Ride On Newsletter        November 2025

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Kate Stewart Honor Veterans with Operation Green Light Initiative and Ride On Bus Unveiling

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Kate Stewart, members of the County Council, and Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Director Chris Conklin joined the County Commission on Veterans Affairs and community leaders yesterday in Rockville for the unveiling of the Ride On “Operation Green Light” themed bus at a ceremony to honor veterans.   

Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties, honors veterans for their immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The program encourages displaying a green light in the window of homes or businesses from Nov. 4-11 to honor veterans. The campaign also aims to raise awareness of support resources available to veterans. 

“We have focused on functional zero homelessness for veterans, meaning that we have enough housing available to act quickly to offer housing to every veteran who needs it, and we’ve maintained this for the last decade. While we’re proud of this achievement, we know that the current climate means we have to go further, ensuring that our veterans have the additional resources they need,” said County Executive Elrich. “We continue to honor our commitment to veterans by working with community outreach organizations. I appreciate MCDOT’s efforts promoting the resources available to support them. I encourage all veterans, and their families, to connect with the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs for ongoing support and services.” 

Speakers and community leaders arrived at the ceremony aboard MCDOT’s Operation Green Light Ride On bus to the County’s Memorial Plaza, located adjacent to the Leggett Executive Office Building in Rockville. 

The ceremony commenced with a singing of the National Anthem by Richard Montgomery High School students Nala Ashe-Moncet and Alexa Thompson. 

The bus is wrapped in a design featuring the U.S. flag, a silhouette of veterans, and highlighting Operation Green Light. The bus also features a neon sign reading “Operation Green Light” to illuminate the bus at night. The County Commission on Veterans Affairs website and resource line is printed on the back of the bus.   

“I am proud to join this tribute to the members of the military community who call Montgomery County home,” said County Council President Stewart. “Those who served in our armed forces have made tremendous sacrifices in support of our country. Operation Green Light allows us to come together in appreciation of their service and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. Public transit is a lifeline for many of our community members, and I am happy to see these resources highlighted.”   

In addition, all Ride On buses will have informational cards on board with QR codes and a phone number for information for veteran's resources and services. Those services can be accessed by calling Serving Together at 855-738-7176 or visiting the Commission on Veterans Affairs website at montgomerycountymd.gov/veterans.   

“We launched the Operation Green Light bus last year to show support for our veterans and raise awareness of the resources available to them,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The wrapped bus will circulate around the County throughout the month of November. In addition, we have placed signs on board all Ride On buses highlighting Operation Green Light and directing veterans to resources. All Ride On buses are now zero fare, ensuring cost is not a barrier to accessing essential services. We know many of our County’s veterans rely on the Ride On bus system, and our hope is that we can help connect them to crucial resources.” 

The Operation Green Light bus will be deployed on bus routes throughout the County. Riders hoping to catch the Operation Green Light bus can follow @MCDOTNow on social media to find out where the bus is scheduled to run.  

Look for photos of the Ride On Operation Green Light bus in motion on the MCDOT social media channels or by following the #OperationGreenLight hashtag. Riders are encouraged to post and share their bus photos in support. 

More information about Operation Green Light is available here.

Ride On Public Forum on Introduction of a New On-Demand Service, Flex Route 918, will be held on Monday, December 8

Ride On is Thankful for You: A Message of Gratitude for Our Riders

As we approach the holiday season, we at Ride On want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to you, our dedicated riders. Every day you put your trust in us – whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, heading to class, or exploring our community. Your support and feedback are vital to making our service better every day, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your journey.

This past year has been filled with enhancements, new routes, and expanded services, all designed with your convenience in mind. We’ve begun the rollout of the Great Seneca Transit Network, expanded our services and continued to improve accessibility and reliability across our routes. We are driven by the goal of providing you with safe, efficient, and reliable transportation. Your support and feedback drive us to continually enhance our services, and your patience and understanding during changes allows us to improve and grow, keeping us motivated to serve you better. None of this would be possible without you.

This Thanksgiving season, we want you to know how much we appreciate each one of you. Thank you for riding with us, sharing your journeys, and supporting the Montgomery County community. As we move forward, we’re excited to bring you even better service and continue being a part of your daily commute. Here’s to more rides together and many more exciting things to come in the future! Thank you for choosing Ride On and being a valued member of our Ride On community.

With Gratitude,

The Ride On Team

Senior Corner: Senior Center Holiday Hours

Montgomery County Recreation and Senior centers will have modified hours and closures in observance of the upcoming holiday season. See the above graphic for center holiday hours and closures. Read on for information about which Ride On and Metrobus routes you can take to travel to these recreation centers. Remember, seniors, youth, and people with disabilities can ride Metrobus for free year-round with  Senior SmarTrip, Youth Cruiser SmarTrip, and Reduced Fare SmarTrip cards. The tapping of these cards will be enforced on all Metrobuses beginning February 1, 2026.

• Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center - Ride On Route 48
• Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center - Ride On Route 301
• Potomac Community Recreation Center - Ride On Route 37
• Plum Gar Community Center - Ride On Route 55 (stop on Frederick Road)
• Marilyn J Praisner Community Recreation Center - Metrobus Route M52
• Wheaton Recreation Center - Metrobus Routes M20 & M22, Ride On Routes 9 & 31 (stop on Amherst Avenue & Arcola Avenue)
• White Oak Community Recreation Center - Flash Orange (stop on Stewart Lane)

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, December 28, 2025
• Sunday, March 1, 2026
• Sunday, March 15, 2026

Need Food Assistance? Montgomery County Has Resources to Help

Montgomery County is here to support residents who may be experiencing food insecurity including previously furloughed federal workers, contractors, and anyone facing financial hardship. A wide network of local programs and partners are ready to help make sure no one goes hungry this holiday season.

Find Food Resources Near You

Start by visiting the Montgomery County Food Resources Page, your one-stop hub for information on:

• Upcoming food distributions and meal delivery options
• SNAP enrollment assistance
• An updated calendar of food distribution events across the County

Some locations may require appointments or have limited supplies, so it’s best to check the online listings or call ahead before visiting.

You can also explore the Food Assistance Resources Map: an interactive, searchable tool showing more than 100 food distribution sites across Montgomery County. Filter by location, accessibility, and type of assistance to find what works best for you and your family.

Need information in another language? OFSR’s Food Assistance Flowchart is available in English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Vietnamese.

Special Support for Federal Workers and Contractors

The Capital Area Food Bank offers free weekly distributions for federal employees and contractors. These new food distributions will offer boxes of shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce for the duration of the shutdown. Visit the Capital Area Food Bank website for distribution dates and times.

Please bring a government-issued ID (employee or contractor) to receive food.

Support for Families

Families with students in Montgomery County Public Schools may be eligible for Free and Reduced-price Meals. Applications are accepted year-round for families experiencing income changes.

Help Navigating Resources

If you need help finding food or other assistance programs:

• Call 311 for non-emergency County services
• Montgomery County Food Council Food Resource Specialists: (301) 818-3614
• DHHS Navigation Team: (240) 773-8265

You can also connect with programs through the Office of Food Security and Response (OFSR), including Nutrition Benefits Outreach and Food as Medicine initiatives that partner with local organizations to improve access to healthy food.

Other County Support Services

In addition to food resources, Montgomery County offers programs through:

• Mobilize Montgomery: Workforce training, job fairs, and financial assistance for job seekers
• LOCATE: Child Care: Free, personalized help finding childcare that fits your family’s needs

At Ride On, we’re proud to be part of a community that cares. Ride On has routes that travel to many of the above-mentioned food distribution sites for free under our Zero Fare policy. To find a route, visit RideOnBus.com or map your trip with the Ride On Real Time application or the Ride On Trip Planner app, available in mobile and desktop versions.

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out — help is available. To learn more about these and other County services, visit MontgomeryCountyMD.gov or call 311 today.

Limited Series: A Closer Look at Ride On's New 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 can 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.

"It's a Bus - Not A Conference Call!" 

The third message in our series is "It's a Bus - Not a Conference Call!" Ride On would like to remind riders to please keep phone calls to a minimum while on the bus. If you must take a call, please keep it short and keep your voice level low as to minimize disturbance to other passengers and, most importantly, bus operators. 

Montgomery County Department of Transportation Announces the Return of Decorated Winter Holiday 'Flash Lights' Buses

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is returning “Flash Lights” buses for the winter holiday season. People can ride on one of the five decorated Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses running along Colesville Road/Columbia Pike (US 29) throughout December. The buses feature colorful winter lights around the bus windows and a neon sign reading “Happy Holidays” along the side.  

Take Ride On to Montgomery County Shopping Centers

The holiday season is upon us! Montgomery County shopping centers have everything you need to fill your table with food and your home with gifts this year. Check out the list below for some great Ride On accessible shopping destinations to help you finish your to-do (and to-buy) lists in a hurry and on budget.

• Montrose Crossing Shopping Center: Featuring multiple supermarkets, clothing retailers, discount shops, and restaurants, this Rockville shopping center is a great place to prep for your holiday gathering or grab a few gifts for loved ones. To get to Montrose Crossing Shopping Center, take Ride On Route 46 or extRa. 
• Westfield Wheaton Shopping Center: Get everything you need for the holidays in and around the mall at this shopping center. Purchase enough food to feed your army at Costco and Giant, pick up gifts for everyone on your list, and ship gifts to faraway loved ones at UPS. To get to Westfield Wheaton Shopping Center, take Ride On routes 4, 9, 34, 38, or 48.
• Orchard Center Shopping Mall: This complex in White Oak features multiple grocery and department stores, discount retailers, and even a pet store to treat your furry friends. To get to Orchard Center Shopping Mall, take Ride On Route 27.
• Plaza Del Mercado: Pick up groceries, flowers, baked goods, and festive libations at this Silver Spring shopping center. Don't forget about yourself! This shopping center also includes a gym, salon and barber shop, and nail spa so you can look your best this holiday season. To get to Plaza Del Mercado, take Ride On routes 26, 49, or 51.
• Montgomery Village Center: This shopping center is a bargain hunter's dream! Grab holiday decor, groceries, and dinner on the way home at these shops. Visitors can also find a Latin grocery store and pharmacy on the property. To get to Montgomery Village Center, take Ride On routes 58, 59, 60, 64, or 65.
• Germantown Commons: This Germantown shopping center features a grocery store, pet store, and multiple discount retailers to make your season bright. To get to Germantown Commons, take Ride On route 97.
• Quince Orchard Plaza: Get everything you need for your holiday table, from food to decor and gifts, at this Gaithersburg shopping center. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee or lunch to go while you're out! To get to Quince Orchard Plaza, take Ride On routes 56, 71, or 78.
• Bethesda Row: This Bethesda shopping district has something for everyone on your list, including clothing, electronics, and jewelry. Make sure to grab some sweet or savory treats while you're there; on Bethesda row you can find cookies, cupcakes, bagels and burgers all within walking distance. To get to Bethesda Row, take Ride On Route 36.

Careers in Transit with Ride On: More Than Just Bus Drivers

When most people think of public transit, the first image that comes to mind is a bus driver behind the wheel, keeping our communities connected and our region moving. But behind every Ride On bus on the road is a diverse team of professionals working together to make Montgomery County’s transit system one of the most reliable and community-centered in the nation.

In honor of the first annual APTA National Transit Career Day, we’re highlighting the many career paths at Ride On that make public transportation possible beyond the driver’s seat.

Operations and Scheduling

Every Ride On trip begins long before the bus doors open. Our operations planners and schedulers carefully design routes, adjust timetables, and analyze ridership data to ensure buses run efficiently and meet community needs. These professionals balance service reliability with real-world challenges like traffic congestion, construction, and evolving commuter patterns.

Fleet and Maintenance Teams

Keeping a fleet of over 400 buses running safely and smoothly requires the expertise of skilled mechanics, technicians, and fleet managers. From routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics on electric and hybrid vehicles, Ride On’s maintenance team is constantly innovating as the agency transitions to a more sustainable future.

Our technicians don’t just turn wrenches, they work with cutting-edge vehicle technology, helping Montgomery County reduce emissions and meet its climate goals.

Technology and Innovation

Transit is evolving and so is Ride On. Our data analysts, IT professionals, and software engineers develop tools that improve trip planning and enhance operational efficiency. From GPS tracking and real-time arrival apps like the Ride On Trip Planning app to data dashboards that inform strategic decisions, technology teams are helping shape the future of transit in Montgomery County.

Safety, Training, and Security

Safety is at the heart of Ride On’s mission. Our training instructors and safety officers ensure that every employee from new hires to veteran drivers upholds the highest standards of safety and service through training. These professionals also help ensure compliance, creating a supportive environment for more than 900 employees.

Marketing and Community Outreach

Ride On is deeply rooted in the community. Our marketing and outreach team helps promote new services, foster partnerships, and engage with local organizations to increase awareness about public transit benefits. Through public events, school partnerships, and initiatives like Ride On’s Zero-Fare programs, these professionals help ensure everyone knows how to get where they need to go safely, sustainably, and affordably.

A Career That Moves You Forward

Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, technology, operations, or community engagement, a career in transit offers purpose, growth, and the chance to make a real difference every day. Ride On is more than buses; it’s people, innovation, and teamwork working toward one goal: keeping Montgomery County moving.

Of Note

Ride On's Gaithersburg Depot Holds International Day Potluck Lunch

Employees at the Gaithersburg Ride On Bus Depot, joined by Councilmembers Andrew Friedson and Dawn Luedtke, held a potluck luncheon on Friday, November 14 to celebrate International Day with food from over 50 different Countries.  Ride On is proud of our diverse workforce!

Ride Metrobus Free with the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip, Senior SmarTrip, and Disabled Rider Reduced Fare Cards

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 cards are available all MCPS middle and high schools, some MCPS elementary schools, and many private schools in Montgomery County. Youth Cruiser SmarTrip cards and Senior SmarTrip cards are available for free at all 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.

Connect With Ride On

Are you following Ride On's social media accounts yet? Ride On communicates and connects to our riders using X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. 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 updates through our new "Ride On Run-Down" series. Find us at @RideOnMCT on your favorite social media platform. 

Ride On Thanksgiving Schedule

Ride On will be operating on a Sunday Schedule for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 27, 2025. We hope you have a safe and restful holiday!

• Ride On Bus Service—Will operate on a Sunday schedule. View route schedules here.
• Ride On extRa Pink and extRa Lime - Will operate on a Sunday schedule.
• 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.
• Ride On extRa (Route 101) and Flex - Will not operate.

Ride On Gratitude Corner

In light of the coming season of thankfulness, Ride On is launching the "Gratitude Corner", a monthly of-note feature that highlights displays of gratitude shown to Ride On, its operators, and employees.

This month's piece of gratitude comes from a Ride On rider, a federal worker currently not receiving pay, who reached out to thank a driver for going out of their way to stop the bus and pick them up, making their day in an otherwise rough time. We're proud of our exceptional operators!

"I was riding on my bike to the bus stop and the 78 passed me on Matney northbound to Clopper on its way to Shady Grove. I thought I missed it; a slight annoyance, but I could just wait for the 71 5-10 minutes later. The bus driver apparently noticed me, stopped the bus, and waited for me to scamper over and on to the bus. He didn’t need to do that, but the fact that he recognized and remembered me, and did such a friendly, generous thing that no one could’ve found fault with him not doing really made my day. I’m working for the federal government without pay right now and things are tense and feel hopeless. Maybe this is silly, but this gave me a little hope. I thanked him, but if there’s a way to give him some extra recognition, I couldn’t recommend that more.”

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:

What is the name of the initiative that focuses on redesigning Ride On routes for efficiency and reliability?

1. Ride On Reimagined
2. GSTN Great Seneca Transit Network
3. Metro Accessibility
4. Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card

Last month’s question:

Which Flash Bus goes to Burtonsville?

1. Orange 
2. Blue
3. Green
4. Red

Answer: (2) Blue

For the most up-to-date bus service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. In addition, information is available at rideonbus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts or by texting 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.      

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Facebook, 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.