For Immediate Release: Friday, April 24, 2020
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will further reduce hours of operation for Ride On buses beginning Sunday, April 26, with no service routes beginning after midnight. MCDOT’s Essential Service Plan, which has been implemented during the COVID-19 health crisis, continues to include 36 critical routes that have been in service since late March. However, service will end earlier each night and riders should view the updated online service schedules.
Under the new schedule, Ride On buses will not begin any service after midnight. If a bus run is scheduled to start before midnight, the bus will complete the route, including locations they serve after midnight.
The changes will go into effect overnight Sunday, April 26, into Monday, April 27, and will be reflected on the online bus schedule as of April 26.
Details for each Ride On route remaining in operation under the Essential Service Plan can be viewed at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/essential-plan.html. During the changing conditions, other trip planning resources, such as transit apps and Google Maps, may not be accurate.
The Essential Service Plan applies seven days a week, with no differentiation between weekdays and weekends.
In accordance with Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s recent directive during the health crisis, passengers on Ride On buses are required to wear face coverings to board the bus. Ride On services continue to be temporarily free to all passengers. In addition, MCDOT has implemented a procedural change for riders. Passengers are now required to board at the rear door of the bus. Passengers can board through the front doors if a ramp is needed to accommodate a disability or stroller.
For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, visit Ride On MCT on Facebook, go to RideOnBus.com or subscribe to MCDOT news releases.
For the latest updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.
Release ID: 20-086