Press Releases - Department of Transportation

For Immediate Release: Monday, September 18, 2023

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) today announced a “fare-free day” in support of Car Free Day on Friday, Sept. 22. All Ride On buses will waive the one-dollar fare to encourage the use of public transportation. The announcement was made in coordination with the Maryland Transit Authority, which is offering free fare throughout the weekend on all MTA-operated transit. Regular fares will be required on Metrobus.

Car-Free Day is an annual event celebrated across the globe that encourages traveling in ways that are greener than driving alone, such as walking, riding a bicycle, bus or teleworking.

“We hope residents will take advantage of the free fare and try out Montgomery County’s public transportation system,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “By choosing to take a bus, ride a bike or walk instead of driving to their destinations, residents can enjoy the benefits of exercise while also reducing road congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.”

Residents can also take the regional pledge online to participate in Car-Free Day and be entered into a raffle for prizes such as gift cards, an annual Capital Bikeshare membership and a pre-funded SmartTrip card. Duplicate entries will be disqualified. Participants can take the pledge at carfreemetrodc.org/pledge-page.

Each registrant will also receive a Capital Bikeshare 24-hour regional pass for unlimited 45-minute rides for the day.

On the morning of Sept. 22, the MCDOT Commuter Services outreach teams will be distributing free giveaways and regional pledge registrations for the raffle drawing.

On Sept. 22, from 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. the MCDOT teams will be at:

Bethesda Metro station
Friendship Heights Shops at Wisconsin Place
Germantown Transit Center
Shady Grove Metro station
Silver Spring Metro station
Twinbrook Metro station
Wheaton Marian Fryer Plaza
White Oak Transit Center

MCDOT staff will also be at the following additional locations and times:

Lake Forest Transit Center, 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Hispanic Heritage Festival at the Wheaton Marian Fryer Plaza, 5 - 8 p.m.

“The Capital Bikeshare 24-hour pass will allow residents to enjoy the more than 100 miles of bike lanes, including over eight miles of protected bike lanes, we have in Montgomery County,” said Conklin. “All Ride On buses have bike racks so you can securely store your bike as well. We hope to encourage new users to try out their local public transportation system.”

Residents are encouraged to download the free Ride On Trip Planner app to plan regional travel across multiple transportation systems.

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

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Release ID: 23-101
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282