Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Ride On Bus Schedule Changes Beginning Sunday, January 29, 2023

Service Change

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust Ride On bus schedules of 47 routes starting Sunday, January 29, to improve rider experience. The changes reflect the continuing shift of resources toward schedule patterns prior to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Ridership data and on-time performance are monitored regularly to identify routes that could achieve more efficiency with schedule updates. The information led to the routes that will have schedule changes starting January 29.

Route changes include: Details by route can be found below.
  • Route 1 : Increased trips on weekdays and Sundays. Significant span changes on Sundays.
  • Route 2 : Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • Route 5 : Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Route 8 : Increased trips on weekdays.
  • Route 9 : Schedule time was adjusted seven days a week.
  • Route 10 : Trip time changes were made on weekdays.
  • Route 11 : Increased trips on weekdays.
  • Route 12 : Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • Route 14 : Increased trips on weekdays and Saturdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
  • Route 15 : Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • Route 17 : Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • Route 18 : Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes were made on Saturdays, and running time was adjusted on Sundays.
  • Route 22 : Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
  • Route 25 : Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
  • Route 26 : Metro Station name change on route - White Flint to North Bethesda.
  • Route 29 : Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Modest span changes seven days a week.
  • Route 30 : Trip time changes were made on weekdays.
  • Route 31 : Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
  • Route 33 : Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
  • Route 34 : Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • Route 36 : Increased trips on weekdays.
  • Route 37 : Trip time changes were made on weekdays.
  • Route 38 : Trip time changes were made on weekdays, and Metro station name change on route - White Flint to North Bethesda.
  • Route 39 : Increased trips on weekdays.
  • Route 42 : Metro Station name change on route - White Flint to North Bethesda.
  • Route 43 : Trip time changes were made seven days a week. 
  • Route 44 : Trip time changes were made on weekdays.
  • Route 45 : Decreased trips on weekdays.
  • Route 46 : Decreased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Metro Station name change on route - White Flint to North Bethesda.
  • Route 47 : Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 
  • Route 48 : Trip time changes were made on weekdays. Increased trips on Saturdays and Sundays
  • Route 51 : Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays. Now extended to terminate at Georgia Ave ICC Park and Ride.
  • Route 57 : Increased trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Modest span changes seven days a week.
  • Route 63 : Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
  • Route 66 : Trip time changes were made on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
  • Route 67 : Trip time changes were made on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
  • Route 70 : Increased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
  • Route 75 : Decreased trips on weekdays. Modest span changes on weekdays.
  • Route 76 : Increased trips on weekdays. Trip time changes were made on Saturdays.
  • Route 81 : Metro Station name change on route - White Flint to North Bethesda.
  • Route 83 : Increased trips on weekdays and Saturdays. Modest span changes on weekdays and Saturdays.
  • Route 96 : Decreased trips on weekdays.
  • Route 98 : Increased trips on weekdays and Saturdays. Modest span changes on weekdays and Saturdays.
  • Route 100 : Increased trips on weekdays.
  • Route 101 : Increased trips on weekdays. Metro Station name change on route - White Flint to North Bethesda.
  • Route L8 : Increased trips on Saturdays and Sundays. Modest span changes on Sundays.
  • Route T2 : Increased trips on Saturdays and Sundays. Modest span changes on Saturdays and Sundays.

Riders can get trip planning information and real time County bus information by creating a Ride On Real Time icon on their mobile phone or visiting the website  here. Instructions on creating the icon can also be found here.

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,  by  subscribing to receive email alerts, or by texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts. 

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


Montgomery County to Celebrate Two Year Anniversary of ‘Flash’ Rapid Transit Service on Friday, October 14

FLASH Bus

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will celebrate the two year anniversary of the County’s first rapid transit service—the Flash—on Friday, October 14.  More than 500,000 riders have used the frequent and reliable Flash service. And now the County is looking toward expansion.

The Flash currently operates on Colesville Road/Columbia Pike (US 29) and connects Downtown Silver Spring Transit Center with White Oak, Briggs Chaney and Burtonsville with stops along the way. Flash buses feature bike racks inside, free WiFi service and USB ports.

The Flash has two routes that each start at the Silver Spring Transit Center. The Orange route makes 10 stops from the Transit Center to Briggs Chaney. The Blue route makes five stops from the Transit Center, ending at the Park and Ride in Burtonsville.

The service—which uses 60-foot-long articulated buses—carries more than 1,800 riders per day. Buses run every 15 minutes from 5:30 a.m. until midnight seven days a week and twice as often during peak hours. At full capacity, the buses can transport up to 80 passengers and are more time-efficient than traditional buses.

The US 29 Flash was the first step in creating a  network  of rapid transit lines in the County. The County is performing preliminary engineering and design for its next two planned Flash corridors along  MD 355  (Rockville Pike) and  MD 586  (Veirs Mill Road). It also is in preliminary planning stages for New Hampshire Avenue and North Bethesda (Westlake Terrace, Rock Spring Drive, and Old Georgetown Road).

The service along US 29 links a continuous corridor of neighborhoods, retail operations, job centers and regional Park and Ride lots. The route serves the Food and Drug Administration headquarters in White Oak and expands transit connection options near the new Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center and the emerging East County development that includes Viva White Oak. 

Flash has distinctive, modern stations along the route that feature weather protection, pre-payment kiosks and real-time transit information.

Bus safety features include Mobileye, a pedestrian detection system that alerts bus operators when a pedestrian is approaching the vehicle’s path. Flash buses are the first in the region to use this new technology, which further supports the County’s Vision Zero Initiative to eliminate serious and fatal injuries related to traffic incidents. 

Total project costs for Flash on US 29 were nearly $40 million, of which $10 million was funded by a Federal TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant. Flash vehicles and stations were all fabricated in the United States.

MCDOT continues to advance planning for additional improvements to US 29, including more dedicated lanes for transit and additional high occupancy vehicles.

Fare collection resumed on all Montgomery County buses on August 1. The one-way pre-pandemic fare, which was $2 per ride, is now $1. Monthly passes, which were $45 per rider, are now $22.50.

Ride On interiors will continue to be cleaned by the County's Department of General Services with hospital-grade disinfectant. Bus filter and ventilation systems are treated with a disinfectant. 

All passengers are encouraged to wear face coverings when traveling by public transportation. All MCDOT buses have a supply of face coverings for those who cannot provide their own. 

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow  @RideOnMCT  on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at   RideOnBus.com  or by  subscribing  to Ride On news releases. 

For department updates, follow  @MCDOTNow  on Twitter, visit the department website at  montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot  or  subscribe  to MCDOT's 'Go Montgomery!' newsletter.


Wheaton Metro Station Temporary Bus Bay Relocations starting August 22, 2022

Starting August 22, 2022 and lasting for approximately five month, sections of the bus loop at the Wheaton Metro Station will be closed for pavement rehabilitation.  During each phase of the work, a different set of bus bays will be closed, and routes will be served by temporary bus stops or alternative bus bays. T he first phase lasts six weeks from August 22  through October 3.


This project will result in smoother bus rides and an improved experience for Metro and Ride On customers.


Ride On Announces Route 23 Long-Term Detour Due to Westbard Avenue Road Construction Project

Starting June 6, 2022, through May 31, 2023, due to a construction project on Westbard Avenue between River and Ridgefield Roads, Ride On Route 23 will be detoured.

June 6, 2022 UPDATE
The detour route has been revised to allow more time for public outreach. The revised inbound and outbound routes below are in effect until June 20.  The June 3rd announced routing below will resume on June 21.
Inbound Routing


Outbound Routing


The revised complete list of bypassed stops for the 23 are below. Those highlighted in yellow are those not served by the shuttle. 

Stop ID Wmata ID On Street Street Type At Street Street Type Routes
25344 RIDGEFIELD RD RIVER RD Route 23
17042 2005449 RIVER RD LITTLE FALLS PKWY Route 23 Route T2
17043 2000041 RIVER RD LANDY LN Route 23 Route T2
25402 2000044 RIVER RD RIDGEFIELD RD Route 23 Route T2
25404 2000042 RIVER RD DORSEY LN Route 23 Route T2
25406 2000038 RIVER RD LITTLE FALLS PKWY Route 23 Route T2
25408 2000035 RIVER RD GREYSTONE ST Route 23 Route T2
25410 2000021 RIVER RD VENTNOR RD Route 23 Route T2
25412 2000026 RIVER RD VENTNOR RD Route 23 Route T2
25416 2000040 RIVER RD BUTLER RD Route 23 Route T2
27108   WESTBARD AVE MASSACHUSETTS AVE Route 23
27110   WESTBARD AVE CROWN ST Route 23
27112   WESTBARD AVE WESTBARD CIR Route 23
27114   WESTBARD AVE @5401   Route 23
27116 WESTBARD AVE RIDGEFIELD RD Route 23
27118 WESTBARD AVE WESTBARD CIR Route 23
27120   WESTBARD AVE @5400   Route 23
27122   WESTBARD AVE WESTBARD CIR Route 23
27124   WESTBARD AVE CROWN ST Route 23
27125   WESTBARD AVE MASSACHUSETTS AVE Route 23
27254 2000017 WILLARD AVE RIVER RD Route 23 Route T2


June 3, 2022 Announcement
Route 23 will operate its regular routing until it diverts from River Road to Little Falls Parkway, to Massachusetts Avenue and back on the regular route.  Due to this detour, nine (9) bus stops will be closed and will not be served by Route 23 for the entire duration of the construction project.
The bus stops which will be closed and not served by Ride On for the duration of the construction project are:

Number Stop
17042             RIVER RD & LITTLE FALLS PKWY
25416             RIVER RD & BUTLER RD
17043             RIVER RD & LANDY LN
25344             RIDGEFIELD RD & RIVER RD
27118             WESTBARD AVE & WESTBARD CIR
27116             WESTBARD AVE & RIDGEFIELD RD
25402             RIVER RD & RIDGEFIELD RD
25404             RIVER RD & DORSEY LN
25406             RIVER RD & LITTLE FALLS PKWY

The aerial view image below shows the locations of the bus stops which will be closed and not served by Ride On for the duration of the construction project in red.

Westbard Project Map

To maintain service on Westbard Avenue, Ride On will be running shuttles with the smaller Flex buses (shown below), for the entire duration of the construction project.  The shuttle will operate Monday through Friday between 5:40 am – 10:30 pm, and on Saturday between 6:10 am – 8:40 pm, using the parking lot of the Westwood Shopping Center at the top of Westbard and Fort Sumner Drive at the other end to circulate.  The Route 23 shuttle schedule has been modified; there are breaks in the schedule when the shuttle will not be operating.  These are the times:
Weekdays:  9:10am -9:40am and 5:10pm – 5:40pm
Saturday:  9:20am – 9:50am and 5:20pm – 5:50pm

Flex bus
Image of the Shuttle bus
Customers may transfer to and from the Route 23 on Massachusetts Avenue using the following transfer bus stops:

  • WB Massachusetts to Sibley Hospital: 23942 – Massachusetts Ave & Westbard Ave
  • EB Massachusetts to Friendship Heights: 23914 – Massachusetts Ave at 5600 Massachusetts Ave
  • NB Westbard to Westwood Shopping Ctr: 27108 – Westbard Ave & Massachusetts Ave
  • SB Westbard to connect WB & EB route 23: 27125 – Westbard Ave & Massachusetts Ave
Bus interiors will continue to be cleaned by the County's Department of General Services with hospital-grade disinfectant. Bus filter and ventilation systems are also treated with disinfectant.

Ride On bus service remains free for all riders until at least July 2. Riders can plan trips online with Ride On Real Time.

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com by subscribing to receive email alerts at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery. Riders can text MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.

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

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Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282 or  emily.detitta@montgomerycountymd.gov

 





Winter Public Transportation Rider Tips

Winter weather is here and taking public transportation is a great alternative to avoid the hassle of driving in poor weather conditions. Our valued customers can count on Ride On being safe and reliable, getting you to your destination while you stay warm and relaxed in our buses.

The safety of our customers continues to be our top priority. Here are seven (7) safety tips we recommend you take while riding with us during the Winter weather:

bus next to snow plow, on snow-covered road
  • Plan for extra time in your commute. Winter weather conditions such as snow and ice may cause delays to the bus schedule. Planning extra time may ensure that even with the delays, you can get to your destination on time.
  • Dress accordingly. Be prepared to wait extra time for the bus to arrive. As a result, what you wear is crucial to staying warm while waiting on the bus or walking to your destination.
  • Consider getting a virtual SmarTrip Card: Our hands tend to suffer the most during the Winter weather because they are usually exposed due to activity. With a virtual SmarTrip card, you can simply use your phone to pay for fares (when we return to fare collection again) while still wearing your gloves. It also saves you time looking for the physical card while staying contactless during this time.
  • Be visible. It gets dark early so be sure to make yourself visible to an approaching bus. Hold a flashlight or use your cell phone’s light so that the bus operator can see you at the stop. If possible, wear reflective apparel or safety items (bands, pins) for more visibility on your coat or clothing.
  • Stand clear from the curb. Standing close to the curb is dangerous especially during inclement weather. Buses may slide on snow as they approach the curb. Be sure to stand clear from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop and is ready for boarding. NEVER stand in the street.
  • Be careful when boarding and stepping off the bus. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before trying to board. Bus steps can become slippery from snow. Try to clean the snow off your shoes before boarding. Be sure to always use the handrails while getting on or off the bus and take your time.
  • Use our Trip Planning App. Use Rideon.app for real bus time information, trip planning as well as viewing delays and arrival times of the bus.

To help protect employees and riders, bus interiors will continue to be cleaned by the County’s Department of General Services on a nightly basis with hospital-grade disinfectant. Bus filter and ventilation systems are also treated each night with a disinfectant.

All passengers are required to wear face coverings when traveling by public transportation. Riders must continue wearing the covering for the entire time of their trip. All MCDOT buses have a supply of face coverings for those who cannot provide their own.

Ride On bus service remains free for all riders until at least July 2, 2022.

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. In addition, information is available at www.rideonbus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts or text MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts. Also, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, and subscribe to MCDOT’s Go Montgomery! biweekly newsletter.