Press Releases - Department of Transportation

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Montgomery County has won a Voice of the People (VOP) Award for transformation in mobility from the National Research Center (NRC) at Polco and the International City & County Management Association (ICMA). The VOP Award is the only national award that honors local governments based on feedback from residents.

The award recognized the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) shift over the past five years from an almost exclusive focus on congestion reduction to a balanced transportation system that provides a variety of travel options for residents, businesses and visitors.

According to the NRC at Polco, this year’s VOP Awards were very competitive and Montgomery County’s application demonstrated a commitment to best practices in moving the community forward.

“Montgomery County’s future prosperity depends on a first-rate, multi-modal transportation system that supports expanded opportunities for walking, biking and transit use and a more efficient road system,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “That is why MCDOT is developing the fresh, creative solutions that will help us build the best transportation network possible for our County. I’m very proud that the VOP Awards have highlighted how our residents see and appreciate the transformation that is the focus of MCDOT’s efforts. Let’s keep moving forward together.”

Montgomery County’s award recognizes its accomplishments on The National Community Survey™ (The NCS) and its intentional, data-informed decisions. The NCS provides a comprehensive and accurate picture of resident perspectives on local government services, policies and management. Results draw from the largest resident opinion database of its kind, representing more than 30 million Americans. The NCS compares local results with benchmarks compiled from surveys conducted across the U.S.

Montgomery County was recognized for the following accomplishments:

MCDOT’s significant expansion of public transit offerings like limited-stop, premium bus service, circulators and demand-responsive services.
The opening of the first Flash bus network, a Bus Rapid Transit concept that maximizes use of dedicated transit lanes and strives to make the routes as efficient as possible. Design is also underway for two more corridors and planning is about to start for two more.
Improvements in a modern transit fleet, station improvements, service enhancements and improved Real Time information to make riding easier and more convenient and boost reliability.
Broadening the network of personal mobility alternatives like bicycle facilities and shared bicycle and e-scooter options.
Focus on enhanced pedestrian facilities and safety throughout the County.
Master Plans to facilitate economic development at Metro stations and to improve the Countywide transit network.
Establishment of Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Areas (BiPPA’s) that focus lower-cost, high impact investments in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Strategic investments in the roadway system to reduce congested bottlenecks and improve access from regional highways to activity centers.
Vision Zero philosophy that is aimed at eliminating serious and fatal collisions by 2030.
New “NextGen” legislation to expand programs that encourage public transit, walking, and bicycling.
Robust efforts to communicate information on travel options, including enhanced websites and heightened social media outreach.

“We recognize these amazing communities that are shining examples of how to engage residents to improve quality of life and deepen trust and transparency,” said Nick Mastronardi, CEO of Polco.

“During this difficult year especially, local government leaders are rolling up their sleeves and working tirelessly to guide their communities forward,” said Damema Mann, Director of National Engagement for Polco. “We are honored to be able to recognize these deserving communities nationally.”

For transportation information, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, subscribe to MCDOT news releases or subscribe to MCDOT’s ‘Go Montgomery!’ newsletter.

For transportation updates related to COVID-19 health crisis, visit MCDOT’s transportation resource page for COVID-19.