The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) today announced free bus fare for all Ride On buses in support of Car Free Day on Monday, Sept. 23. Ride On bus fare is typically $1. 

“Car-Free Day” is an annual event celebrated across the globe that encourages traveling in ways that are more environmentally friendly than driving. Residents also can take the regional pledge online to participate in Car-Free Day and be entered into a raffle for prizes such as gift cards, an annual Capital Bikeshare membership and a pre-funded SmarTrip card. Duplicate entries will be disqualified.  

“I encourage all residents to take the pledge to participate in Car-Free Day and try out alternatives to driving alone, such as walking, biking, taking public transportation or working from home,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Montgomery County’s Ride On bus system will offer free fare in support of Car-Free Day. I hope residents will take the opportunity to explore new ways to get to work, school or entertainment destinations.”  

This year those who live or work in Montgomery County can register for a County specific raffle for additional prizes including $25 gift cards and a $200 SmarTrip card. Registration closes on Friday, Oct. 11 and these raffle prizes will be pulled on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Winners will be contacted by email or by phone.  

“We hope residents will take advantage of the free fare and try out Montgomery County’s public transportation system,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Ride On operates more than 80 routes throughout the County, and our new Ride On Trip Planner app makes planning your ride easy and convenient.” 

Residents are encouraged to download the free Ride On Trip Planner app to plan regional travel across multiple transportation systems. 

On the morning of Monday, Sept. 23, the MCDOT Commuter Services outreach teams will be distributing free giveaways and pledge registrations for the raffles. 

• Bethesda Metro Station. 6:30-8:30 a.m. 

• Friendship Heights Shops at Wisconsin Place. 6:30-8:30 a.m. 

• Germantown Transit Center. 6:30-8:30 a.m. 

• Shady Grove Metro Station. 6:30-8:30 a.m. 

• Silver Spring Metro Station. 6:30-8:30 a.m. 

• Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station. 6:30-8:30 a.m. 

• Wheaton Marian Fryer Plaza. 6:30-8:30 a.m. 

• White Oak Transit Center. 11 a.m.–1:00 p.m. 

• Lake Forest Transit Center. 1-3:30 p.m. 

 For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.