About Flash

View the Flash Service Map (PDF)

Service began Wednesday, October 14, 2020.

Flash is a new bus service that gets you where you need to go quickly. It operates on Colesville Road/ Columbia Pike (US 29) and Lockwood Drive, with destinations including downtown Silver Spring, Four Corners, White Oak, Fairland, and Burtonsville. With Flash, you can hop on and off along the route to get to places in your community or make easy connections that will take you throughout the region.

• Frequent, reliable service.
• Large vehicles with free WiFi and USB charging ports.
• Unique station design with weather protection, pre-payment stations, and real-time transit information.
• Level boarding (no steps on or off the bus) allows for easy on, easy off.
• Wheelchairs, bikes, and strollers are welcome on board.
• Premium service, but same price as the regular bus. Pay with Smartrip, all discounts apply.

Features

• Frequent, reliable service: Never wait more than 15 minutes for a bus on the Orange Route. Buses come every 7.5 minutes during rush hour where the Orange and Blue routes overlap.
• You don’t need to plan or look at a bus schedule. You can walk out your door and know the Flash will be here when you need it. If you want more specific information,  real-time information is available online and on screens at every station.
• Large vehicles with free WiFi and USB charging ports. The colorful 62’ Flash buses are the longest in the MCDOT fleet and come fully equipped with all the amenities.
• Faster boarding through three doors. All three doors open when bus arrives, and riders can enter or exit from any door without waiting in one line.
• Level boarding (no steps to get on or off bus) allows for faster, easier boarding for riders with disabilities, bicycles or strollers. Just roll on in..
• Unique stations are easy to find and have weather protection, pre-payment stations, and real-time transit information.
• Automated wheelchair securement system provides improved experience and independence for wheelchair and scooter users. With the Quantum automatic system, passengers can safely secure themselves without assistance from bus operator (unless requested).
• Bring your bike inside the Flash.  Roll it on through the back door, and secure it inside the bus. Flash is the first in the region to have bike racks inside of the bus
• 10 new Capital Bikeshare stations installed along the corridor to help people access Flash.
• Flash stations are located at  3 existing Park & Ride lots, so you can also drive or carpool and then get on the bus and relax for the rest of the ride.
• Premium service, regular price. SmarTrip is accepted and all  discount fares (Senior Smartrip, Kids Ride Free, transfers) apply.