Early Returns Signal Initial Success for County’s “Rock Spring Activation” Project

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Montgomery County has initiated an innovative pilot program designed to transform the Rock Spring office park and address the shift in the commercial office space market away from single-use office parks not near Metro. 

At the direction of County Executive Ike Leggett, a dedicated express bus service (phase one), the Rock Spring Express, was initiated on Monday, July 25, from the Grosvenor Metro station to the Rock Spring office park, and the initial returns are promising. The free service runs at 10-minute intervals from 6-9 a.m. and from 4-7 p.m. with no stops between the two locations. The new express option supplements already existing regular Ride On bus service.

During the first two weeks' service, an average of 200 riders per day used the Rock Spring Express.

“Our purpose with this project is threefold,” explained County Executive Leggett. “First, we are looking for ways to transform Rock Spring from a traditional office park into a more lively business destination and adding an express connection to Metro is the first step. Second, our hope is that projects such as this can reduce, or stabilize, office vacancies in office parks. Third, we want to enhance connectivity for workers there and the businesses that employ them.”

Better transit connection is part of a bigger “placemaking” effort to breathe new life into the suburban office park, home to some of the largest employers in Montgomery County. The Office of the County Executive is working with the County departments of Transportation, Recreation, Park, Planning, and Rock Spring businesses and landowners to identify areas suitable for public amenities and events that could happen during and after the work day.

This placemaking project could involve food trucks, movie nights, and live-music, along with exercise and other recreational options.

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Release ID: 16-439
Media Contact: Ohene Gyapong 240-777-65