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Press Releases - Department of Transportation

GO MONTGOMERY! April 3, 2020

For Immediate Release: Friday, April 3, 2020

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Please note our new website that is constantly updated with the latest transportation information
during the COVID-19 health crisis:
 www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT/covid19.html

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Governor Issues Stay at Home Order 

Earlier this week, Governor Larry Hogan issued a Stay at Home order to protect public health and safety. The order states that no Maryland resident should leave their home unless it is for an essential job or for an essential reason, such as obtaining food or medicine, seeking urgent medical attention, or for other necessary purposes. Read more. 


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County Executive Elrich Holds Virtual Community Briefing to Answer Your Questions About COVID-19

Montgomery County’s top leaders answered questions Thursday night from residents, business owners and first responders at the County’s first COVID-19 Virtual Community Briefing

The live event featured County Executive Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jack Smith, County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles and Director of the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Dr. Earl Stoddard who answered questions ranging from testing to distance learning and help for small businesses. Watch Briefing


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COVID-19 Information  

The COVID-19 Outbreak is a constantly evolving situation, and Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services, working with the Maryland Department of Health, will provide updates as they become available at montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19. 


Using Ride On During the Covid-19 Health Crisis


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Ride On Continues to Operate Essential Bus Service  

Under Governor Hogan’s stay at home order, residents are advised to travel only for essential purposes. Ride On continues to operate 35 critical routes seven days a week for essential trips, and all service is free. See detailed service information: Essential Service Plan and Map of Routes and Locations of Essential Services.


Map Shows How Operating Bus Routes Align with Essential Services 

Need to take Ride On to an essential service, including healthcare facilities, dialysis providers, pharmacies near hospitals, grocery stores near hospitals, banks near hospitals, Montgomery County Public Schools food distribution sites and operating Metro Stations? Use this online map to see how operating bus routes align with these destinations:  essential services map.


Where's My Bus? 

With regular Ride On service schedules disrupted, note that Ride On Real Time Information only shows bus location. This allows passengers to see when a bus is approaching a bus stop, but does not provide the estimated time of arrival. View the map at rideon.app/busmap. Please note that trip planning apps, such as Google Maps, do not reflect current schedule information.


Keeping Riders Safe 

All Ride On bus interiors are cleaned nightly with hospital grade disinfectant. Bus filters and ventilation systems are also treated each night with a disinfectant. 


Ride On Providing Free Rides 

Buses have implemented rear door boarding and are not charging any fare to ride any Ride On bus. Unless you need ramp assistance, board through the rear door.

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Update on County Street, Garage and
Lot Parking


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MCDOT Establishes “Curbside Food Pickup” Zones for Restaurants  

MCDOT continues to expand temporary curbside food pick up zones in Silver Spring, Wheaton, Bethesda and  North Bethesda The zones prevent long-term parking in spots in front of carry-out restaurants and essential services while allowing temporary “standing parking” of 15 minutes or less. Find out which local restaurants are open at MoCo EATS To-Go Guide and help support our local businesses if you can.


MCDOT Relaxes Some Parking Restrictions 

* Parking meter enforcement has been relaxed in areas where businesses remain open for quick pickups— such as restaurants, pharmacies and food stores. 

FREE PARKING is available at the Bonifant/Dixon Garage 55 in Silver Spring and the Auburn/Del Ray Garage 36 in Bethesda. 

Parking enforcement in Residential Parking Permit areas has been suspended. 


MCDOT Offering PCS Permit Refunds 

While Maryland's stay-at-home order is in effect, MCDOT parking customers with PCS (Parking Convenience Stickers) permits may request refunds in-person at the Parking Store in Bethesda or Silver Spring, by phone or by mail. Learn more. 


Status of Commuter Services


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Mobile Commuter Services Store is Closed For Now 

As the County continues its efforts to keep the community safe, MCDOT’s Mobile Commuter Store operations have been temporarily suspended. 


Silver Spring TRiPS Commuter Store Has New Hours  

The TRIPS Commuter Store is open Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. The store is located on the 2nd level of the Silver Spring Transit Center, 8404 Colesville Road. Essential workers can get transit and trip planning assistance and information.


Other Ways to Get Around


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Metrorail and Metrobus Still Providing Some Service for Essential Travel Only 

Metrorail: Many stations are closedBeginning April 6, service will end at 9 p.m.  View the live train map and special COVID-19 rail system map. 

Metrobus: Metro releases schedule information every week. Beginning April 6, service will end at 11 p.m. Passengers should board through the rear-door, except for customers requesting the use of the ramp. Fare collection is temporarily suspended.  

Stay updated on Metro services and alerts at www.wmata.com/service/status/#main-content.  


County's Bike Map Available Online 

Montgomery County offers nearly 100 miles of bike lanes, bike-friendly shoulders, and separated bike lanes (cycle tracks) countywide. Learn more and visit the interactive map online at bikemap.montgomerycountymd.gov.  


*Follow Us on Social Media:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/social-media.html

*COVID-19 County Information:
montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS/RightNav/Coronavirus.html

*COVID-19 Closures and Service Updates:
montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19-closures.

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April 3, 2020


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Follow MCDOT on Twitter at twitter.com/MCDOTNowsubscribe to MCDOT NEWS releases and/or visit 
montgomerycountymd.gov.dot.


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Follow Ride On on Twitter @RideOnMCTRide On MCT on Facebook or visit RideOnBus.com.


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FREE Trips for Essential Workers on Capital Bikeshare and Lyft E-Scooters

Essential workers can enroll for a free 30-day Capital Bikeshare membership or a free 30-day combined membership that includes Capital Bikeshare and Lyft electric scooters. Bikeshare single trip fee reduced from $2 to $1. Learn more


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MCDOT Invites Employers to Teleworking Webinar April 7 From 3 to 4 p.m.

Many employers have had to implement telework programs in the past few weeks with little to no preparation. Attend this free webinar to ask questions and hear telework experts discuss: best practices for quick-starting and ramping up a telework program, tips for management controls and productivity, low-cost technical solutions and more. Email your questions in advance by noon on April 6. Register now.


hearingkensington

In light of the COVID-19 health crisis and out of an abundance of caution, the public forum will be rescheduled. Learn more.


Resources and Volunteer Opportunities


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Volunteering and Being a Good Neighbor During COVID-19:  English | Español


Volunteers Needed 

Looking for ways to help? The Montgomery County Volunteer Center lists opportunities for individuals and organizations to provide services during this critical time, including the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps. Learn more.  


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Montgomery County Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Donations Needed

During these challenging times, one of the most critical needs is for personal protective equipment (PPE) for our healthcare workers on the front lines. Donate gloves, N95 masks, disposable gowns, face shields and hand made masks.


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Montgomery County Food Council Provides Information for Those in Need 

Get information about food assistance resources, and opportunities for individuals and organizations to support community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.  COVID-19:  Recursos y sistemas locales de alimentos y comida 


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Greater DC Diaper Bank Supports Community 

This resource supports the health and well-being of families with diapers, formula, period products and other essentials. Donations are needed. Get help or provide support 


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Have questions or need assistance within Montgomery County?

Call 311 or visit 
montgomerycountymd.gov/311


Release ID: 20-076
Media Contact: Hannah Henn 240-777-8389

All MCDOT News Releases


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