"What Drives You" March Madness Winning Entries Announced

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

In March 2024, MCDOT’s Ride On launched the "What Drives You" campaign, an initiative celebrating the voices and experiences of our riders. Through a series of monthly contests, the campaign invites riders to share their personal stories and what inspires their journeys on Ride On.

Ride On's "What Drives You" contest celebrated the excitement of the March Madness season by selecting weekly winners throughout March. Each winner received a prize package including a $50 Visa gift card, a "What Drives You" t-shirt, and assorted Ride On giveaways.

The first of our selected weekly winners was Leonard, who has been an avid Ride On rider since 1979, just four years after its inception.

"Believe it or not, my late father drove buses for Ride On in 1978, so I developed an interest in Ride On. He would bring home Ride On bus schedules, and I would read each one until I had memorized each of the routes operating from Wheaton to Silver Spring. Although I have never operated a motor vehicle, I have relied on my know-how of Ride On to get me where I have to go.  

"I think Ride On is an excellent public transportation mode and I have developed a very good understanding of Ride On. Ride On is not only affordable, but I would encourage anyone to consider using Ride On as a mode of public transportation.  They will be glad they did, and I am glad I ride this particular mode of public transportation. Ride On, you rock!"

Johmar, who recently moved to the United States with his family from South America, was the second winner in our March Madness promotion.

"My family moved to Montgomery County three weeks ago from South America, and Ride On is helping us to get around our new home. The buses are always clean and user-friendly, which is a nice change compared to the buses in our home country. We use the app to plan our trips and soon we're going to get my children Youth Cruiser SmarTrip cards so that they can travel for free. We really enjoy riding on your buses! You have great bus drivers that makes our days better with their good mood and positive vibes."

The winner of week three was Susana, who uses Ride On as a vital link to life in Montgomery County.

"I’m an immigrant woman with limited resources—no personal transportation and little money. Before Ride On, getting to work or even essential appointments was a daily struggle. Ride On didn't just provide me a ride, it gave me hope, improved my access to opportunities, and restored my sense of independence. Their support has made a real, lasting difference in my life."

Our last winner was Kellie, a school health tech with MCPS who uses the Ride On Real Time app to plan trips to schools in dense neighborhoods.

"I have been an employee of Montgomery County School Health Services, DHHS for 20 years. Through the years I have relied on the Ride On bus service to take me to my many school destinations. I have always loved the that Ride On can get you into the many cavernous neighborhoods of Montgomery County where the regular buses cannot go.

"These are the places where many of my school assignments have been located. As a School Health Tech, being on time to my school health rooms has been of the utmost importance. Planning my travel strategies with the Ride On "Real Time" app has been a tool that I can depend upon for efficient management of arrivals and departures. Ride On is among one of the greatest resources that Montgomery County has to offer!"

Throughout 50 years of service, Ride On has touched the lives of millions of riders.  The contest is still running, and we'd love to hear the story of how Ride On has impacted your life for the better!

Riders are asked to share their story in one of three ways to win a prize package including gift cards and Ride On giveaways:   

1. Share your story on the website submission page.  
   
   
2. Post your story on Instagram, X, or Facebook and tag the @RideOnMCT account.  
   
   
3. Email your experience to [email protected] for a chance to win.  

Eligible entries may be used to further publicize the contest. The contest will run indefinitely, with a winner typically chosen each month. Winners are announced via email, Instagram, X, Facebook and Bluesky within the last week of each month.  

Ride On bus fare is only $1 and monthly passes are $22.50 using SmarTrip, cash or tokens. Seniors age 65 or older, persons with disabilities and youth ages 18 and under all ride free using specialized SmarTrip cards.    

For the most up-to-date bus service information, 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: 25-064
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282