Press Releases
Montgomery County Announces Temporary Free Ride On Bus Service and Boarding Changes, Suspension of Flex Bus Service Starting Monday, March 16, to Address COVID-19 Concerns
For Immediate Release: Friday, March 13, 2020
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), to support the County’s efforts to address the COVID-19 virus, starting on Monday, March 16, will temporarily suspend fare collection for users of the County’s Ride On bus services. In addition, Ride On will direct passengers to board through the rear doors of the bus to limit close contact between passengers and drivers.
Passengers who require the assistance of the lift located at the front of the bus can board through the front doors.
The changes will provide some separation between the operator and the passengers—and between passengers. The changes are being implemented in addition to precautions already implemented by Ride On, including the rigorous and increased sanitizing efforts of every bus on a daily basis.
MCDOT is working with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) so parents and students can be notified of the changes. MCDOT especially wanted to inform students who, during the period schools are closed, will need access to the special meals programs MCPS plans to implement.
At this time, Ride On and Ride On Extra services are maintaining a regular schedule. However, the Flex Bus pilot service in Rockville and the Wheaton-Glenmont zone will be suspended on a temporary basis.
For ongoing updates, follow @MCDOTNow on twitter or go to the MCDOT website.
# # #
Media Contact: Hannah Henn 240-777-8389