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.
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.
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.
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