. MCDOT Working to Prevent Spread of Tree-Killing Invasive Beetle The Montgomery County Department of Transportation's Highway Services Division is fighting the spread of the emerald ash borer. Read more. Get it Fixed… Call 311 Have a mowing request? See a pothole in need of repair? Tree limbs in the road? Summer is a busy time for resident requests for services. Get what you need from MCDOT by calling 311 or 240-777-0311 from outside the County or visit 311 online to post a service request.  Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.

MCDOT Wins Five NACo Awards

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has won five Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties for the following projects:

Bus Rapid Transit Corridor Advisory Committees
To bring Bus Rapid Transit to Montgomery County, MCDOT is working with the State of Maryland to plan service on three major corridors. MCDOT created Corridor Advisory Committees (CACs) comprised of area residents, businesses, community organizations and others to ensure community stakeholders have the opportunity to participate in the planning process. The CACs are advising MCDOT and the State throughout the decision process.

School Zone Warning Flasher Technology Upgrade

In response to a change in school start times, the Division of Traffic Engineering installed a control system that allows school zone flashers to be controlled remotely.

Interactive Parking Map

The Division of Parking Management created an interactive, online parking map that shows the address, times requiring payment, rate and payment options for every County owned parking facility. In addition, for locations with a parking availability system, the map shows the number of spaces available in real time.

Low Income Bikeshare Program

To encourage use of Bikeshare by low income individuals living, working or attending job training/education in the County, MCDOT created the first suburban-based bikeshare network in the nation and the first bikeshare program specifically targeted to serve low income participants.  The program provides free membership, helmets and cycling safety training to those who are eligible.

Wiki Database for Bus Stop Inventory/ADA Compliance

The Division of Transit Services has improved nearly 3,000 bus stops to enhance safety and provide ADA accessibility. Transit developed an open source, inventory/database system that is cloud-based to make it accessible from anywhere and includes information on each bus stop covering work completed, expenses, maps and photographs.

Parking and Traffic Plan for Wheaton Redevelopment Project Available Online

A presentation from a recent community meeting focused on parking and traffic mitigation plans and the Small Business Assistance Program related to the Wheaton Redevelopment Project. The project will construct a new building on the Wheaton Triangle Parking Lot for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission building that will also house several County departments. View community presentations. 

Public Invited to Ride On Forum about a Proposed Service Expansion in Potomac

The public is invited to a forum to discuss the expansion of Ride On service for Tobytown, a smaller, isolated community in Potomac located south of River Road.

The proposed route will add new stops, as well, in North Potomac and Rockville. The suggested routing encompasses River Road, Travilah Road, Piney Meetinghouse Road, Glen Road, Darnestown Road, Wootton Parkway, Great Falls Road and Middle Lane to the Rockville Metro Station. The route will provide transportation to local schools, Shady Grove Hospital, libraries, shops, eateries and other transportation services. It will operate seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., running every 75 minutes. The regular Ride On fare for this route will be $1.75.

The forum will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the All-Purpose Room at Travilah Elementary School, 13801 Dufief Mill Road, North Potomac. As with all of Ride On’s public forums, it will be an interactive opportunity for staff to hear directly from potential customers. All comments and feedback from attendees will be considered before a final decision is made regarding this bus service.  

Comments can also be made in writing by August 11, 2016 to:

Division of Transit Services

Ride On Public Forum

101 Monroe Street, 5th Floor

Rockville, MD 20850

240-777-5800

Fax 240-777-5801

mcdot.rideonpublicforums@montgomerycountymd.gov

More information is available online.

Follow These Tips for a Summer of Safety

Montgomery County has put together safety advice from A to Z to make sure everyone has a great summer! Check out the driver, pedestrian and cyclist tips – and lots more online.