Montgomery County Ride On Bus Service: What You Need to Know about the Ride On Reimagined Final Report

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOTs) Ride On Reimagined Bus Service and Implementation Plan is the culmination of over two years of research, planning, coordination and development. The effort examined the transit landscape of Montgomery County, including MCDOT Ride On and Metrobus service. Ride On currently operates over 80 bus routes, many of which have been unchanged since their implementation in the 1970s, making this redesign a vital process to better align with the current and future needs of riders. The implementation of the Ride On Reimagined Service and Implementation Plan will take place in phases over the next several years, transforming Ride On bus service and delivering the most significant transit improvements in decades.

Here's what you need to know about the key changes and benefits:

YEAR 1: Immediate Changes (June 29, 2025)

The first phase of implementation will occur this summer and focuses on changes that will immediately improve service for thousands of riders. 

• New and Adjusted Routes: Route realignments will reduce redundancy and improve efficiency. 
• Great Seneca Transit Network (GSTN): Ride On extRa Lime and Pink routes launched in fall of 2024 as phase 1 of the GSTN.
• Service Enhancements Within Current Budget: Improvements will focus on increasing service frequency and optimizing routes without requiring additional funding beyond the current budget allocations
• WMATA & Local Transit Integration: Coordination with WMATA's Better Bus Network Year 1 changes 

YEAR 5: Network Expansion (2030)

By the 5-year mark, Ride On bus service will have a visibly restructured route network for better coverage and efficiency.

Funding Note: Year 5 network changes progress as resources become available and are dependent on a funding increase of 5% per year after Year 1.

• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Expansion and New Connections: Implementation of MCDOT's Flash MD 355 (Phase 1) and Viers Mill Road BRT projects.
• Purple Line: Expected completion and full operation by Year 5.
• Ride On Flex Service: Eight new proposed Flex microtransit zones, providing on-demand, flexible travel options for areas with lower ridership demand.
• Route Modification: Several routes will have changes for more direct connections to reduce travel times and expand weekend service. 

THE VISION NETWORK: FUTURE GROWTH

The Vision Network represents the full, ideal build out of Montgomery County's transit network with all possible proposed improvements implemented.

Funding Note: Progress is dependent on the availability of funding will be implemented in phases as new funding sources become available.

• Seamless Regional Transit Integration: Stronger coordination with WMATA and MTA to ensure a connected transit network. 
• BRT System: Full implementation of the Flash BRT network along high demand corridors with 8 new BRT lines and 4 new high-capacity Ride On extRa lines.
• New Ride On Flex Zones: Expansion of Ride On's flex service through 19 new Flex zones throughout Montgomery County
• Upgraded Frequencies: Over 30 routes will have improved weekday frequencies and 38 routes will have improved weekend frequencies
• New Weekend Service: 26 routes will have new weekend service 
• Great Seneca Transit Network (GSTN): GSTN will be fully implemented
• Access: The proposed Ride On Vision Network increases access and improves travel times to key destinations throughout the County. Today, 130,000 people can access Wheaton Station within 30 minutes using transit at 8 a.m. on weekdays. The Vision Network increases access to Wheaton Station to 303,000 people – a 142% increase

The MCDOT Ride On Reimagined plan is about building a better, faster, and more accessible transit system to serve Montgomery County's future. The first phase of implementation is just the beginning, setting the foundation for expansions through 2030 and beyond. These changes are designed for you, our riders. Montgomery County residents are encouraged to review the final report to understand the upcoming improvements and how they can benefit from the redesigned network. To learn more about the plan and how it will shape the future of public transportation in Montgomery County, read the MCDOT’s Ride On Reimagined Final Report.

For the most up-to-date bus service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. In addition, information is available at rideonbus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts or by texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.    

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.   

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Release ID: 25-045
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282