Ride On Newsletter December 2024
Ride On Bus Service Changes on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, to Improve Efficiency
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust 27 Ride On bus route schedules starting Sunday, January 12, to improve efficiency and on-time performance. The changes reflect a shift of resources to allow for more reliable service where demand is higher. The new schedules will be available at rideonbus.com and in print.
Route changes include:
- Twenty-seven (27) routes have timetable changes: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 18, 27, 38, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51, 54, 55, 56, 74, 90, 96, 97, 98, extRa Lime Route, Flash Blue Route, & Flash Orange Route
- Twenty-Five (25) routes have trip adjustments: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 18, 38, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51, 54, 55, 56, 74, 90, 96, 97, 98, Flash Blue Route, & Flash Orange Route
- One (1) route has frequency adjustments: 27
- One (1) route has an extended service span: Ride On extRa Lime Route which began November 17, 2024
New Series: Ride On Senior Corner
 Ride On is excited to introduce our new article series, the Ride On Senior Corner. This series will cover news, resources, and programs that benefit older adults in the County. If you have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover, let us know by emailing RideOn.CustomerService@MontgomeryCountyMD.Gov.
This month we'll be covering two transportation programs that help seniors get around the County: Senior Transportation provided by Jewish Council for the Aging, and Transportation from Senior Facilities to Grocery Stores.
Senior Center Transportation provided by Jewish Council for the Aging
Montgomery County Recreation provides curb-to-curb and fixed route transportation to five of our Senior Centers and two Active Adult Program locations. This free service is available to County residents 55 and over residing within the service area for the centers. If you are interested, please call your local Senior Center or the Senior Programs Team at 240-777-4925 for more information. Senior Centers in this program include Damascus, Holiday Park, Long Branch, Schweinhaut, and White Oak. Transportation is provided for Active Adult Programs at Germantown and North Potomac.
Transportation from Senior Facilities to Grocery Stores
Ride On, through a partnership with Montgomery County Health and Human Services, provides weekly transportation from various senior living facilities to local grocery stores. This valuable service helped 186 residents in October, allowing Montgomery County seniors to remain independent while providing an enjoyable weekly outing with their fellow residents. The pickup schedule is as follows:
Tuesday: Rebecca House /Potomac
Wednesday: Arcola Tower /Silver Spring
Friends House// Sandy Spring
Lakeview House/Bethesda
Randolph Village /Silver Spring
Friday: Elizabeth House/ Silver Spring
Forest Oak Towers/ Gaithersburg
Inwood House/ Silver Spring
Leafy House/ Silver Spring
Londonderry Towers /Gaithersburg
Ride On Announces "What Drives You" Contest November Winner
This November, Ride On extended the contest deadline for the "What Drives You" campaign, aimed at amplifying voices and stories of riders. The contest will now select winners monthly, with winning entries receiving a gift card and Ride On prize package.
November's prize goes to Deepti, who, along with her family, utilizes Ride On to reduce her impact on the environment.
"Ride On drives me...wholly and solely! I have wanted to do my bit to reduce my carbon footprint. As part of that, I sold my car in October of this year and am now car-free. Before I took the final plunge, I did a trial run for 9 months to see if I could survive without a car. During that period, I relied solely on Ride On to commute to work. The trial run made me realize that being car-free was absolutely doable, and to boot I realized that I enjoyed taking the bus."
"Since I sold the car, we rely on Ride On to run our weekly errands as well. My 8-year-old son absolutely loves taking the bus, more so than he did riding the car. We use bikes for last-mile connectivity, but it's mostly the bus that we rely on. Thank you Ride On...we literally can't do without you!"
Ride On is proud to do our part in reducing carbon emissions. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and the County Department of General Services (DGS) have released a Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Transition Plan to convert the County’s transit fleet of nearly 400 Ride On buses to zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The Ride On bus system currently operates 14 electric vehicles. As the County's public transit undergoes its transition to zero-emissions, we hope residents will show support and give their local public transportation network a try.
We're looking forward to hearing more of your stories! To be considered for the December What Drives You contest, submit your story on our website, via Instagram, X (Twitter), or Facebook by tagging @RideOnMCT, or by email at RideOn.CustomerService@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Ride On Bus Service Ranks Second in the Nation in Bus Ridership Growth Among Transit Systems with 15 to 50 Million Riders
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) announced this week that ridership on the Ride On bus system is up twenty percent over last year, the second-highest boost in bus ridership in the country among transit systems serving between 15 million and 50 million riders annually
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released its 2024 ridership report, which included an Instagram post ranking transit systems by increase in ridership. MCDOT’s Ride On system has provided more than 18.5 million rides during the current fiscal year, compared with 15.4 million rides the previous fiscal year.
“The Ride On transit system provides crucial links to employment, education and vital services to our residents,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We know transit systems across the country are still recovering from the reduction in ridership since the pandemic. I am pleased to see riders returning to Ride On. We have made significant investments in our transit system, including our transition to zero-emission buses, as well as new services such as Ride On extRa and Flash Bus Rapid Transit, to adapt to changing community needs and encourage more people to use transit.”
MCDOT has seen the most significant increase in ridership on weekdays. MCDOT’s Ride On buses carried more than 58,000 riders each weekday in Fiscal Year 2024, compared with 46,000 riders each weekday during the previous fiscal year.
“Our ridership numbers show that more people are choosing public transportation, and we hope to see those numbers continue to grow,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “We have implemented service changes and dedicated bus lanes to increase efficiency and on-time performance and upgraded our infrastructure to make our bus stops safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. I am pleased to see that these changes are benefiting our residents and more people are using the services we provide.”
Ride On bus fare is only $1 and monthly passes are $22.50 using SmarTrip, cash or tokens. Seniors 65 or older, persons with disabilities and youth 18 and under ride free using specialized SmarTrip cards.
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Release ID: 24-153
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282
Major Construction on Metro Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines in December
 Metro will temporarily close several downtown stations and modify train service between Friday, December 20, and Monday, December 30 to complete a significant track and signaling improvement project. This work is essential to enhance the safety and reliability of the Metro experience, ensuring smoother rides in the future.
What to Expect
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Free Shuttle Buses: Shuttle buses will replace trains between affected stations, operating along H and I streets to expedite travel.
- Phased Closures:
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December 20–26: Farragut West, McPherson Square, and the lower level at Metro Center (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) will be closed.
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December 27–30: The above stations, plus Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, and the lower level at L’Enfant Plaza, will also close.
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December 31: All stations reopen, and regular service resumes.
Why Now?
Metro chose these dates strategically to minimize disruptions during a period when ridership is historically 40% lower. By consolidating the work into a single extended closure, Metro avoids multiple weekend shutdowns over the coming months, reducing overall inconvenience.
Plan Ahead
We encourage riders to check schedules and explore alternate routes. For more information, visit Metro's website or follow updates on their social media channels.
MCDOT Posts Placards On Ride On Buses in December to Honor Rosa Parks
 Rosa Parks was an American hero who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus on Dec. 1, 1955. Her actions inspired the local Black community to organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The boycott kicked off on Dec. 1, lasted more than a year, and ended only when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was unconstitutional. The year of the boycott was filled with hardship for the Black community, many of whom were dependent on buses for transportation. Parks lost her job and experienced harassment but became a nationally recognized representation of dignity and strength in the fight to end racial segregation.
Annually, December 1 is remembered as Rosa Parks Day.
Park’s role highlighted racism in the public transit system and ignited change. It affirmed that transportation equity is a civil right and highlighted the importance and great responsibility that all transit departments have to ensure that all residents are served equitably.
At the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, everything we do is measured through a lens of equity. Bus fares have been reduced to $1, from the $2 pre-pandemic fare, to make transit more affordable and the department honors local programs providing free rides to seniors, people with disabilities, and county youth.
Throughout December, MCDOT will commemorate her legacy by placing special interior bus cards across the entire Ride On bus fleet, consisting of nearly 400 buses. Additionally, a designated seat on each bus will pay tribute to Ms. Parks’ historic act of courage.
Learn more about Rosa Parks and additional efforts MCDOT takes to ensure equity by visiting the MCDOT website.
What is the 'S' Service Schedule?
When snow, storms, or other special circumstances occur that affect Ride On's ability to follow normal weekday schedules, bus service may operate under the 'S' Service Plan. But how does it work? We've answered some frequently asked questions to give you a better understanding of the 'S' Plan.
What Routes Will Operate Under the 'S' Service Plan?
Ride On will operate all its weekday routes with some service.
How Will Service Under the 'S' Service Plan Differ From Normal Weekday Service?
The link here shows the first and last trips for different parts of the day for each route under the 'S' Plan. Check your route for details. The chart also gives an estimated range for how often buses may run on each route, depending on road conditions. Under this plan, we are trying to provide service on each route with trips evenly-spaced apart and no major gaps in service. Buses will be operating under very difficult circumstances, so any times listed are approximations.
What Are the Fares When the 'S' Plan is in Effect?
There is no change in fare policy on 'S' Plan days.
What Happens if There is a Storm or Special Circumstance on a Weekend or a Holiday?
On weekends, Ride On will deploy resources, buses and operators, based on the normal Saturday and Sunday schedule requirements. We do not expect, however,
normal service performance under severe storm or snow conditions. As with the weekday 'S' Plan, we will try to provide service on all those routes scheduled to operate that day, with trips evenly-spaced apart and no major gaps in service.
On holidays, the routes will operate as previously announced, usually meaning a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday schedule. However, the 'S' Plan could be implemented on that day if weather conditions dictate the need.
When Will I Know if Ride On is Operating on the 'S' Service Plan?
The announcement to operate an 'S' Service Plan will be made by 4 a.m. on the day the plan goes into effect, but rapidly changing weather conditions might require a change during the day or evening, e.g. when 2 inches of predicted snow turns into 8 inches. Ride On social media platforms will often be first to announce a switch to the 'S' Service Plan, so make sure to follow @RideOnMCT on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, or X. Listen to local radio or television stations for an announcement that Ride On will be operating its 'S' Service Plan, or check the County’s website at www.rideonbus.com. Other transit services in the area may use the term “S Schedule,” so listen for information about "Ride On’s 'S' Service Plan".
Will Ride On Use the 'S' Service Plan Countywide, Even If Roads are Clear in Some Areas or Conditions Improve?
Once the decision is made to operate the 'S' Service Plan, it will be in effect countywide all day, until 2 AM the next day. We do this because it would be extremely difficult to get our hundreds of buses and drivers back to their regular, more complicated daily operation. Normally at Ride On, buses and their operators move from route to route over the course of a day; during the 'S' Service Plan they remain on the same route all day long.
Will There be Route Detours?
There could be detours on your route because of icy hills or other locations that become dangerous during bad weather. Detours will be listed on the County website at RideOnBus.com under “Delays & Detours,” or call 311.
Your patience is appreciated as Ride On provides the best service possible during difficult conditions. For more information, call 311 or visit the County's website at RideOnBus.com.
Take Ride On to Montgomery County Holiday Lights Displays
 Looking for ways to celebrate the holiday season with your friends and family? Montgomery County has multiple light displays that allow those of all ages to enjoy the festivities, and Ride On can get you there! Read on for a list of dazzling displays throughout the county.
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Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens: This year, from mid-November through early January, The Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Stroll through the one-half mile, outdoor, walk-through exhibit and enjoy the twinkling lights and glimmering one-of-a-kind displays adorning the flowerbeds and grounds throughout the 50-acre horticultural gem in Wheaton. Ride On Routes 9, 10, or 31 can take you close to this festive holiday light display.
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Winter City Lights (Olney): Are you searching for exciting holiday activities in Olney, MD this season? Look no further! Embrace the magic of the Christmas Holiday Light Show at Winter City Lights! Winter City Lights, the largest Christmas light show in Olney, awaits you with over 1 million twinkling lights illuminating 18 acres of outdoor winter wonderland. Ride On Route 53 will take you within walking distance to the Winter City Lights display.
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Winter Lights at Seneca Creek State Park: Gaithersburg's Winter Lights Festival returns with a stunning display at Seneca Creek State Park, open nightly from November 29 through December 31 (closed December 25). The 3.5-mile drive through the park features over 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees. To visit this one-of-a-kind spot, take Ride On Routes 61, 71, 74, or 78 to Seneca Creek State Park.
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Festival of Lights (Kensington): The Festival of Lights features over 500,000 Christmas lights, Nativity créches and Christmas tree decorations from around the world, and daily holiday performances. Entrance and parking are free. Each weekend, we experience very heavy traffic. In order to maximize your experience, please consider coming Monday through Thursday. The lights are still as beautiful and your experience in the Visitors’ Center will be less crowded. To get to the Festival of Lights, take Ride On Route 4.
What is a Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card, and Why Do You Need One?
 Why Your Child Needs a Ride On Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Card
Montgomery County, Maryland, is making public transportation easier and more accessible for students with the Ride On Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Card. This card is designed specifically for kids and teens aged 5 to 18, a must-have for young riders who rely on public transportation for school, extracurricular activities, or exploring the county. Best of all, the card is completely free for eligible youth, providing a cost-effective and convenient way to travel.
What is the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Card?
The Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Card functions like a standard SmarTrip® card but is tailored for young people in Montgomery County. It allows unlimited free rides on Ride On buses and Metrobus routes within the county. The card eliminates the need to carry cash or purchase single-ride fares, streamlining the process for parents with kids and kids who ride the bus on their own.
Why Do Kids Need a Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Card?
1. Free Rides: One of the standout benefits of the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Card is that it offers unlimited free rides on Ride On buses. This ensures that every child has access to reliable transportation without financial barriers.
2. Safe and Independent Travel: The card empowers kids to travel safely and independently within the county, whether they’re heading to school, after-school programs, sports practices, or hanging out with friends.
3. Environmental Benefits: Encouraging kids to use public transportation reduces the number of cars on the road, helping to lower emissions and promote sustainability.
4. Convenience: Parents no longer need to worry about giving their children exact bus fare. The card simplifies the process, ensuring kids can board quickly and without hassle.
5. Community Access: For families without access to a car, the card ensures children can still participate in activities and access educational and community resources.
6. The card ensures an accurate count of youth riders, so we can maintain funding for the program.
How to Get a Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Card Obtaining the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Card is simple: 1. Eligibility: Kids aged 5 to 18 qualify for the card. 2. Apply via your kids’ school in Montgomery County or via a county library: Parents or guardians can visit a county location where cards are issued. Proof of age and the city you reside in will be required. 3. Activation: Once activated, the card is ready for use on Ride On buses and participating Metrobus routes.
A Commitment to Equity and Access Montgomery County’s initiative to offer free Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Cards reflects a commitment to equity, access, and community well-being. By removing financial and logistical barriers, the county ensures that all children have the transportation they need to succeed and participate fully in their communities. Whether your child uses it daily for school or occasionally for extracurriculars, the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® Card is an invaluable resource for families. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make transportation easy, safe, and free for your kids today!
Ride On Wins Second Place in the Transit App's 2024 Riders Choice Award for Most Popular Transit Agency
 Montgomery County's Ride On bus service has earned national recognition by the Transit App, placing second in their Riders Choice Award in the Most Popular Agency category, where riders voted for the transit agency they would most recommend to their family and friends. Just over 103,000 riders tuned in to vote in the Transit App's Rider Happiness Benchmarking survey on all things public transit. Competing against transit agencies across the nation, this award is especially significant because it's based on user feedback and ridership activity, highlighting the appreciation of the community Ride On serves. Ride On was also recently recognized for a 20% growth in ridership, ranking second in the nation among transit systems serving between 15 million and 50 million riders annually.
With a network spanning over 80 routes and innovative services like the Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex, and the FLASH, Ride On has become a lifeline for commuters, students, and residents throughout Montgomery County. Winning this award highlights Ride On's efforts to create a seamless, rider-focused system with one purpose - serving the community. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Ride On staff who help keep Montgomery County moving.
As Ride On continues to expand and improve its services, this award serves as motivation to aim even higher in delivering outstanding public transportation services. Thank you to all our riders who made this possible through their support and engagement!
Ride On: A Safe Way to Travel This Winter
 As winter weather arrives in Montgomery County, Ride On remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation for all riders. Whether navigating snow-covered roads or facing chilly temperatures, Ride On’s fleet of buses is prepared to keep you moving throughout the season, ensuring that your safety is our top priority. Let us take care of the roads while you enjoy a warm, safe, stress-free ride with Ride On.
Winter travel doesn’t have to be a challenge. This winter, let Ride On be your trusted transportation partner. Ride On provides a dependable alternative to driving on icy roads or dealing with inclement weather. Our buses connect communities across Montgomery County, making it easier for residents to access work, school, shopping, healthcare, and more destinations without worrying about unfavorable road conditions. With features like the Courtesy Stop program, which allows late night riders to request a stop closer to their destination along a route, we ensure that your journey is safe and convenient every step of the way. Ride On also prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that all riders, including seniors and those with disabilities, can travel safely and conveniently. Most Ride On buses are equipped with features such as wheelchair ramps and low-floor boarding, making boarding and exiting easier, especially in snowy conditions.
We also encourage our riders to take simple precautions to stay safe and comfortable during their winter commutes. Dress warmly, allow for extra travel time, and be mindful of icy sidewalks and bus stop areas. Ride On closely monitors weather forecasts and adjusts schedules as necessary to prioritize safety and minimize disruptions. Riders can stay informed about service updates by following us on our social media platforms, subscribing to our email and/or text alerts, and/or checking out our service interruptions webpage. Additionally, the Ride On Trip Planner app allows riders to track their bus in real time, helping them plan their trips efficiently and reduce time spent waiting in cold weather. Stay warm, stay safe, and choose Ride On for all of your winter travel needs.
Ride On Employee Spotlight
Pictured: Coordinator Carlos Perez (left), Operator Gracesen Lacon (seated), and Operator Craig Collington (right).
On Wednesday May 22, 2024, at approximately 5:05p.m., Operator Craig Collington observed a young boy roaming the Nicholson Court Depot grounds and reported this to Coordinator Carlos Perez. Coordinator Perez left his post and spoke to the young boy who told him his name was Armid and he was 4 years old. He was brought to the coordinator’s office while operators Clifford James, Gracesen Lacon and Craig Collington assisted Coordinator Perez in searching the bus depot for the boy’s parents.
When the boy’s parents could not be located, Coordinator Perez called Montgomery County police. The police arrived and advised that the boy had just been reported missing from a Chucky Cheese restaurant located at the Kensington Shopping Center. The young boy was successfully reunited with his parents. Big Kudos to all for providing heroic and compassionate help!
Of Note
Save the Date for Ride On's 50th
Ride On will mark 50 years of service in 2025, and we want to celebrate with you! Mark your calendars for the week of May 12, 2025, and be on the lookout for how you can participate. We promise the festivities will be worth the wait!
VanGo & Bethesda Free Circulators and Free Shuttles
Did you know that Montgomery County has two free circulators? The VanGo
Circulator, or Ride On Route 28, makes traveling through Downtown Silver Spring
easy and convenient. Buses run every 30 minutes and serve Silver Spring's art
district as well as community and health centers, lodging, shopping, and
transportation connections. Visit here for more details.
The Bethesda Circulator connects riders to 8 public parking garages, the Bethesda
Metro Station and 20 convenient stops along the way that get you to and from your
favorite Bethesda destination - all for free! Three circulators on route arrive at each
stop every 10-15 minutes. Visit here for more details.
MCDOT also provides free shuttles to recreation centers, shopping, and medical
appointments for some senior populations. Shuttles provide point to point service
while circulators travel a specific route with multiple bus stops.
Why Stay Connected with Ride On Via Social Media?
Social media is an essential tool in staying informed and connected with your favorite transportation agency, Ride On. Through our social media platforms, you can receive up-to-the minute updates on any changes, service interruptions, delays, and detours, and get news on our exciting initiatives, public recognitions, community partnerships, rider stories, and more, allowing us to connect with our Ride On family. Social media also serves as a channel to engage directly with Ride On, offering an opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and participate in public discussions about transportation services in Montgomery County. Following us on social media ensures you’re first to hear our news and we’re first to hear yours! Follow @RideOnMCT on X, Facebook, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.
Ride On Christmas & New Years Schedule
Below are the Ride On transportation-related schedule changes for the winter holidays.
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Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24
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Ride On, extRa, extRa Lime, extRa Pink, Flex, Flash Orange - Will operate on a Weekday schedule until 10 p.m. No new trips after 10 p.m. View bus schedules here.
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Flash Blue - Will operate on a normal weekday schedule.
- TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center - Will be open 6 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
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Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25
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Ride On, extRa Lime, extRa Pink - Will operate on a Sunday schedule. View bus schedules here.
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Flash Orange - Will operate on a Weekend/Holiday schedule.
- Ride On extRa, Flash Blue and Flex - Will not be in service.
- TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center & TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store - Will be closed.
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New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31
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Ride On, extRa, extRa Lime, extRa Pink, Flex, Flash Orange - Will operate on a Weekday schedule. View bus schedules here.
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Flash Blue - Will operate on a normal weekday schedule.
- TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center - Will be open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1
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Ride On, extRa Lime, extRa Pink - Will operate on a Sunday schedule. View bus schedules here.
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Flash Orange - Weekend/Holiday schedule.
- Ride On extRa, Flash Blue and Flex - Will not be in service.
- TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center & TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store - Will not be open.
Transit Trivia!
Test your familiarity with Ride On’s routes, services, and more with our transit trivia! The answer will be in next month’s edition of our newsletter so make sure you tune in next month to see if you answered correctly!
Question:
Which Ride On bus service has had holiday decorated buses since 2021?
- FLASH buses
- extRa buses
- Regular Ride On buses
- Flex buses
Last month’s question:
In celebration of Thanksgiving, we often think about giving back. Can you guess how many Montgomery County residents Ride On serves daily as a primary mode of transportation?
- About 50,000
- About 59,000
- About 68,000
- About 73,000
Answer: (3) About 68,000
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