For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 26, 1998
Commuters are using the new Glenmont Metro station in greater than expected numbers, according to the County Department of Public Works and Transportation.
Ridership has increased steadily since the station opened on July 25. During the first week of operation, the average weekday ridership totaled 6,587; the second week, 6,701; and the third week 6,818. During the fourth week (August 15-22), ridership dipped slightly to 6,659, reflecting the peak of the local vacation season. Officials had estimated 7,000 riders after six months to a year.
County Executive Douglas M. Duncan said, "These figures say to me that people want alternative forms of transportation, and it is up to us to provide it."
Parking in the Glenmont garage ranges from 1,400 to 1,470 per day (capacity 1,835). Parking diversion has come primarily from the Wheaton station (600 cars), but some has been reported from Forest Glen, White Flint and Twinbrook. Overall, parking at Metro lots countywide is up 300 to 500 cars per day.
Duncan also thanked residents of the Glenmont community for their assistance and support throughout the construction and the station opening process. "We owe the Glenmont residents a large debt of gratitude for their active involvement, which has contributed greatly to the generally smooth sailing we've experienced during these early weeks of operation."
The County will continue to monitor operations at the new station, including traffic access on adjacent roads and ridership trends on new bus routes serving the available from the County's Transit Information Center at 301-217-RIDE; TTY 301-217-2222 or Ride On the Net at www.dpwt.com/rideon.Glenmont station.
Information on Ride On and Metrobus routes to and from the Glenmont station is
Release ID: 98-267
Media Contact: Ed Daniel 301-217-2976