Ride On Newsletter                 July 2025

Montgomery County Department of Transportation Recognized with Eight National Association of Counties Awards

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) received eight Achievement Awards for 2025 from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in the categories of Civic Education and Public Information; County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainability; Criminal Justice and Public Safety; Information Technology; and Transportation.

NACo Achievement Awards are an annual recognition program that honors outstanding county government programs and services. NACo Awards have been sharing best practices between counties since 1970.

“These NACo awards shine a spotlight on MCDOT initiatives that improve public safety, enhance our quality of life, and facilitate a more efficient and streamlined approach to delivering public works projects that make a real difference in the lives of the more than 1 million Montgomery County residents we serve,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “I want to thank NACo for recognizing the hard work and dedication of our employees and join them in extending my gratitude.”

Ride On received the following awards from NACo:

ePaper Transit Real Time Bus Arrival Information Signs Project — MCDOT Division of Transit implemented solar powered bus arrival screens at bus stops, known as Connectpoint’s ePaper Digital Bus Stop real-time information displays which are equipped with Falcon text-to-speech buttons. These real-time screens were implemented at high ridership bus stops and transit centers giving riders digital access to arrival information, instead of having to rely on printed schedules. Currently, real-time bus stop displays are in use at 65 bus shelters across Montgomery County, with more bus shelter locations planned in 2025. These displays integrate with Connectpoint Asset Management (CPAM), a cloud-based system that allows remote monitoring of system health, power, and content updates.

Great Seneca Transit Network — MCDOT’s Great Seneca Ride On extRa bus service operates uniquely branded buses to provide frequent, accessible and reliable connections to key area destinations along the Great Seneca Life Sciences Corridor. The project includes two new routes, Pink and Lime, as well as upgraded transit stations, dedicated bus lanes, transit signal priority at traffic lights, and pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Dedicated red bus lanes within existing roadways were added to decrease bus travel times. The Great Seneca Transit Network routes cut travel time significantly, varying from 7 minutes decrease (traveling from Shady Grove Metro to Traville Transit Center) to 43 minutes decrease (traveling from RIO to Traville Transit Center) depending on the route.

Ride On Trip Planner App — The MCDOT Ride On Trip Planner app provides real-time trip planning, allowing riders to select their route, view live bus arrival times, and receive step-by-step navigation to their destination. A key feature is the crowdedness indicator, which gives passengers insight into Ride On bus occupancy levels before boarding, enabling them to choose a less crowded bus, wait for the next one, or consider alternative travel options like other local transit, bikeshare or scooters.

Additionally, MCDOT received the following awards:

CIVIC EDUCATION AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

Flash Friday Campaign — Flash is Montgomery County’s Bus Rapid Transit service, offering premium, high-frequency bus service along the first of eight planned corridors. To highlight and gain support for the upcoming corridor projects, a "Flash Friday” social media campaign was organized internally with a media plan that included messaging, pictures, and video. The Flash Friday campaign raises awareness of the upcoming transportation projects and related benefits.

COUNTY RESILIENCY: INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Sweep the Salt Pilot Program — The MCDOT Division of Highway Services’ Street Sweeping Pilot Program aims to remove excess salt from roadways after large winter storms near designated Sensitive Watershed Areas, as identified by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). MCDOT collected nearly 50 tons, or 100,000 pounds, of road salt and other debris over a two-week span following major winter storms in January and early February 2025.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Waze School Flasher Integration — The MCDOT Traffic Engineering's Advanced Transportation Management System (ATMS) program’s “Waze” School Flasher Integration Project enhances safety in school zones by integrating 145 County school flasher alerts into the widely used Waze navigation app. This integration ensures that drivers receive heightened notification of school zones during peak times of student drop-off and pick-up, alerting them to reduced speed limits and fostering safe driving behaviors.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

GIS-Enabled Field Photo Management App — The MCDOT Division of Parking Management’s Engineering & Capital Project Management group oversees parking facility maintenance, renovation, and construction to ensure operational integrity and safety. To improve workflow efficiency and data-sharing, the Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS) team developed a GIS-enabled app that allows field personnel to upload geospatially tagged photos directly to an enterprise database to facilitate efficient visualization, organization, and integration of pictures into third-party apps, notably Autodesk BIM.

Parking Maintenance Services Digital Timesheet Program — MCDOT Parking Maintenance Services’ Digital Timesheet Program replaces and improves the Division of Parking Management’s traditional paper-based timesheets with a digital solution that allows employees to log their time remotely via desktop or a mobile app. The information technology program was developed by an internal MCDOT maintenance employee and includes features such as project tracking and completion, risk mitigation, overtime calculations, and payroll system support.

Montgomery County earned a total of 39 NACo Achievement Awards in 2025.

The list of all national winners can be seen at the National Association of Counties NACo Achievement Award Winners website.

NACo Award Winning Ride On ePaper Real Time Transit Information Displays Being Installed Across Montgomery County

The CP-13 and 32 models of Ride On's award-winning ePaper Digital Bus Stop® displays, along with Falcon, a text-to-speech button have been installed at high ridership bus stops in Montgomery County. These 13 and 32 inch real time transit information displays provide our riders with updated travel information 24/7, reducing the reliance of riders on printed or online schedules. They are designed for extreme weather and outdoor use, offering a high-resolution ePaper screen with crisp daytime and nighttime visibility. They are lightweight and ideal for easy installation at bus shelters and on bus stop poles. These displays offer a variety of messaging options, including real time or scheduled next departure information, real time alerts, and advertising images. 

The Falcon Text-to-Speech (TTS) Button significantly enhances accessibility for visually impaired transit riders by providing real time, audible transit information at bus stops. Designed to meet ADA compliance standards, the Falcon can deliver audio updates on bus arrivals, schedules, and service updates in multiple languages and ensures that essential travel details are accessible to all. The Falcon TTS Button is equipped with a backup battery and an integrated solar panel, allowing for flexible installation at various transit locations. The ePaper and all features including the Falcon Button's power, volume, and content are all monitored remotely via the CPAM™. View MCDOT's Flickr album for videos and images.

Ride On Thanks You — Join Us for More Customer Appreciation Events!

Honoring Disability Independence Day – How Ride On Supports Mobility, Freedom, and Dignity for Riders with Disabilities

July 26 marks Disability Independence Day, a significant date commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. This groundbreaking civil rights legislation prohibits discrimination of individuals with disabilities and guarantees them equal access to employment, education, public spaces, and most importantly, public transportation.

At Ride On, we recognize that public transportation is more than just a way to get from place to place. It is a vital resource for independence, inclusion, and access. Whether someone is commuting to work, attending a medical appointment, visiting family, or simply enjoying a day in the community, our mission is to make sure that everyone regardless of ability, can do so with ease and confidence.

Accessibility Built Into Every Ride

Ride On has made accessibility a core part of how we operate. All of our buses are fully ADA-compliant, offering a range of features to meet the diverse needs of riders with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. These include:

• Low-floor buses or wheelchair-accessible ramps to make boarding easier for those with mobility devices or limited mobility.
• Securement areas for wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility aids.
• Priority seating located near the front of each bus for riders with disabilities and seniors.
• Visual and audio stop announcements, ensuring that riders who are blind, low-vision, deaf, or hard of hearing receive important route information in a way that’s accessible.
• Trained bus operators who understand how to assist riders with a range of mobility and communication needs.

Financial Accessibility and Fare Options

While Ride On offers zero fare service on all routes, we also want to remind riders that when traveling on Metrobuses, eligible individuals still need to use a Reduced Fare SmarTrip® card to receive the discounted rate. These cards must be tapped on the fare box upon boarding. Simply showing the card to the operator is not sufficient. This applies to both Senior and Disabled SmarTrip® card holders and Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® card holders.

We encourage all eligible riders to obtain their SmarTrip cards to ensure uninterrupted access to regional transit services outside of Ride On.

Flexible Options to Fit Every Rider’s Needs

In addition to our fixed-route services, Ride On also offers more flexible and accessible options such as Ride On Flex, our on-demand service that operates in specific service zones. This convenient service provides a modern, app-based and direct call center ways to request a ride when and where it's needed, especially helpful for those with disabilities who may need more adaptable transit options; this service is curb to curb for riders with disabilities. We also work in close collaboration with MetroAccess, a shared-ride, door-to-door service for people who cannot use traditional transit due to a disability. This regional paratransit service is another way we support the ADA’s mission by ensuring that mobility doesn’t end at the County line.

Moving Forward, Together

As we celebrate Disability Independence Day, we’re not only looking back at how far we’ve come, we’re also looking ahead. Our commitment to accessibility is ongoing. We continuously train our staff, gather feedback from the community, and work to improve the rider experience for individuals of all abilities. We also understand that true accessibility includes dignity, respect, and equity. At Ride On, we strive to ensure that riders with disabilities feel welcome, heard, and empowered every time they step aboard.

If you, a family member, or someone in your community would like to learn more about Ride On’s accessibility features or reduced fare programs, please visit www.rideonbus.com or dial 311 for assistance. This Disability Independence Day, and every day, Ride On is proud to provide transportation that connects all people to opportunity, community, and independence.

Join Ride On at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, Returning for its 76th Year!

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair will return to the County Agricultural Center in Gaithersburg from Friday, August 8 to Saturday, August 16. This August marks the 76th annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, a tradition that brings together families, friends, and the community to showcase Montgomery County's rich agricultural heritage over the span of nine days of fun. The fair is one of the county's largest events and will showcase everything from thrilling rides and games to livestock exhibitions to shows and a wide variety of food options.

Ride On is proud to be a part of this historic milestone by hosting a booth at the fair from 10 am to 10 pm daily on Maple Avenue. Over the past 4 years the Ride On booth has been the most popular non-food booth at the fair and we're excited to continue that tradition this year. Fair goers can expect great prizes when they play any of our 3 interactive games. In addition to our games, the Ride On, Pedestrian Safety and Flash teams will be there to distribute helpful information about the services we offer the community.

This year, Ride On will participate in Touch-A-Truck Day on Sunday, August 10 from 11 am - 4 pm on the Montgomery County fairgrounds. Stop by to get an up-close look at a Ride On bus and other vehicles that keep our community moving. Attendees can touch, learn about and explore a Ride On bus and various vehicles of all shapes and sizes, heavy equipment, fire engines and so much more! 

Whether you're a regular rider or just interested in learning more about public transportation, our booth at the Motgomery County Agricultural Fair is the perfect place to stop by, have some fun, and discover all the Ride On has to offer. We look forward to seeing you!

Single day admission tickets for the fair are $18 at the gate, but can be purchased in advance for about $14 here. Tickets are required for everyone 12 years of age or older. Children 11 and under are free every day. For all other ticket types and detailed information about the fair, visit mcagfair.com. Parking on the fairgrounds is $20 per car.

Save money on parking by riding with Ride On to the fair. Download the Ride On Trip Planner App to plan your trip. There will be free parking at Montgomery College Rockville Campus & Montgomery College Germantown Campus with a free shuttle bus to the fairgrounds. There will be no fair parking or shuttles from Lakeforest Mall.

Ride On Reimagined: A Better Transit Network

The Ride On Reimagined Study was a major overhaul of the Montgomery County transit system, based on two years of data analysis, community input, and coordination with WMATA. Year One of Ride On Reimagined launched on June 29, 2025 in alignment with WMATA’s Better Bus Network, which also transformed Metro service across the D.C. region. This overhaul simplified the transit network, boosted service where it’s needed most, and created stronger regional connections, all with the rider experience at the center. Over the next 12 months, the thousands of riders who rely on our services will see improvements in how they travel within the Montgomery County region.

Together, Ride On and WMATA coordinated changes to eliminate duplicate services, strengthen high ridership transit corridors, and provide riders with clearer travel options across the region. In several areas, Ride On absorbed or replaced overlapping Metrobus routes while improving frequency or span to ensure riders didn’t lose access.

• Ride On Route 10 was discontinued and replaced with Metrobus Routes M12, M42, M44 and M60.
• Ride On adjusted Routes 34, 41, and 42.
• Ride On Route 34 was streamlined with Ride On Route 41 and Metrobus Route D96 covering some service.
• Ride On Route 40 was introduced to replace portions of Metrobus Routes Q2, Q4, and Q6 between Rockville and Wheaton.
• Ride On Route 41 was extended to Wheaton, replacing parts of Ride On Route 34 and Metrobus Route L8, and introducing all day service on Plyers Mill road.

Ride On Reimagined represents Ride On’s commitment to improving the transit experience of our riders using the resources we have today. These plans have laid the foundation for an integrated, modern transit experience and prioritize equity, ensuring more people can depend on transit for work, school, healthcare and opportunity. Ride On also implemented a zero fares policy on all Ride On, extRa, Flex, and Flash buses on June 29, making these changes easier to navigate. With service improvements, clearer route structures, more frequent buses, and stronger regional connections, this is more than just a schedule change – it’s a system transformation and the first of its kind in decades.

Here's how riders can get familiar with these changes:

• Using our Ride On Trip Planner app.
• Reviewing our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
• Accessing Ride On’s timetables online.
• Visit WMATA’s website for a comprehensive list of resources to help navigate the Better Bus Network.

Ride On Senior Corner: Free Public Transportation Travel Training in August that Gets Seniors Moving 

This upcoming August, the Rockville Senior Center will host a Public Transportation Travel Training workshop, the free field trip and seminar on using and navigating the public transportation system in Montgomery County and beyond. The seminar includes rides on a Metro train and Ride On bus, and seniors receive hands-on practice loading a fare card, understanding transit schedules, creating a travel itinerary and "meeting new friends".

The seminar will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on:

Monday, August 11, Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Dr, Rockville, MD 

Space is limited; participants MUST register in advance for the workshop. Call Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252 or the Rockville Senior Center at 240-314-8800 to learn more and register. Travel Training is provided by the Jewish Council for the Aging with funding from the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.

Take Ride On to Montgomery County Pools

July means summer is officially here, along with hot and balmy weather. Keep cool this season and visit one of the county's many pools and aquatic centers! This list includes outdoor pools in close proximity to a Ride On route, but you can find a full list of county swimming pools (indoor and outdoor) here. 

• Bethesda Outdoor Pool: Come to the Bethesda outdoor pool for some fun in the sun in the southern part of the county. This pool complex includes a 50-meter long Z-shaped main pool with a six lane 25-meter lap pool into the diving well and two diving boards, a "drop" slide, separate "tot" pool, snack bar and lawn areas with shade structures. Activities include lessons, competitive programs, and water fitness classes. To get to the Bethesda Outdoor Pool, take Ride On Route 36.

• Germantown Outdoor Pool: The Germantown Outdoor Pool offers recreational swimming, laps, lessons, and competitive programs up County. This complex includes an eight-lane, 25-meter main pool with one-meter and half-meter diving boards, two water slides and two cross walk features, a "tot" pool, and a snack bar and lawn areas. Ride On Route 98 can take you to this pool for a day of outdoor fun!

• Long Branch Outdoor Pool: This pool near downtown Silver Spring includes a six lane, L-shaped 25-meter main pool with two diving boards, a teach pool and a "tot" pool, and lawn areas. Competitive programs are also available. To visit this family friendly space, take Ride On routes 14, 15, 16, 20, or 24.

• Upper County Outdoor Pool: This Gaithersburg pool includes an eight lane, 25-meter main pool with a one-meter diving board, a separate shallow water leisure pool with a water slide, a "tot" pool, and lawn areas. To get to this pool, take Ride On routes 57, 60, or 64.

• Sergeant Hector I. Ayala Wheaton/Glenmont Outdoor Pool: Keep kids (and kids at heart) occupied for hours at this Wheaton pool complex. Amenities include a six lane, 50-meter main pool, an eight lane, 25-meter swim course, two diving boards, a shallow water leisure pool with fountains, sprays and kiddie slides, an activity pool with two flume slides and crosswalks, a "tot" pool, and a snack bar and lawn areas. Load up the family on the Ride On Route 33 bus to get within walking distance of this kid-friendly spot. 

Summer Transit Safety: Ride Our Buses Responsibly This Season

Summer is a great time to explore all that Montgomery County has to offer and taking public transportation is a great way to avoid the stress of driving in the heat. Summer in Montgomery County brings sunshine, outdoor fun, and its own set of transit challenges. Here’s a guide to staying safe and comfortable on Ride On buses this summer.

Stay Hydrated

Keeping hydrated helps avoid heat stress and keeps you refreshed. Carry a reusable water bottle when possible. Forgot yours? Ride On offers free bottled water on our buses during high heat alerts to keep you comfortable.

Enjoy the Air Conditioning

Ride On buses are equipped with air conditioning to keep you cool during your trip. Take a break from the summer heat and ride with Ride On!

Plan for Severe Weather and Extra Travel Time

Summer storms can be sudden. Stay informed about weather alerts via the Alert Montgomery system. If heavy rain is forecasted, carry an umbrella and allow extra time for your commute. Additionally, summer events and construction can cause delays. Planning for extra commute time allows you to get to your destination on time, even with delays. To report flooding, debris blocking a roadway, or signal outages, call MC311 or 240-777-0311 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, or the police non-emergency line at 301-279-8000 outside of those hours.

Stay Visible

Stick to well-lit areas. Dark roads and/or rain may make you harder to see. Turning on your lights and wearing reflective clothing or accessories while walking can help everyone spot you better. Cross streets cautiously – wet roads can mean longer stopping distances for vehicles. Utilize our Courtesy Stop program available after 9 p.m. to request a specific drop-off along our regular routes when and where it is safe to do so.

Avoid Flooded Areas

Stay safe and never walk or drive through flooded streets to reach a stop. Just 6 inches of water can knock you down and 1 foot of water can sweep a vehicle away. Downed wires can also pose a threat. If you encounter high water, turn around.

Use Our Trip Planning App

Use our Ride On Trip Planner app for bus information in real time, trip planning, and viewing arrival times and bus delays.

Stay Connected

Check Ride On’s website, follow us on social media, and/or subscribe for email and text alerts to stay up to date on service alerts or changes in bus schedules. Keep your phone charged and bring a portable charger if needed to stay informed on the go.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and smooth summer commute with Ride On. Enjoy your summer travels!

Of Note

MCDOT Ride On GovDelivery SMS/Text Short Code Was Changed from 468311 to 62463 on June 11, 2025

As of June 11, 2025, Montgomery County Ride On's GovDelivery SMS/Text short code number, which allows riders to opt-in to receive service alerts, was changed from 468311 to 62463. 

The 468311 number was a shortcode that was shared with many governments throughout the country. Mobile carriers throughout the US and Canada no longer support shared shortcodes as of July 1, 2025. As a result, mobile carriers will only support dedicated shortcodes like 62463, which is dedicated to the Montgomery County, MD, Government.

Those currently subscribed to MCDOT Ride On text alerts will now receive text messages from 62463. Riders not already subscribed should text MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 62463 to receive the most up-to-date bus service information, including route detours, delays, and special events, via text message. This is the fastest and most convenient way to stay updated on the latest Ride On information. 

Plan Your Next Trip with the Ride On Trip Planner

Have you downloaded the Ride On Trip Planner App yet? This NACo Award winning app allows riders to plan their next trip and to tell how crowded a Ride On bus is – before it arrives – with the crowdedness indicator on the app. Riders can choose if they want to get on the arriving bus, wait for the next bus depending on how many people are on the bus, or choose another travel option, such as other local transit services, bikeshare, and scooter. It gives riders more control over their transportation experience. The Ride On Trip Planner app is easy to use and can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple app store, or accessed with our desktop version.

Ride On Featured on WUSA9

Ride On is in the news! On Sunday, June 29, Ride On was featured on WUSA9's morning news program. To see the interview where we discuss our new route changes and zero fare policy, visit https://youtu.be/cYzSSLyB7uk?si=fUmkl--uIpM_erwi&t=155.

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:

When did Ride On implement zero fares on all their services?

1. January 2025
2. March 2025
3. June 2025
4. July 2025

Last month’s question:

When did Ride On and WMATA’s new bus service changes launch in 2025?

1. June 17
2. June 29
3. June 25
4. July 1

Answer: (2.) June 29

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 X, Facebook Bluesky 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.