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Ride On Bus Service Changes and Zero Fare Started on Sunday, June 29

Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 07/22/2025 02:25 PM EDT

Ride On Bus Service Changes and Zero Fare Started on Sunday, June 29

Montgomery County's Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has launched a major transformation of the MCDOT Ride On bus system through the Ride On Reimagined Service and Implementation Plan. This plan marks the most comprehensive update in Ride On's history and is a result of years of planning, community input and coordination with our regional partners. Ride On’s usual May service change was moved to Sunday, June 29 to ensure a seamless rollout and better alignment with the implementation of WMATA’s Better Bus Network, which also launched on June 29. The new transportation network introduced streamlined connections to Metro, as well made as route and timing adjustments for more efficient service, based on public feedback and travel patterns.

Additionally, Montgomery County Department of Transportation implemented a zero fare policy on all Ride On, Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex and Flash buses beginning Sunday, June 29, 2025. This policy expands upon existing programs that already offer free rides to youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, and Montgomery College students. The zero fare policy is part of a broader effort to improve transit accessibility and encourage more residents to use public transportation.

Metrobus fares will continue at $2.25. The Kids Ride Free, Seniors Ride Free, and Disabled person/attendant free rides continue with the applicable SmarTrip card. The Youth Cruiser SmarTrip card becomes mandatory for free rides on January 1, 2026.

Riders can learn more about how changes may affect them by reviewing Ride On's final summary of changes. The new schedules are available at RideOnBus.com and in print.

A comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the MCDOT Ride On changes webpage is available to help riders understand what changed, why it happened and how it may impact their commutes. Riders will notice new routes, discontinued or modified routes and new travel options designed to reduce wait times, and improve reliability and access to jobs, schools, medical centers and other essential destinations.

The FAQs include:

New Route Numbers and Changes: Which routes were renamed, combined or discontinued.

Service Frequency: How often buses will arrive.

Route Discontinuation: Explains decisions based on ridership data, duplication with other services, or better alternatives.

Metrobus Integration: Details on how Ride On coordinated with WMATA to enhance regional connections.

The full details on the Metrobus changes which occurred at the same time can be found online. Metro also released a Frequently Asked Questions page.

Specific Changes:

On Sunday, June 29, MCDOT Ride On discontinued Route 10 which has been replaced with portions of new Metrobus routes M42, M12, M44, and M60, adjusted routes 29, 34, 41, 42, 43, and introduced a new Route 40, while WMATA adjusted routes L8 and T2. Riders are encouraged to review these changes carefully and plan trips accordingly.

The changes reflect a shift of resources to allow for more reliable service where demand is higher. New signs have been placed at bus stops which will continue to show the current bus service, along with the new bus route names that went into effect on Sunday, June 29. 

Riders can plan trips and get real-time MCDOT Ride On bus arrival information with the Ride On Trip Planner app. Metrobus riders can determine new route names and changes using the WMATA trip planner page.

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on X, Facebook, YouTube, Bluesky, Threads, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery, or texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 62463 (previously 468311) to receive text alerts. Message and Data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply HELP for help or contact support@granicus.com, reply STOP to cancel. Visit Montgomery County's Wireless Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for more information.

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.

If you need an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reasonable accommodation to access Ride On bus service, contact MC311 by voice at 240-777-0311, by email RideOn.CustomerService@montgomerycountymd.gov or TTY 711.

Title VI: Montgomery County assures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Act of 1987, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity.

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