Ride On Newsletter August 2025
Ride On Bus Service Change to Route 41 Begins Sunday, September 7, 2025
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust the Ride On Route 41 service schedule on Sunday, September 7, to improve on-time performance and service. The new schedule is available at rideonbus.com and in print. This service change comes just over two months after the June 29 large-scale service changes to numerous routes. This smaller change is necessary to improve service reliability on Route 41.
The County has also implemented a zero-fare policy, that went into effect on Sunday, June 29 for all Ride On, Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex and Flash buses. The zero-fare policy reduces barriers to public transportation access for many residents.
For more information on Ride On routes and services, visit RideOnBus.com or download the free Ride On Trip Planner app.
Youth Cruiser SmarTrip, Senior SmarTrip, and Reduced Fare SmarTrip Cards for People with Disabilities Required to Receive Discounted Fare on Metrobuses in the County
 On June 29, 2025, Ride On made the transition to a zero fare policy on all Ride On, Flash, Flex, and extRa buses. This means that everyone in the county is now able to ride with us fare free without any sort of documentation. Riders simply board their chosen route and are free to travel to their destination.
It's important to note, however, that on Metrobuses students, seniors, and those with disabilities are required to tap their Youth Cruiser, Senior, and reduced fare cards in order to receive discounted fare. Flashing the card or a student ID is not enough; a valid Youth Cruiser or Senior SmarTrip card must be tapped on the farebox in order to board. Start now. This will be strictly enforced on January 1, 2026.
Montgomery County works in partnership with WMATA to ensure that students, seniors, and those with disabilities are able to ride for free within the county with a Youth Cruiser SmarTrip, Senior SmarTrip, and reduced fare card for those with disabilities. The Youth Cruiser are available all MCPS middle and high schools, some MCPS elementary schools, and many private schools in Montgomery County, as well as at County libraries, Montgomery County Division of Treasury - Rockville. the Silver Spring TRiPS store, and the Mobile Commuter Store. Residents must bring proof of age and residency to register for their card.
For more information about Youth Cruiser SmarTrip cards, visit Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card - Montgomery County Division of Transit Services. For information about transit options for seniors and those with disabilities, visit Older adults and Persons with Disabilities - Transit Services - Montgomery County, Maryland.
 Choosing public transportation like Ride On is more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it’s a smart decision that benefits you, your wallet, and your community.
One of the most noticeable advantages is the cost savings. When you ride instead of drive, you cut back on gas expenses, maintenance, and costly parking fees. Public transportation also helps reduce wear and tear on your personal vehicle, potentially extending its lifespan. Ride On offers zero fare reliable service and connects with partners to provide affordable service throughout the region, making it an easy and budget-friendly choice. Over time, those savings can add up to thousands of dollars each year.
Public transportation is a powerful way to reduce your environmental impact. Every bus on the road can take dozens of cars off the streets, leading to less congestion and cleaner air. Ride On continues to expand its fleet of electric and low-emission buses, helping lower harmful greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing to ride, you play a part in building a healthier environment for future generations. It’s a small change in your daily routine that makes a big difference on a larger scale. Fewer cars on the road also mean quieter neighborhoods and more walkable, bike-friendly streets. Your choice to ride contributes directly to a more sustainable community.
Riding public transit is an opportunity to reclaim your time. Instead of being stuck behind the wheel in traffic, you can relax, read, catch up on emails, or simply enjoy the ride. The stress of navigating rush hour or finding parking disappears when you step onto a Ride On bus. Many riders find their commutes become more productive and enjoyable when they leave the driving to someone else. It’s a chance to start and end your day with less stress and more control over how you spend your travel time. Public transit can even help you discover new neighborhoods, restaurants, and shops you might miss while driving. The journey becomes part of the experience, not just the destination.
Public transportation is a connector, bringing people together from all walks of life. It creates a sense of community and accessibility, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or ability, can get where they need to go. Ride On buses serve a variety of routes that connect residential areas to workplaces, schools, medical centers, and cultural attractions. Reliable transit fosters economic growth by making it easier for people to get to jobs and for businesses to attract employees and customers. Your decision to ride helps support a stronger, more connected local economy.
Riding with Ride On is a win-win for you and your community. It saves you money, reduces stress, protects the environment, and supports a more connected society. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to school, or exploring the city, Ride On offers a safe, reliable, and affordable way to travel. Your choice to ride helps shape a greener future and a stronger community for everyone. Public transportation isn’t just a ride; it’s a step toward a better quality of life. The next time you have somewhere to go, consider leaving the car at home and riding with Ride On. Your wallet, your neighbors, and the planet will thank you.
Closure of Medical Center Bus Loop in Bethesda to Impact Ride On Routes 34 and 46 on Select Sundays Through Spring 2026
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 Due to Metrorail construction, the bus loop at the Medical Center Metro Station will be closed on select Sundays through Spring 2026. As depicted in the map above, Ride On Routes 34 to Wheaton and 46 to Montgomery College Rockville will use Bus Bay H (stop #25504) and Routes 34 to Bethesda and 46 to Medical Center will use Bus Bay G (stop #25646) on Rockville Pike during the closures. Ride On Routes 30, 33, 70, and 101, which use the loop during weekday service, will not be impacted as they do not operate on Sundays.
Construction work will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates:
- Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Sunday, October 12, 2025
- Sunday, December 14, 2025
- Sunday, December 28, 2025
- Sunday, March 1, 2026
A Ride On Guide to Montgomery County Shopping Centers
 As the dog days of summer drag on, the start of the 2025-2026 school year is just beginning. Get prepared for your child to return to the classroom by stocking up on all the essentials. From clothing to school supplies, this list has you covered with local shopping centers and malls that can be accessed by Ride On routes.
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Rockville Town Square: Located in the center of Rockville, this open-air shopping center includes clothing stores, groceries, and even a public library to check out those last-minute summer reading books. Take Ride On Route 45 to Rockville Town Square to visit this collection of vendors.
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Westfield Wheaton Mall: The Wheaton mall has everything you need to get geared up for the new year. Stop in for new shoes, clothing, school supplies, and more. Westfield Wheaton is located directly across from the Wheaton Metro station; take Ride On routes 4, 7, 8, 9, 34, 37, 38, or 48 to get here.
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Gaithersburg Square: Located on Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg Square has some favorite discount retailers to get your kids looking their best for less! This shopping center also houses beauty service providers to get in that last minute haircut or manicure. To visit Gaithersburg Square, take Ride On routes 54, 55, 59, or 61.
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Rio: The Rio shopping center is a lakeside outdoor mall that includes locations of some of your favorite big box retailers, boutique clothing stores, eateries, and key services like eyewear and grooming. Take a break from the back-to-school hustle and bustle and catch a movie or grab dinner with the family while you're there. Ride On routes 54, 74, and extRa Lime Route will take you directly to the Rio.
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Westfield Montgomery Mall: Located in Bethesda, Westfield Montgomery Mall has all your kids' favorite places to shop. Make it a family day with a movie, meal, or one of many activities in and around the mall. Ride On routes 6, 26, 42, 47, and 96 serve Westfield Montgomery.
Interview with Transit Advisory Group Member Thomas Timberg
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How long have you been riding with Ride On and what year did you begin?
I've been riding with Ride On since I moved to Montgomery County in 1986. I used to take buses from Friendship Heights to NIH.
Why did you or your family select Ride On to begin your public transit experience?
I use Ride On to get to work in DC every morning. My family also uses Ride On to get to synagogue.
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What routes have you ridden the most over the years?
Over the years I've ridden Routes 29 and 32, 36, and T2. In recent years I especially use the 38, and others.
What do you like the most about your Ride On experiences?
It exists!
How has Ride On changed over the years from a rider’s perspective?
Since COVID it's definitely been less crowded, though it was never very crowded at hours I typically ride it.
What other family members use the Ride On system and for what purposes?
My wife recently took it for a period when she couldn’t drive because of a broken arm. Over the years in the 1980s and 1990s our daughters also used the service from time to time.
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The Transit Advisory Group is actively recruiting new members! If you or someone you know is interested, especially those who are disabled, high school students or bilingual, please visit our TAG webpage here to apply to be a member. Your membership is free, and you will have a chance to make a difference within Montgomery County. Let your voice be heard!!
Ride On Is Now Zero Fare — The Perfect Time to Go Car Free!
As Car Free Day approaches on September 22, it’s the perfect time to rethink your daily commute and try a greener, more convenient way to get around — Ride On buses!
Montgomery County’s Ride On transit service offers reliable, safe, and zero fare bus routes that connect you to key destinations across the county and beyond. Whether you’re heading to work, school, shopping, or just out to explore, Ride On makes it easy to travel without the hassle of traffic, parking, or the cost of driving.
Why Ride On?
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Frequent and extensive routes: With over 80 routes, Ride On serves neighborhoods, business districts, and transit hubs like Metro stations.
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Zero Fare: Keep your money in your pocket.
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Eco-friendly travel: Riding the bus reduces carbon emissions and helps improve air quality for our community.
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Comfort and convenience: Modern buses with air conditioning, wheelchair accessibility, and helpful real-time tracking via the Ride On Trip Planner app.
Celebrate Car Free Day by Riding Ride On! Join thousands of your neighbors who will leave their cars at home and choose Ride On for a hassle-free commute.
Your Car-Free Adventure Starts Here Plan your trip at rideonbus.com or download the Ride On Trip Planner app. Leave the car keys at home, step onto a zero-fare Ride On bus, and enjoy the freedom of stress-free travel this Car Free Day.
By choosing Ride On, you’re not just getting from point A to B — you’re helping build a cleaner, healthier, and more connected Montgomery County. This Car Free Day, take the bus, breathe easier, and enjoy the ride!
Senior Corner: National Senior Citizens Day is August 21
 National Senior Citizens Day, celebrated annually on August 21, is a special occasion dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of our senior citizens. Established in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, this day serves as a reminder to appreciate the wisdom, experience, and dedication that older adults bring to our communities. It is a time to recognize their lifelong efforts and the positive impact they have had on society, from building strong families to shaping our neighborhoods and workplaces.
In Montgomery County, senior citizens play a vital role in enriching our lives. They are the keepers of history, sharing stories and lessons from the past that help guide future generations. Many of our seniors continue to be active participants in community activities, volunteering their time and expertise to various causes. Their involvement not only benefits the community but also fosters a sense of purpose and belonging among the elderly. On National Senior Citizens Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to thank the seniors in their lives and acknowledge their invaluable contributions.
As part of our commitment to supporting senior citizens, Ride On offers several programs tailored to their needs. These include discounted fares on Metrobuses through the Senior SmarTrip program, accessible transportation options like Senior Connection and Connect-a-Ride, and special routes that connect seniors to grocery stores and recreational activities. Ride On also partners with the Jewish Council for the Aging to provide public transportation travel training seminars for seniors throughout the year. We believe that providing reliable and convenient transportation is crucial in helping seniors maintain their independence and stay connected with the community. On this special day, we reaffirm our dedication to enhancing the quality of life for our senior residents.
We invite all community members to join us in celebrating National Senior Citizens Day. Whether it's by spending time with an elderly loved one, volunteering at a local senior center, or simply offering a kind word of appreciation, every gesture counts. Let's make August 21st a day filled with gratitude and respect for the senior citizens who have given so much to our community. Together, we can ensure that our seniors feel valued and supported, not just on this day, but every day of the year
Ride On Launches "Ride On Reminders" Campaign
 MCDOT Ride On has launched a new campaign focused on reminding riders of appropriate and inappropriate behavior when aboard a public transit system. Dubbed "Ride On Reminders" this campaign includes messaging that encourages riders to keep the peace, refrain from tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol consumption, and respect others' space in a public location. Messages depicting this campaign have been featured on our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky accounts and will soon be seen on bus cards and shelter ads across the county.
This campaign is based on the Transit Passenger Bill of Rights, a code of conduct that is posted on all Ride On buses. The Transit Passenger Bill of Rights is a crucial document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of passengers using public transportation. This bill ensures that all passengers receive fair and equitable treatment while traveling, promoting a safe, reliable, and comfortable transit experience. It serves as a guideline for transit agencies to maintain high standards of service and for passengers to understand what they can expect, and what is expected of them, during their journey.
The Transit Passenger Bill of Rights not only outlines the rights of passengers but also emphasizes their responsibilities to ensure a smooth and pleasant travel experience for everyone. Understanding and adhering to these responsibilities helps maintain a safe, respectful, and efficient public transportation system.
Passengers are expected to move to the rear of the vehicle once they have boarded, allowing others to board quickly and efficiently, as well as respect priority seating and allow seniors and individuals with disabilities to occupy designated priority seats. This ensures that those who need these seats the most can travel comfortably and safely. Furthermore, passengers should refrain from occupying more than one seat when the vehicle is crowded, making space for others who need to sit
Maintaining a clean and courteous environment is also essential. Passengers should avoid smoking, eating, drinking, or spitting while on public transportation. Using headphones when listening to music or other audio ensures that noise levels are kept low, respecting the comfort of fellow travelers. Lastly, passengers should exit from the rear door when possible and hold the door open for the person behind them, promoting a cooperative and friendly atmosphere
By fulfilling these responsibilities, passengers contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable transit experience for everyone.
Your Ticket to Last-Minute Summer Fun – Free with Ride On
 Summer’s not over yet, and with Ride On’s new zero-fare policy, you can hop on board and explore Montgomery County without spending a dime on bus fare. Whether you’re looking for a quick evening outing, a weekend adventure, or a spontaneous day trip, Ride On makes it easy to reach some of the county’s most exciting summer spots.
Here are a few last-minute ideas you can ride to:
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Brookside Gardens – A peaceful botanical escape, perfect for an afternoon stroll or a family picnic. Take Route 31 to the Wheaton Park Stables and enjoy a tree-lined walk to the gardens.
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Glenstone Museum – Explore world-class contemporary art surrounded by serene landscapes. Direct access on Route 301.
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Strathmore Arts Center – From concerts to art exhibitions, Strathmore is a cultural gem served by Route 46.
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Silver Spring Arts District – Catch a movie, hear live music, or explore local art galleries. Ride the Flash bus along Colesville Road/US 29.
Pro tip: Even spontaneous plans deserve a quick check—use the Ride On Trip Planner online to find the fastest, easiest route.
With zero-fare Ride On service, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is where to go first. Make the most of the season—ride more, explore more, and let Montgomery County surprise you this summer.
Of Note
Transportation Schedule for Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1
Below is the transportation-related holiday schedule for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 1:
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County offices and the MC311 service center - Will be closed.
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Ride On bus service - Will operate on a Sunday schedule. View route schedules here.
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Ride On extRa Pink and Lime bus services - Will operate on a Sunday schedule.
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Ride On extRa Route 101 (Frederick Road/Rockville Pike) and Flex bus services - Will not be in service.
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Ride On Flash bus service - The Orange Route will operate on a Weekend/Holiday schedule. The Blue Route (typically, weekday only) will not be in service.
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TRiPS Silver Spring Commuter Store - Will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store - Will be closed.
Connect With Ride On
Are you following Ride On's social media accounts yet? Ride On communicates and connects to our riders using Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, Bluesky and Threads. Our social media presence allows us to share exciting news and new programs as well as keep riders up to date on any detours, stop changes, or construction impacting our routes. On our Instagram account you can find interviews with riders and operators, featured trips to locations on Ride On routes, and regular service updates. Find us at @RideOnMCT on your favorite social media platform.
We also communicate with customers directly through our email and text subscription service. Subscribing to these alerts means you'll get the latest Ride On service and program information sent straight to your inbox. To subscribe, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery, or text MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 62463 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.
Ride On Courtesy Stop Program
Montgomery County Ride On bus riders are now able to request to be dropped off
between stops when traveling late at night. Available after 9 p.m., the Courtesy Stop
program lets riders request to be dropped off at any point along the regular bus
route, in addition to designated bus stops. Riders can request a Courtesy Stop on
any MCDOT Ride On bus or WMATA Metrobus. However, Metrobus Express and
Limited Stop buses, such as Flash, operating in Montgomery County, are excluded
from the program. The requested stop must be along the regular bus route, and
cannot be at an intersection, along a highway or freeway. A bus operator can refuse
a requested stop if the driver deems the undesignated stop as unsafe.
Download the Ride On Trip Planner App
Have you downloaded the Ride On Trip Planner App yet? This new, innovative 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.
ePaper Digital Bus Stop Information Displays Being Installed Across the County
MCDOT Division of Transit is implementing 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 have been installed 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 50 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. Look for them at a stop near you!
Transit Trivia!
Did you know that Ride On is one of the largest and most comprehensive local bus systems in Maryland, proudly serving Montgomery County with over 80 routes and a fleet of almost 400 buses? This extensive network allows Ride On to connect communities across the county, providing convenient access to vital destinations such as Metro stations, schools, hospitals, workplaces, and popular shopping centers. Every year, millions of residents rely on Ride On to make their daily commutes, run errands, and explore the area, making it an essential part of life in Montgomery County.
The system’s wide coverage ensures that both urban and suburban neighborhoods are well served, helping reduce traffic congestion by encouraging people to leave their cars at home. With a focus on safety, reliability, and accessibility, Ride On continues to invest in its fleet and services to meet the evolving needs of the community. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional rider, Ride On offers a practical, affordable, and eco-friendly way to get around.
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