The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) announces the return of MonsterFlash, a decorated haunted house-themed bus, for two Halloween events on Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27. Montgomery County residents and visitors can tour the themed bus and learn more about the Flash Bus Rapid Transit system being planned across the County.  

MCDOT is partnering with Montgomery County Public Libraries for a MonsterFlash event from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Twinbrook Library. This bilingual, family-friendly event will feature story time, a dance party, a scavenger hunt and a tour of MonsterFlash, MCDOT's not-so-spooky "haunted" bus.  

The MCDOT project team will be on hand to answer questions about the upcoming Flash Bus Rapid Transit project on Veirs Mill Road. 

"Halloween is always a great time to connect with our community, and MonsterFlash adds a fun twist by combining the spirit of the season with an opportunity to learn about our Flash Bus Rapid Transit system," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "The Flash service is part of our ongoing commitment to expanding accessible, efficient transit options throughout Montgomery County. Whether you’re there for the haunted bus or to ask questions about our plans, we encourage everyone to stop by and join in the festivities." 

MonsterFlash also will come to HalloWheaton from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton. MonsterFlash is an annual tradition at this family-friendly festival, which also includes activities such as s'mores roasting, mask and pumpkin painting, a beer garden, craft projects and a costume contest. The Marian Fryer Town Plaza is located at 2424 Reedie Drive in Wheaton

"We launched our first Flash Bus Rapid Transit line in 2020 along US 29 and it has been consistently in our top four most popular buses in terms of ridership," said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. "We are working to bring Flash Bus Rapid Transit across the County. MonsterFlash is a great way to engage the community and encourage them to learn more about our new bus service."

Flash buses are currently running along Colesville Rd/Columbia Pike (US 29) between the Silver Spring Transit Center, Briggs Chaney and Burtonsville, with stops along the way. The County-operated bus line began in 2020 and offers fast, convenient service running every seven to 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends. 

MCDOT is working to implement Flash Bus Rapid Transit service across the County, starting construction in the Veirs Mill Road corridor next year to implement faster, high-frequency bus service and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on the corridor. 

Residents can view the MonsterFlash bus and learn more about the planned Flash Bus Rapid Transit system coming to Montgomery County at the following events: 

• Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.–noon. MonsterFlash at Twinbrook Library's Bilingual Story Hour, Twinbrook Library, 202 Meadow Hall Drive, Rockville. 

• Sunday, Oct. 27, noon–4 p.m. MonsterFlash at HalloWheaton, Marian Fryer Town Plaza, 2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton. 

Fares on Ride On for most riders is only $1 per ride. Seniors  (age 65 and older), persons with disabilities and youth under 19 ride free with specialized SmarTrip cards. The US 29 Flash buses are the first of a series of BRT corridors planned for the County to provide a premiere bus service, often with dedicated lanes and signal priority. 

For more 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.  

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