Thursday, June 12, 2025

Go Montgomery! Newsletter – Ride On Bus Service Changes Coming on Sunday, June 29

 

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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.


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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.


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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. 

seniorsonrideonbustraveltraining

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.


PUBLIC INPUT & MEETINGS

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


PARTNER NEWS

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..


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For information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on XBlueskyInstagramFacebook and subscribe to receive the latest MCDOT news by phone or email. 

JUNE 2025


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Click on the above calendar to see what MCDOT is up to in June.


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Join Our Team!

For other county openings, benefit information and career resources, visit Montgomery County's Career website


Juneteenth Holiday, Thursday, June 19

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Holiday Schedule  

  • County offices - Closed.
  • Ride On, extRa, Flex and Flash Orange Line bus - Holiday schedule.
  • TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store - Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • TRiPS mobile commuter store - Closed.
  • Public parking in garages, lots and meters - Free.

Ride On Provides Shuttle Bus Service for Black Rock Center for the Arts Juneteenth Event on Saturday, June 21

The event will run from noon to  10 p.m. at the Black Rock Center for the Arts located in Germantown at 12901 Town Commons Drive.

Ride On will provide shuttle service every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Montgomery College Germantown campus and Northwest High School.


Independence Day Holiday, Friday, July 4

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Holiday Schedule

  • County offices - Closed.
  • Ride On, extRa, Flex and Flash Orange Line bus - Saturday schedule. 
  • TRiPS commuter stores - Closed.
  • Public parking in garages, lots and meters - Free.

Find a Safe Ride Home on Independence Day

MCDOT strongly advises celebrants to make arrangements ahead of time for safe transportation to and from events. The County’s Vision Zero effort to prevent death and injury on Montgomery County roadways offers a listing of local safe rides online website.   

The Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s (WRAP) SoberRide program will offer codes for free Lyft rides (up to $15 off). Visit soberride.com for details.


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MCDOT Offers Last Adult Electric Scooter Training for Summer

Residents 18 and older can stop by anytime during the free two-hour e-scooter clinic to take a test ride, learn safety tips and get details on basic scooter laws. Participants must have a valid driver’s license or ID. No registration is required to attend and walk-ups are welcome. E-scooters will be provided.

The clinic will be held on Saturday, June 14 between noon-2 p.m. at the Montgomery College parking lot 13 located at 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.

MCDOT will be hosting more free clinics this fall!


VisionZeroGrads2025

Montgomery County Graduates 30 ‘Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors’

MCDOT held the Vision Zero Youth Ambassador Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, May 17. Speakers included MCDOT Director Chris Conklin, Montgomery County Police Department Central Traffic Unit, Officer Brandon Shelton, and Vision Zero Coordinator Wade Holland.

Ambassadors received certificates and earned 1,247 hours for active participation. View the graduation photos online.


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MCDOT Assists With Storm Clean Up From May Storms

MCDOT Highway Services staff sprang into action following the aftermath of multiple storms that swept the County on May 30 and 31. Staff members and contractors worked tirelessly to clear roadways of reported downed trees and address high water drainage issues.

Residents are encouraged to report blocked roadways and sidewalks and street/signal outages at MCDOT's Get It Fixed webpage or call MC311 at 311 or 240-777-0311.

For timely severe weather and emergency notifications, sign up for Alert Montgomery at alert. montgomerycountymd.gov.


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Flash Bus Rapid Transit is Coming to More Routes in the County

Flash currently operates on Colesville Rd/Columbia Pike (US 29) from Silver Spring Transit Center to Briggs Chaney and Burtonsville with stops along the way. It runs every 15 minutes all day and more frequently during rush hour.

The new routes include:

Watch this video to learn how Flash BRT is transforming Montgomery County.


flashsummerguide

Traveling Along Colesville Road/US 29?

US29 Flash is the first of the County’s planned, high-frequency Bus Rapid Transit routes.

Service on Colesville Road/Columbia Pike (US 29) with 12 stops from Silver Spring Transit Center to Briggs Chaney and Burtonsville. Connections include Burtonsville, Castle Boulevard, Briggs Chaney, Tech Road, April Lane, White Oak Transit Center, Oak Leaf Drive, FDA, Burnt Mills, Four Corners, Fenton Street and the Silver Spring Transit Center.

See the new summer guide featuring all the great places you can go.


FlashSpringNews2025

Flash BRT Spring Newsletter Now Available!

Find out what's next for the Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network in the Spring newsletter.


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Thank You For Your Donations! Public Can Continue to Donate Food to Manna Food Center

Thank you to those residents who participated in Ride On's annual Give and Ride campaign. The donated food went to Manna Food Center to help community members in need.

If you did not have a chance to participate, the following Manna Food Center locations accept non-perishable food donations:

Preferred donation items include canned vegetables, fruits, and soups, peanut butter and jelly, pasta, rice, and cereal, shelf-stable milk and juice, baby food and formula. Please avoid donating items in glass containers or those that are expired or opened. Watch this video on what to donate.


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MCDOT Highway Services Projects


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Pledge to Be Climate Smart

Be Climate Smart! Start by taking the pledge. It’s a simple first step that connects you to money-saving, energy-saving, and planet-saving resources tailored for Montgomery County residents.

Download the Ride On Trip Planner App. Whether you're a regular bus rider or haven’t taken the bus in years, this easy-to-use app helps you get around without the guesswork. Just enter your location and destination, and it will show you the best route and exactly when the next bus will arrive. 


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Walking & Biking to Metro Survey 

Metro is conducting a survey to better understand people's experiences and views about bicycling and using scooters to access Metro.


201flyer

New Travel Option: Express Commuter Bus from Gaithersburg to BWI Airport

Commuter Bus Route 201 from the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) offers express service from Gaithersburg to the BWI Business District, making it easier than ever to travel across the region — whether you're flying, shopping, or connecting to other transit.

View the full Route 201 schedule to plan your trip. Use the CharmPass app to purchase your ticket in advance.


smartcitiesarticle

Public Transit Ridership Hits Post-Pandemic High: APTA Report

Ridership on U.S. public transit systems for the first four months of this year reached 85% of 2019 levels for the same period, according to data from the American Public Transportation Association released May 14. 

Read the Smart Cities Dive article here.


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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.