Ride On Bus Service Changes on Sunday, June 29
MCDOT will adjust several Ride On bus route schedules, add the new Route 40, and discontinue Route 10 on Sunday, June 29, to ensure consistent service amidst Metro service changes due to the Better Bus Network implementation and Ride On Reimagined Year 1 Implementation.
The new schedules are available at rideonbus.com and will be available in print by May 31.
More details on the above route changes can be found online here. Riders can plan trips and get real-time MCDOT Ride On bus arrival information with the Ride On Trip Planner app.
MCDOT Unveils Newly Designed ‘Ride with Pride’ Bus to Celebrate June as Pride Month
MCDOT recently unveiled a “Ride with Pride” themed Ride On bus that will operate during June, which is recognized as Pride Month. This is the third year the County has wrapped a bus for Pride Month.
The newly designed bus has the tagline “Radiating Love” with bright colors radiating from a central point. Dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, culture and civil rights, the bus is also adorned with Ride with Pride messaging and neon lights to stand out at night.
In addition to the Pride Bus, all MCDOT buses will have Ride with Pride poster displays on board in June, with a QR code that will link to a Ride with Pride webpage with information about the historical and cultural significance of Pride month.
The Pride Bus will be deployed on bus routes throughout the County and riders are encouraged to share photos of the bus on social media and tag @MCDOTNow.
View a time lapse video of the new Pride bus being wrapped.
Local Employees and Residents Encouraged to Complete the Commuter Survey by Monday, June 30
MCDOT encourages residents to complete an online travel survey to assess commuting patterns within the County. The survey is for businesses with 25 employees or more, and individuals who live in multi-family buildings such as apartments or condominiums within the County’s six Transportation Management Districts that include Downtown Bethesda, North Bethesda, Downtown Silver Spring, Friendship Heights, Greater Shady Grove and White Oak.
Participants age 18 or older who complete the survey will be entered into a weekly drawing to win a $25 gift card and a grand prize drawing for a $250 gift card.
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Redland Middle School in Derwood Named Winner of MCDOT’s 'Paint the Plow' Contest Celebrating Public Works Week
Redland Middle School in Derwood was selected as the first-place winner of MCDOT’s “Paint the Plow” snowplow naming contest. The winning design, titled “Life is a Highway,” features a Ride On bus and a highway worker on Sam Eig Highway.
The Paint the Plow contest is held each year as part of “Public Works Week” to honor essential workers. The decorated snowplows were displayed at MCDOT’s “Truck Day” event on Friday, May 16, where more than 2,600 people voted for their favorite design.
MCDOT provided snowplows and paint supplies to 11 county middle schools. Students had two weeks to name and decorate a snowplow (MCDOT provided the snowplows and paint supplies).
The snowplow winners selected were:
Residents will see the decorated plows in action this winter.
Visit the Paint the Plow webpage for check presentation photos.
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MCDOT Announces Winners of the 5th Annual Elementary School Pedestrian Safety Art Contest
MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School art contest aimed to raise awareness of pedestrian safety. MCDOT chose six winners out of nearly 400 art submissions.
Students were asked to create unique artwork to educate their peers and encourage safe behaviors while walking to and from school.
Congratulations to the following elementary school art contest winners:
K - 3rd Grade Winners:
- First place and awarded a $75 Barnes & Noble gift card - Natalie L. with Bayard Rustin ES.
- Second place and awarded a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card - Owen Y.Z. with Beverly Farms ES.
- Third place and awarded a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card - Jessica Y. with Fallsmead ES.
4th - 5th Grade Winners:
- First place and awarded a $75 Amazon gift card - Kelly Y. with Potomac ES.
- Second place and awarded a $50 Amazon gift card - Emerson G. with Dr. Charles E. Drew ES.
- Third place and awarded a $25 Amazon gift card - Jeremy S. with Cedar Grove ES.
View all wining art entries on the contest webpage.
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MCDOT Ride On Service Alert SMS/Text Short Code Change
On Wednesday, June 11, MCDOT Ride On's GovDelivery SMS/text short code number, which allows riders to opt-in to receive service alerts, was changed from 468311 to 62463.
Riders should text MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 62463 to receive the most up-to-date bus service information, including route detours, delays, and special events, via text message. This is the fastest and most convenient way to stay updated on the latest Ride On information.
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Council Approves Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
On Thursday, May 22, the Montgomery County Council voted unanimously to approve the County’s $7.6 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget and the $6 billion amended FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Budget.
The amended FY26 Operating Budget included $67.4 million for transportation.
Some MCDOT highlights include:
- MCDOT Operational funds are used to plan, design, build, and maintain transportation facilities such as roads, bridges, sidewalks, paths, and bikeways, operate and maintain the County’s traffic signal system, develop and implement transportation policies to maximize efficient service delivery, and promote safety via educational programs.
- MCDOT transit operational funding in the amount of $211 million was granted, which provides public transportation services in the County, and its budget is composed of the Mass Transit Fund and the Grant Fund. The Division of Transit Services funding also includes more than $1 million in state aid and an intergovernmental transfer from Howard County to expand US 29 Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service to Howard County.
- Zero Fare for all Ride On bus riders staring Sunday, June 29. The move came after a requirement to update the fare boxes would have costed $22 million.
- Parking Lot Districts funding in the amount of $30.4 million, which provides for the operation and maintenance of public parking in commercial areas throughout the County, including the Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton Parking Lot Districts (PLDs).
- More than $227,000 for the Vision Zero NDA to fund the oversight and coordination of the Vision Zero Initiative to end traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities. This is a decrease of nearly 40 percent from last year’s budget, given that the County has not received a signed agreement for Safe Streets and Roads grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The amended FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) totals approximately $6 billion, a $32.6 million increase from the original approved FY25-30 CIP. The CIP continues support for critical projects address aging infrastructure and specific program needs.
Some MCDOT highlights include:
- Multiple Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes are also supported in the CIP, including increases for the Veirs Mill Road Project to reflect cost changes, increases for the Maryland Route 355 Central Project to reflect its expanded scope to provide service from Germantown to the Rockville Metro Station, and additional design funding for the Lakeforest Transit Center.
- A new capital project was also added totaling $3 million for White’s Ferry, which is an important Potomac River crossing in the Poolesville area. The goal of this funding is to facilitate an agreement between the County and the landowners on both sides of the river, which is the first step to restoring the ferry service.
- The Council also partially restored funding for the Summit Avenue Extension Project, with $1 million in planning expenditures in FY30.
- Added $2.4 million in the County’s Stormwater Management Retrofit: A countywide Project, to provide for three new upstream mitigation projects.
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Free Senior Travel Training for Adults 50+
The free Travel Training workshop from the Jewish Council for the Aging's Connect-A-Ride program is designed to help Montgomery County residents aged 50+ get comfortable and confident using public transportation.
Seniors learn how to plan a Ride On bus trip, read the Metro map, understand digital schedule signs, load a fare card and quickly find a station’s emergency and accessibility features. Travel Training also includes classroom training, a trip on a Ride On bus and on a Metro train.
The next seminar will be held on Friday, June 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Schweinhaut Senior Center in Silver Spring.
Advance registration is required. No walk-ins are allowed.
Contact Connect-A-Ride by phone 301-738-3252 or email connectaride@accessjca.org to learn more and register.
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MCDOT Begins Construction on a Roundabout on Dennis Avenue in Silver Spring
MCDOT is adding a roundabout on Dennis Avenue at Proctor Street, in Silver Spring as a traffic calming measure in response to residents’ safety concerns. Construction is scheduled to begin this July and is estimated to take three months.
The project’s scope consists of the removal of the existing intersection and the installation of a new roundabout to improve traffic safety for pedestrians and motorists. The construction is designed to have the least possible impact on adjacent properties, limited to a temporary construction easement. At the completion, disturbed areas will be graded and restored. The sidewalk and affected residential driveway entrances will be reconstructed as soon as possible. The road is expected to remain open to traffic during construction, with possible temporary closures, as necessary.
This traffic calming concept was presented at a virtual public meeting on October 14, 2021. Many of the residents along Dennis Avenue attended and expressed support for the project.
For questions or comments, please contact the project manager, Michael Baccari, at 240-777-2190 or via email at michael.baccari@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Learn more by visiting the Dennis Avenue project webpage.
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Police Summer Task Force Focuses on DUI Arrests
This summer the Montgomery County Police Department’s (MCPD) Summer Traffic Task Force will devote full time attention to pulling alcohol impaired drivers off the road.
The new program will operate like the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday enforcement efforts. This summer, along with partnering agencies, patrols will focus on periods often associated with increased impaired driving. Graduation events, proms and summer holidays will bring closer scrutiny on the roads.
Montgomery County offers a list of safe ride home options online.
Learn more about the dangers of drunk driving at nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
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Accepting Feedback on the New Hampshire Avenue Flash BRT Project Through Monday, June 30
MCDOT is upgrading transit on the New Hampshire Avenue corridor by implementing a BRT system which is planned to run from Fort Totten Metro Station to Colesville.
The New Hampshire Avenue Flash BRT planning study is exploring options for providing higher-quality, faster, and more reliable transit service along the corridor. Several alternatives have been developed and evaluated.
The public can provide feedback on these alternatives via an online survey by Monday, June 30 for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
Accepting Feedback on the US 29 Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Improvements in Silver Spring Through Monday, July 28
The US 29 Flash BRT 29 (Colesville Road/Old Columbia Pike) is currently in service, operating between Downtown Silver Spring and Briggs Chaney, with weekend rush hour service to Burtonsville via Colesville Road/Old Columbia Pike. The Phase 2 project will improve the existing US 29 Flash BRT service by building a dedicated bus lane between Sligo Creek Parkway and Tech Road.
The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback via the online comment form or by email to US29BRT@montgomerycountymd.gov by 6 p.m. on Monday, July 28. The public can subscribe here to receive project updates.
Hybrid Public Meeting on the Randolph Road Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project in Silver Spring to Be Held on Tuesday, June 17
On Tuesday, June 17, at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT will hold a hybrid (virtual and in-person) public meeting to discuss pedestrian safety improvements along a 1.3 mile segment of Randolph Road between Georgia Avenue/MD 197 and Connecticut Avenue/MD 185 in Silver Spring. MCDOT will present project details and obtain public comments and answer questions.
The in-person meeting will be held in the Cafeteria of Wheaton High School located at 12401 Dalewood Drive in Silver Spring.
Please register online to attend the meeting virtually.
This segment of roadway on Randolph Road is identified in the Vision Zero High Injury Network, where roadway safety improvement efforts are prioritized. In 2023, MCDOT conducted a Pedestrian Road Safety Audit of the corridor, which recommended several safety improvements. These include short term countermeasures to reduce excessive vehicle speeds, pedestrian safety and comfort enhancements, and ADA compliance and access. Longer term countermeasures will also be presented for public feedback and discussion.
The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback via the online comment form or by email to walkyourway@montgomerycountymd.gov or by phone 240-777-2170 by 6 p.m., Friday, July 18.
In-Person Public Open House on the North Bethesda Flash BRT Planning Study to Be Held Wednesday, June 18
On Wednesday, June 18 between 6-8 p.m., MCDOT will hold a in-person public open house in the cafeteria of the Walter Johnson High School located at 6400 Rock Spring Drive in Bethesda to discuss the North Bethesda Flash BRT Planning Study, which is planned to run from Westfield Montgomery Mall to the North Bethesda Metro Station (formerly White Flint). MCDOT will share project details and maps, answer questions and seek public input which may influence the outcome of the project. A presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback by emailing NorthBethesdaBRT@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Virtual Public Hearing on the Good Hope Road Shared Use Path Extension Project in Silver Spring to Be Held on Wednesday, June 25
On Wednesday, June 25, at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT will hold a virtual (online) public hearing to discuss the proposed Good Hope Road Shared-Use Path Extension Project in Silver Spring. The project provides an 8-foot-wide shared-use path with a 5-foot-wide grass buffer on the east side of Good Hope Road for approximately 900 linear feet from Rainbow Drive to the entrance to the Spencerville Local Park. MCDOT will present project details, costs and the project schedule. Public input is encouraged and may influence the final design of the project.
Please register online to attend.
The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback via the online written testimony form or by email to the Project Manager, Jean Kapusnick at Jean.Kapusnick@montgomerycountymd.gov by Friday, July 25. All information provided will become a matter of public record.
Virtual Public Meeting on the Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Cluster Safety Improvement Project in Germantown to Be Held on Wednesday, June 25
On Wednesday, June 25, at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss the developed concept designs for sidewalk and safety improvements at multiple locations within the Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School cluster in Germantown.
As part of a countywide initiative to identify safe and accessible routes for students walking and biking to school, MCDOT has completed a walkability study for Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Lake Seneca and Waters Landing Elementary Schools. The study assessed existing infrastructure conditions and identified recommended improvements within each school’s walkshed to enhance safety and accessibility for students who walk or bike to school. MCDOT will present concept plans for new sidewalk and safety enhancements at various locations throughout the walkshed.
Please register online to attend.
The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback by email to walkyourway@montgomerycountymd.gov.
METRO
Customers Can Now “Tap. Ride. Go.” With Contactless Credit, Debit Cards at Metrorail Station Faregates
On Wednesday, May 28, Metro launched a new, faster, and easier way to pay fares called “Tap. Ride. Go.”
Customers can now simply tap a contactless credit or debit card or mobile wallet/smartwatch virtual cards on rail station fare gates to pay for fares. SmarTrip cards (physical and mobile) will continue to be an option to pay for fares and parking.
Tap. Ride. Go. will be available for use on Metrobuses and at Metro parking facilities in the future.
The new way to pay will greatly benefit tourists and occasional customers who want to avoid fare machines and SmarTrip cards altogether. Customers can simply tap in at a faregate with a contactless credit or debit card and tap out with the same card to pay for their fares.
MARYLAND STATE HIGHWAY
Maryland Invests in Transit-Oriented Development Projects
Maryland's transportation department is investing $1.25 million in grants to boost transit-oriented development in Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties and Baltimore City. These projects aim to create vibrant, mixed-use communities near transit stations, improving housing options and connectivity.
Key Points:
- Montgomery County secures $250,000 for North Bethesda Metro Station improvements.
- Anne Arundel County gets $750,000 for a new parking garage at Odenton MARC Station.
- Baltimore City will receive $250,000 for development planning along Wabash Avenue.
State Closes Local Merge Lane to Northbound I 270 Between Shady Grove Road and I 370 in Germantown
Learn more.
State Resurfaces Norbeck Road/MD 28 Between Veirs Mill Road/MD 586 and Bauer Drive in Rockville; Drivers Should Expect Nighttime Single and Double-Lane Closures Through the End of June
Learn more.
Seeking Public Input on Maryland Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Plan
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is developing Maryland’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Plan (ZEVIP). The ZEVIP effort builds upon Maryland’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program by leveraging other statewide resources and partnerships for a robust zero emission vehicle infrastructure network.
Please complete this 10-minute survey by Friday, June 13, to help MDOT understand the EV charging needs, opportunities, and challenges for Maryland..
For information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook and subscribe to receive the latest MCDOT news by phone or email.
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