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Press Releases - Department of Transportation

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 11, 2024

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2024awards

MCDOT Receives Three National Association of Counties (NACo) Awards

MCDOT received three achievement awards for 2024 in the categories of Transportation, Community and Economic Development, and Personnel Management, Employment and Training.

NACo Awards are an annual recognition program that honors outstanding county government programs and services. 

  • Dedicated Bus Lanes Project:
    The University Boulevard dedicated bus lane project added more than two miles of dedicated bus lanes along one of the area’s busiest and most congested corridors.

  • Maximizing Underutilized Public Parking by Partnering with Long-Term Lease:
    Changes in the economic landscape in the Bethesda Parking Lot District (PLD) resulted in underutilized parking facilities. MCDOT was able to enter into a long-term parking lease agreement that allowed the Woodmont Corner Public Parking Garage 11 to be available during business hours for lease customers while remaining publicly available after business hours. 

  • Problem Solving Committees:
    MCDOT Transit Services' high staff turnover, particularly among bus operators, was attributed to low morale rather than wage disparities. To address this, Transit Services and the Innovation Team established problem-solving committees. These committees aimed to decentralize decision-making and empower staff by giving them a voice in leadership choices.

rideonwater

MCDOT Offers Relief This Summer

During Heat Emergency Alerts multiple Ride On buses provide water for passengers and offer a place to cool off when cooling centers are crowded or during outdoor events.

A Heat Emergency Alert is declared when the temperature or heat index is forecast to be 105 degrees or higher. 

County facilities, including librariesswimming poolsrecreation centers and senior centers are places to cool off during normal operating hours. Public locations such as indoor malls and movie theaters can also be utilized, including riding a Ride On bus.

During the alert, MCDOT provides free bottled water on Ride On, extRa, Flex and Flash buses for passengers.

For more information on heat emergency and hot weather safety tips click here.


flex5yr

Montgomery County's Ride On Flex Celebrates Five Years of Convenience,
Reliability and Ease of Use

MCDOT’s Ride On Flex on-demand transit service is celebrating five years of helping riders get around Rockville and Glenmont/Wheaton. The simple and convenient bus service is hailed for its ease of use and reliability. With just a tap on your phone, the Flex gets you where you need to go in the Wheaton and Rockville area quickly and comfortably.

MCDOT thanks riders for their support and look forward to many more years of service. Watch this video to learn how to use the Ride On Flex bus.

Download the Ride On Flex app for free from the Apple or Google app store.

Ride On staff wish Flex a Happy Anniversary online here.


ridewithpride44

Did You See MCDOT’s ‘Ride with Pride' Bus Last Month?

MCDOT unveiled the “Ride with Pride” themed Ride On bus to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its allies during June, which is recognized as Pride Month. Wrapped with the Intersex Progress Pride Flag, adorned with “Ride with Pride” messaging and neon lights to stand out at night, the Ride On bus was dedicated to the uplifting of LGBTQ+ voices, culture and civil rights.

In addition to the Pride Bus, each MCDOT Ride On bus had internal #RidewithPride poster displays with a QR code directing riders to a web page with information about the historical and cultural significance of Pride Month.


bikescooterclassesin2023

It’s a Wrap – MCDOT’s Adult Bike and Scooter Spring Classes Were a
Success

MCDOT sponsored eight adult bike classes, and most sessions were sold out. With 157 registrants, most attendees were able to ride a bike by the end of the class. The classes offered residents an affordable way to include biking as another form of transportation.

Additionally, MCDOT hosted three e-scooter safety classes. Over 40 residents learned how to download the vendor apps to rent and operate an e-scooter and take a test ride. They also learned about local e-scooter laws and general safety information.

MCDOT has contracts with Bird, Lime, and Spin who operate within certain areas in Montgomery County and participated in one or more of the four training classes.

Additional e-scooter and bike classes will be offered later this year. For updates, check the website or follow @MCDOTNow on social media.


pedestrianhybridbeacon2024

MCDOT Educates County Residents About Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons

MCDOT is continuing its expansion of traffic signals and protected crossings by installing new pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHB) to provide safer options for walking and biking. More than 50 PHBs have been installed since 2018, when the county’s first Vision Zero Action Plan was adopted.

PHBs are an attractive and cost-effective option to meet pedestrian safety needs at mid-block crossings or where the traffic volume is too low to warrant a continuously cycling traffic signal. These traffic safety devices are pedestrian activated and help protect bicyclists and pedestrians by stopping traffic.

The pedestrian safety team is conducting outreach at locations near PHBs, such as grocery stores, community centers, and residential communities, to educate people about how to use these devices to cross the road safely and alert drivers to slow down.

Watch this short video to learn more about how PHBs work. You can also view the PHB locations online here.

View photos from recent Giant Food outreach events:


newellst2024

TONIGHT: MCDOT
Invites Public to Newell Street Shared Street In-Person Community Meeting on Thursday, July 11

MCDOT will host an
in-person community meeting to present potential alternatives and get feedback on the future of Newell Street between Kennett Street and East-West Highway in Silver Spring. In 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, the block of the street between Kennett Street and East-West Highway, adjacent to Acorn Park, was closed to vehicle traffic and used to create additional outdoor space to support safe social distancing. The street has since been reopened to vehicle traffic. MCDOT is conducting a facility planning study to examine the future of this portion of Newell Street. 

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring's Health Sciences Center, Room 122 located at 7977 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. Public feedback will help MCDOT determine which version of the street to consider for design. All information provided will become a matter of public record.


bethesdabikeways

Virtual Public Hearing on the
Capital Crescent Surface Trail Phase 2 in Bethesda to be Held on Tuesday, July 16

On Tuesday, July 16, starting at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT will present project details, costs, and schedules as well as obtain public testimony and answer questions.

This separated two-way bike lane along the northern side of Bethesda Avenue is between Woodmont Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue/MD 355. East of Wisconsin Avenue, the two-way separated bike lane will continue along the southern side of Willow Lane to 47th Street. A shared-use path is planned along the Elm Street Park’s 47th Street frontage.

Online registration is required to attend. The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback via the online comment form. All information provided will become a matter of public record.


rideonpublicfor

Public Can Provide Feedback on Proposed Changes to Ride On Bus Routes 43, 63, and 66 Through Friday, July 12

MCDOT is proposing to change Ride On bus routes 4363, and 66 to provide more efficient service for the new Ride On extRa Lime and Pink routes, a high-frequency service coming to the Great Seneca area on Sunday, Sept. 8.

The public has until 5 p.m. on Friday, July 12 to provide feedback either by mail to Division of Transit Services, Ride On Public Forum, 101 Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Rockville, Maryland 20850,  by fax at 240-777-5801 or by email to mcdot.rideonpublicforums@
montgomerycountymd.gov. All information provided will become a matter of public record.


shadygrove

MCDOT’s Shady Grove Road Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Improvement Feasibility Study Through Tuesday, July 23

Areas along this corridor have been identified in the Montgomery County Vision Zero plan as dangerous with multiple collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians. Vision Zero aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2030. The study will review existing conditions, such as traffic volumes, crash data, and review planned improvements to address pedestrian and cyclist safety along Shady Grove Road between Darnestown Road and Midcounty Highway in Rockville. 

Learn more on the project website and more background and visuals regarding the project scope can be found online here.  

The public can submit their feedback online here. Any information provided will become a matter of public record. 


greatsenecapopup

MCDOT to Host Pop-Up Events to Promote New Great Seneca Transit
Network Bus Routes Coming This Fall

In September, MCDOT will introduce the Ride On extRa Lime and Pink Routes, a high-frequency service featuring two routes between the Shady Grove Metro Station and the Universities at Shady Grove. Both routes will stop at the Great Seneca Life Sciences Center.  The service will continue with regular Ride On fares and benefit from traffic signal priority, ensuring that traffic lights stay green as buses approach for faster service. The new routes will connect to 30% of the transit network, including MTA buses, Metrobus, Metrorail, and 26 Ride On routes. This is phase 1 of a larger plan to expand public transit in the area

MCDOT has hosted pop up events the past few weeks where residents can stop by to learn more and receive giveaways.


bikedriveoct11

SAVE THE DATE: MCDOT Sponsors Annual Bike Drive on Friday, October 11

Do you have an extra
bicycle you no longer need? This bike collection drive, in honor of October's community service month, will provide bicycles for kids and adults in need.

MCDOT staff will collect donated child and adult bikes and parts (no bike helmets) between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. outside the Council Office Building parking garage, which is located at the corner of East Jefferson Street and Monroe Street in Rockville.

Donations will go to the Rockville Bike Hub, a non-profit organization whose volunteers refurbish the bikes and give them to low-income residents throughout the County, through Rockville's Terrific Kids, Bikes For The World and MCDOT's Bike Match MoCo programs.


mcdotgaragead

DID YOU KNOW?
MCDOT Offers Advertising in Select Public Garages in
Bethesda and Silver Spring

With the establishment of advertising opportunities in select Bethesda and Silver Spring parking garages, businesses have a new way of communicating with thousands of customers.

The following select parking facilities allow advertising space: 

View rates here. For questions or comments email [email protected].


treevinecutting

Tree Friends United Receives Award for Removing Vines Smothering Montgomery County Trees

Congratulations to Tree Friends United and Conservation Montgomery, who were honored with conservation awards from the Maryland General Assembly and Montgomery County Civic Federation for clearing invasive plants to save trees in Montgomery County.

Tree Friends United is a group of citizens concerned with the
accelerating spread of invasive species overwhelming our parklands, roads, and neighborhoods. They assist in removing vines, smothering trees, and other invasive species in Montgomery County. For questions and to join their mailing list, email [email protected].

If see vines taking over a tree in the county right-of-way, contact MC311 for assistance with removal.

Did You Know?  MCDOT arborists maintain over 250,000 trees in the dedicated county right of way and another 200,000 in rural areas. Any tree growing in a street right-of-way is a county-owned tree. Learn more here.


seniorsridefree85

Attention Residents 50+, Get Comfortable with Traveling on Public Transit with a Free Travel Training Workshop on Wednesday, July 17

Ride Smart Travel Training is a free half-day workshop from JCA Connect-A-Ride program designed to help Montgomery County residents aged 50+ gain confidence taking Metrorail and other public transportation.

Participants learn how to read the Metro map, understand digital schedule signs, load a fare card, and quickly find a station’s emergency and accessibility features. Travel Training includes classroom training; a trip on a Ride On bus; a visit to a Metro station; and a roundtrip train ride.

The class will be held at the Rockville Senior Center located at 1150 Carnation Drive. Advance registration is required, and walk-ins are not allowed. Call 301-738-3252 or email [email protected] to learn more and register.


PARTNER NEWS

cctpurpleline

Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Capital Crescent Trail is
Projected to Reopen a Year Early

The Capital Crescent Trail is
projected to reopen between
Bethesda and Silver Spring in spring 2026, a year earlier than expected.

The 11-mile trail, which runs from Georgetown to Silver Spring, has been partially closed since 2017 as part of the state’s Purple Line light-rail construction project.

The Purple Line website says the completed trail will include trail bridges over Connecticut Avenue and Colesville Road, and
underpasses at Jones Mill Road, 16th Street, and Spring Street; making a safer trail for the public. Learn more here.


schoolbus4

Pass a Stopped DC School Bus with Its Stop-Arm Activated? Prepare for $500 Fine

D.C.’s Department of
Transportation and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) said ticketing for the Stop-Arm Safety Program charges drivers $500 who don’t slow down when school buses are stopped.

This move follows a 45-day warning period, which launched April 29, when drivers who were caught illegally passing a stopped bus with its stop-arm activated received only a warning. D.C. placed stop-arm cameras on 25 school buses maintained by OSSE, with a fleet that includes over 600 buses. Read the WTOP article here.


METRO NEWS

metrobus-rail

Service During Partial
Summer Red Line Closure

Metro has adjusted its free shuttle bus service to improve travel times and reduce bus
congestion at the Silver Spring Transit Center. On Monday, July 1, the Red Line Limited 2 shuttle loop was replaced by two more efficient express shuttle loops:  

-The Forest Glen Express will operate between Forest Glen and Fort Totten.

-The Silver Spring Express will operate between Silver Spring and Fort Totten. 

Show Your SmarTrip® Card or App at These Downtown Silver Spring Shops & Eateries for Summer Shutdown Deals

View stores here.

Metro Rolls Out Fare Charts in Spanish at All Stations

The signs feature the fare rates for all Metro stations, advertise adding SmarTrip® cards to riders’ mobile wallets and explain who might be eligible for reduced fare rates. Learn more here.

Metro Asking Bicyclists to Weigh in on New Bike Parking Options Before Installation Later This Year

Bicyclists can try out and provide in-person feedback on the options from multiple vendors that include standard and oversized bike lockers and different types of self-locking bicycle racks. New bicycle parking upgrades will start later this year and are expected to take several years to complete. Learn more here.


gomofooter

For more information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot and subscribe to receive the latest MCDOT news to your mobile phone or email inbox.

JULY 2024


mcdotsocial04956

Follow @MCDOTNow on X, FacebookThreads, Bluesky or Instagram.


july2024

MCDOT July Calendar

Click on the above calendar to see what MCDOT is up to in July!


wearehiring

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Search the following position's IRC number on the Montgomery County's Career website here.

Highway Services

  • Equipment Operator Apprentice/Equipment Operator I, IRC63824

Parking Management

  • Public Service Craftsworker I, IRC62341

Traffic

  • Transportation Systems Technician I (Overhead), IRC63501
  • Senior Planning Specialist, IRC62762
  • Supervisor, Sign and Marking Unit, IRC62519
  • Shift Supervisor Transportation Management Center, IRC62480
  • Engineer Technician I/II (Sign & Marking Team), IRC62039
  • Work Force Leader III, IRC62021
  • Transportation Systems Technician I, IRC63502
  • Traffic Management Technician I/II, IRC61384

Transit Services

  • Transit Information Systems Technician, IRC61687

Transportation Engineering

  • Manager II (Chief, Division of Transportation Engineering), IRC63800
  • Manager III (BRT Project Implementation Manager), IRC62379
  • Capital Projects Manager, IRC60451
  • Senior Planning Specialist, IRC62780
  • Capital Projects Manager (Bridge Unit), IRC61625
  • Engineer III, IRC62361

icecreamday

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day, Sunday, July 21

Take the Ride On bus to get your scoop! Find a route near you here.


nationalniteout

MCDOT Promotes
Pedestrian Safety During National Night Out in Olney on Tuesday, August 6

National Night Out is celebrated on the first Tuesday in August to enhance the relationship between neighbors, first responders and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors
together under positive circumstances.

The free, family-friendly event will include crafts, live music,
giveaways and a chance to meet those who make Montgomery County safe.

View event details here and view last year’s event photos here.


flashatmocofair

MCDOT to Participate in Montgomery County's
Agriculture Fair in Gaithersburg, August 9 Through 17

MCDOT will be staffing a booth every day between 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.  Be sure to stop by and meet ride on bus operators who will be available to answer questions, distribute route information, maps and more. The pedestrian safety team will also distribute safety educational materials and reflective gear.

For information on the upcoming fair visit mcagfair.com.


flashsummerguide

Hop on the US 29 Flash for Summer Fun

Explore all the places you can go on the Flash US 29 bus that runs on Colesville Road/Columbia Pike (US 29) with 12 stops from Silver Spring Transit Center to Briggs Chaney and Burtonsville.

It costs only $1 to ride, keeps you cool, has free WIFI, USB ports and storage for your bike.

View the Summer Guide here.

Did You Know?

One Flash vehicle can take up to 90 cars off the road, making the County's transportation network more efficient.


taggroup

Ride On Transit Advisory Group (TAG) is Recruiting Riders With Disabilities, Bilingual Adults and High School Students

Ride On is seeking applications from high school students, riders with disabilities and bilingual adults who wish to be selected as a TAG member. 

TAG members receive monthly updates on Ride On events and news and meet with Ride On management staff three times a year so they can voice their opinions and give feedback on Ride On bus services. Students can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.

Interested individuals can apply online here.


streetsweeping2022

MCDOT Concludes Street Sweeping This Month

MCDOT’s annual Street Sweeping Program began in April sweeping over 4,100 lane miles of residential roadways and intersections in Montgomery County removing around 1,000 tons of debris. This effort promotes the health of our local watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay.

For questions contact MC311 by calling 311 within the County or 240-777-0311.


visionzerocover

View MCDOT Safety
Projects Underway in Your Neighborhood

Use Vision Zero’s interactive project map to see completed or scheduled safety projects related to the Vision Zero initiative. See what safety projects MCDOT has done at intersections that include the installation of High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK), Rectangular Rapid Flashing and Pedestrian Hybrid beacons, traffic calming and signal work.

View Vision Zero work completed in the Quarterly Progress Report (January 1 – March 31) online here.


westoldbaltimore3

MCDOT Continues
Resurfacing on West Old
Baltimore Road in Boyds

The road project between Broadway Avenue to Ruby Drive consists of milling, patching and resurfacing the existing pavement that is 70% complete. This work is part of MCDOT’s Pavement System Preservation Project that employs long term strategies to improve County road conditions.

View the project newsletter here.

If you have questions on who repairs what road, click here.


rideonriders3

A Greener Future: FTA FY23 Grants Provide $1.7 Billion to Put Better Buses on American Roads

Federal support for buses over the last several years has increased people’s access and helped communities fight climate change. FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez highlights how one community in Maryland, with FTA support, is transitioning to a clean and green bus program powered by the sun. Watch the video online here.


usebikeshare

Bikeshare Beat: June
Ridership Breaks All-Time Record, Again

The summer heat wave did not deter cyclists in June, as Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) set a new all-time monthly ridership record with 584,402 trips. This marks a 35.7% increase from June 2023 and surpasses the previous milestone, set just a month earlier, by over 69,000 rides.

A Capital Bikeshare membership includes access to over 6,000 bikes and 700+ bike stations throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. You can look for a station close to your home online here.


bikecommunitysafetyclass

Like Bikes? See Rockville City in July by Pedal Power

The Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee leads casual neighborhood rides of about one hour on Tuesdays throughout the summer. Routes are on paved, shared-use paths, some sidewalks and some short sections of quiet streets.


nhtsa3

NHTSA Estimates Traffic Fatalities Continued to
Decline in First Quarter of 2024

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its first projections for traffic
fatalities in 2024, estimating that 8,650 people died in traffic crashes in the first three months of the year.

This represents a decrease of about 3.2% as compared to 8,935 estimated fatalities during the same period in 2023.


art67

Why BRT Can Benefit
Cities More Than Rail

Bus rapid transit lines offer a less expensive, quicker-build alternative to rail that can bring other infrastructure improvements with it.

Read the Planetizen article here.


311


Release ID: 24-090
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282

All MCDOT News Releases