Montgomery County Ride On Bus Schedule Changes Beginning Sunday, May 9, Will Increase Service and Improve Efficiency

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Ride On bus service schedules starting Sunday, May 9, will be adjusted by Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) to increase overall service and improve efficiency. The changes reflect the continuing shift of resources toward schedule patterns prior to the COVID-19 health crisis. All County-operated transit services remain free of charge to riders at least through June 30.

Flash, the high frequency MCDOT service that has been operating since October on Colesville Road/ Columbia Pike (US 29) and Lockwood Drive, will continue to be fully operational. Flash destinations include Downtown Silver Spring, Four Corners, White Oak, Fairland, and Burtonsville.

The pilot on-demand Flex service in the Rockville and Wheaton/Glenmont areas remains suspended.

Ride On planners have monitored ridership data and on-time performance feedback to identify routes that could achieve more efficiency with schedule updates. The information led to the 30 routes that will have schedule changes starting May 9.

Routes that will have schedule changes and some improved frequencies include: 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 39, 43, 46, 52, 54, 55, 56, 59, 73, 79, 81.

Extra buses continue to be stationed at all Metro stations in the County and are ready to deploy to nearby service routes experiencing levels of demand that cannot be met by buses under the standard schedule.

All Ride On buses returned to front-door boarding on April 5.

On Flash, all doors can be used by passengers. This measure makes more space available for passengers inside the buses. Mobility devices should use the front door and bike riders should use the rear/third door.

All Ride On routes are in operation, but ridership capacity remains limited to support safe distancing between riders.  All passengers are required to wear a face covering to board and must continue wearing the covering for the entire time on the bus. All buses have a supply of face coverings for riders who cannot provide their own.

Riders are asked to maintain maximum physical distance between themselves and other riders who are not from the same household.

Bus interiors will continue to be cleaned by the County’s Department of General Services twice daily with hospital-grade viral disinfectant. Bus filter and ventilation systems are treated each night with a disinfectant.

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com or by subscribing to “Ride On Services” email alerts. Riders can receive text alerts by texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311. Also, riders can visit the website RideOnBus.com or call 311 within the County or 240-777-0311 outside the County.

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Release ID: 21-309
Media Contact: Hannah Henn 240-777-8389
Categories: Transportation