Montgomery County Offers Discounted Parking Permits for Qualifying Childcare Providers in Downtown Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton

For Immediate Release: Friday, April 4, 2025

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is offering discounted parking permits to qualifying childcare workers within the downtown parking lot districts in Bethesda, Silver Spring or Wheaton.  

Qualifying childcare providers can access the application online and submit it via email with copies of corresponding documents to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed by MCDOT for approval. A limited number of permits will be released at a discounted rate. 

The Childcare Service Provider permits will cost $10 per month and are valid from 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at any long-term parking space in a County-owned garage. The Montgomery County Council unanimously passed legislation authorizing the permits at a March 4 meeting.  

“I am proud to sign into law this discounted parking permit program, which will ease the cost of commuting for Montgomery County’s childcare workers,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Childcare workers provide a critical service and yet are often not paid a commensurate wage. The discounted parking permits will help ensure that cost is not a barrier to getting to work.” 

To qualify for the permit, applicants must be licensed childcare providers receiving county or state subsidies or accepting subsidized placements. Each must have a facility located within a .1 mile of the County Parking Lot District boundary of Downtown Silver Spring, Bethesda or Wheaton. 

A version of the bill proposed in January included only the downtown Silver Spring parking lot district for the specialized permits, in response to travel disruption caused by the state's Purple Line construction work. The County Council's Transportation and Environment Committee recommended the bill expand to include the downtown areas of Wheaton and Bethesda. The final bill, which includes all Montgomery County parking lot districts, was signed into law by County Executive Elrich on March 17. 

“Affordable, accessible transportation options play a critical role in connecting Montgomery County’s essential service providers with jobs,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “I am pleased to be able to offer this discounted parking permit to our County’s childcare workers and want to thank County Executive Elrich and the Council for anticipating the expanded need for this.” 

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

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Release ID: 25-062
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282