​ AccelerateMC will develop a financing strategy that will allow the County to submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) and then apply for a TIFIA  loan(s) and proceed with any additional financing strategies identified during this process. The work necessary to prepare for submitting a LOI and then a TIFIA loan application includes:

• continuing to evaluate potential funding sources including the State appropriation of lottery funds;
• taking necessary actions to identify and pursue required State and County legislative authorizations and State Trust Fund allocations;
• procuring financial advisors to develop a financing model, advise on funding approaches, structure an investment grade security pledge, seek a preliminary rating opinion, and advise on the LOI and TIFIA loan application process;
• procuring bond counsel to develop financing documents, required bond/loan authorizations and intergovernmental agreements; and
• working with the Build America Center at the University of Maryland for technical assistance, collaboration and information sharing regarding innovative transportation financing approaches.

Under this task, AccelerateMC will:

• Evaluate project delivery methods for projects within the BRT program including Public Private Partnerships (P3);
• Collaborate with peer agencies, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and compile literature on alternative project delivery methods towards expanding MCDOT staff knowledge on different approaches and applications;
• Identify the most context-sensitive project delivery methods for the projects and outline the considerations, costs, and metrics to include in each approach;
• Synthesize industry knowledge of methods into guidance for MCDOT/partner implementation using these methods; and
• Develop a Preliminary Risk Assessment for the projects.

Implementation of the Flash Bus Rapid Transit network will require third-party agreements with several organizations and agencies. Entering into programmatic third-party agreements will likely be the most effective way to advance the Flash program. Such agreements are a major innovation to normal practices for smaller-scale projects. The task will assess the viability of programmatic third-party agreements with project partners. The RIA will then establish the structure of programmatic third-party agreements including provisions that may need to be identified as project-specific addenda. These project-specific addenda are expected for unique or unusual circumstances associated with individual projects or partner requirements. AccelerateMC will also assist with the development and execution of third-party agreements for the program.

Implementation of the Flash BRT network will require extensive right-of-way acquisition. The vast majority of this right of way will be small slivers of property adjacent to the existing roads, rights of entry for utility work and infrastructure connections to private property, and construction easements. The County government is authorized to acquire right-of-way and typically self-performs this activity through a team within MCDOT. AccelerateMC will explore best practices for right-of-way acquisition to accelerate this work, lower the cost and complexity, and ideally, lower the cost to the projects for right-of-way. AccelerateMC will explore strategic options including:

• Preliminary right-of-way identification and early acquisition;
• Advance dedication and donations; and
• Commercial acquisition of property.

The Flash BRT program will require workforce development to sustain all phases of project activity. For planning and design, workforce needs include planners, engineers, information systems professionals, financial professionals, administrative support, and community engagement specialists. Construction activities will require substantial numbers of diverse trades and technicians likely working for the general and specialty contractors hired to implement the infrastructure projects. When the projects are operational, supervisors, dispatchers, bus operators, facility maintenance staff, mechanics, information systems professionals, service planning and scheduling, and support staff will be needed. AccelerateMC will establish workforce development approaches to address the staffing needs of the program. Tools and partnerships to be explored include:

• Labor Partnerships;
• Worksource Montgomery;
• Montgomery College;
• Montgomery County Public Schools;
• Higher Education Partnerships;
• Transit Career Development; and
• Initial and Ongoing Training.

AccelerateMC recognizes the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences to help local governments, state agencies, and the Washington metropolitan area, advance their infrastructure projects effectively. 

Information-sharing activities will include the following:

RIA Case Studies
The Regional Infrastructure Accelerator is partnering closely with the University of Maryland Build America Center (BAC) to conduct thorough research and analysis of successful projects that have utilized innovative financing and alternative project delivery methods. This involves reviewing various case studies, studying project documentation, and engaging with industry experts and practitioners to identify key success factors and lessons learned.

Best Practices and Guidelines 
AccelerateMC will engage with stakeholders and practitioners through meetings, roundtables, and collaborative platforms to gather insights and experiences. This interactive approach will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and encourage dialogue among stakeholders, ensuring that a comprehensive range of best practices is captured. AccelerateMC will develop these best practices into practical guidelines and resources that are accessible and relevant to the specific needs of Montgomery County, state agencies, and the Washington metropolitan area. This will include creating comprehensive manuals, toolkits, and online resources that provide step-by-step guidance, templates, and examples for implementing innovative financing and alternative project delivery methods.

Dissemination of these best practices will occur through various channels, including workshops,  webinars, publications, and partnerships with local organizations and government agencies.

AccelerateMC will actively promote the adoption of these practices through targeted outreach  campaigns, ensuring that the knowledge reaches a wide audience and is effectively utilized. By  compiling, developing, documenting, and disseminating best practices, AccelerateMC will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of innovative financing and alternative project delivery methods, enabling Montgomery County, state agencies, and the Washington metropolitan areas to effectively address their infrastructure needs and foster sustainable development.

​AccelerateMC will focus on developing strategies to further the development of the BRT network.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems are part of a national movement toward upgraded, high-frequency bus networks focused on faster, more convenient, and reliable bus service. BRTs operate much like light rail, with limited stops along set routes in metropolitan areas across the U.S. and worldwide. Flash is Montgomery County’s branded BRT system and includes plans for a network of eight fixed routes.

The Flash network will connect the County with eight corridors of Flash buses that will provide frequent service, every 8-15 minutes. Additionally, intersection signal priority and dedicated bus lanes, where feasible, will allow buses to reach destinations faster.  Montgomery County implemented the first Flash BRT route along Colesville Road/Columbia Pike (US 29) in 2020. The corridor links Downtown Silver Spring with  Briggs Cheney, and Burtonsville on weekdays.

With over 1 million residents, Montgomery County is projected to have an 18% increase in population (to 2.25M) and a 29% increase in employment (635,500 jobs) by 2050. Moving people in a faster, more responsible way is needed to support population growth and relieve congestion. Regionally, we are growing as well. In Maryland, the 2023 Trips Report tells us that drivers lose 99 hours annually to traffic congestion, and congestion annually costs $2,465 per driver. With an expanding population, the region will need to rely on best practices eastablished by this study to be able to build and fund BRT networks to support a better way to connect travelers to destinations. Safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is a major part of each corridor design, transforming an area into a more walkable destination. 

The Flash network will: 

• Champion the development of vibrant mixed-use activity centers, prioritizing smart construction that supports vibrancy over expanding roads and adding parking lots.
• Slash emissions to align with the County's aggressive climate goals. By 2035, all County buses will be emission-free; we've already kicked off the transition to zero-emission buses.
• Enhance equity in transportation by increasing access to essential trips and ensuring fairness and accessibility to advance opportunities.