Montgomery County Executive Elrich, Council President Glass to Lead ‘Groundpainting’ Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 29, in Rockville to Celebrate Development of the Great Seneca Transit Network

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Evan Glass will join other elected officials, community leaders and the County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) for a “groundpainting” ceremony of dedicated bus lanes to kick off Phase 1 of the Great Seneca Transit Network at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Traville Parkway Transit Center in Rockville. The Traville Parkway Transit Center is located next to the Universities at Shady Grove. Following the ceremonies, speakers will paint a sectioned-off portion of roadway red to highlight the dedicated bus lanes involved in portions of the project.  

The Great Seneca Transit Network will increase connections with frequent transit options through two new Ride On extRa bus service lines, designated as “Lime” and “Pink.” Each of the new Ride On extRa service lines will have end points at the Shady Grove Metrorail Station and the Universities at Shady Grove, improving mobility and access to crucial jobs in the healthcare, biotech and education sectors. The new Lime and Pink Ride On extRa lines will offer commuters service every 10 to 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends.

Project implementation will continue through this spring, with service to begin late summer 2024. The project also includes pedestrian and bicycle enhancements along the corridors they serve. Both bus routes will operate with sections of dedicated bus lanes and “signal priority,” which gives an early green light to the bus lane during peak hours so bus riders can reach their destination faster.  

 

WHAT:  Groundbreaking for the Great Seneca Transit Network, Phase 1 

WHEN:     Wednesday, Nov. 29, 10:15-11:30 a.m. 

WHERE: Traville Gateway Transit Center, located at Traville Gateway Drive and Gudelsky Drive in Rockville. The outdoor location will be to the left of the clocktower as you enter the shopping area from Darnestown Road.  

WHO:    

• Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich
• Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass
• Council Vice President Andrew Friedson  
• Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe 
• Councilmember Natali Fani-Gonzalez
• City of Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman
• Universities at Shady Grove Executive Director, Anne Khademian
• MCDOT Director Chris Conklin
• MCDOT Chief of Construction, Dewa Salihi (Master of Ceremonies)

PHOTO OP:  Speakers will be painting a portion of roadway red to signify the dedicated bus lanes. Attendees will be available for interview. Group pictures will be arranged. USG students who ride the bus will be available for interview. A Ride On extRa bus will be on-site and available for B-roll. 

 

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Media Contact: Rebecca Mellema 202-774-7371