Leggett Announces Launch of MCDOT Mobile Commuter Store

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 27, 2017

This week, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) launched a Mobile Commuter Store (MCS) that sells transit fare media and offers a broad variety of transportation information to the public.  The MCS will replace the TRiPS Commuter Store in Friendship Heights with a 38-foot Winnebago that is outfitted as a full-service commuter store, including displays of transportation information, schedules and maps. 

“I’m proud that Montgomery County is the first community in Maryland to launch a Mobile Commuter Store that brings transportation services directly to commuters, residents and tourists,” said Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett.  “The MCS will help promote the use of transit and other travel options that reduce traffic congestion and are a critical part of our balanced and comprehensive network.”

The MCS has the advantage over storefronts of bringing services directly to customers throughout the County at handy locations such as recreation centers; senior centers; libraries; community centers (including the Friendship Heights Village Center); major office, retail and residential complexes; and at County events, such as fairs and festivals. The added convenience and accessibility will expand opportunities so a broader segment of the community can take advantage of MCDOT’s transportation services.

“With the Mobile Store, we are significantly expanding the level of service, flexibility and convenience for our customers while continuing to provide the valuable, customized one-on-one assistance that so many residents prefer,” said MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh.

At the MCS, customers can purchase or load value onto transit fare media, including regular and Senior SmarTrip cards and the Ride On Youth Cruiser Pass; purchase MARC Commuter Rail passes; and register for Capital Bikeshare and obtain key fobs.  The store also provides real time transit information based on the location of the vehicle on screens both inside and outside the MCS, and offers a wide variety of transportation and visitor information.

The MCS provides the full range of transportation services currently offered by the TRiPS stores. Many transit riders still prefer to purchase fare media and obtain information or assistance in person, especially tourists or those with special needs. Customers are served inside a climate-controlled, retail environment by knowledgeable staff who can assist them in completing transactions or provide customized advice about the best routes or passes for their situation.

MCDOT will continue to operate the TRiPS Commuter Store in the Silver Spring Transit Center (SSTC) and has significantly extended the days and hours of operation from the former schedule of Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.   The SSTC TRiPS store is now open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. New services being offered at the SSTC include the sale of Capital Bikeshare memberships and key fobs.  In addition, Peter Pan Bus Lines is inaugurating intercity bus service at the SSTC and tickets can be purchased at the SSTC TRiPS store.

MCDOT will be developing a schedule of regular stops for the MCS that will be available online.  MCDOT’s Commuter Services Section (CSS) welcomes ideas from the public regarding locations for regular or special MCS stops.  Email suggestions for MCS stops, or requests for more information to CSS.

CSS also provides a wide range of other services to employers, employees and residents throughout the County to promote use of transit, car/vanpooling, biking, bikeshare, telework and other sustainable transportation alternatives.  Learn more about MCDOT’s Commuter Services online – including availability of FareShare, the County’s transit/vanpool subsidy matching for employees working in the County. 

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Release ID: 17-439
Media Contact: Esther Bowring 240.777.7155