The County Council plans to vote on a resolution to extend the Ride On system’s fare holiday to Jan. 1, 2022.
The resolution will be introduced today (Sept. 28) at 1:30 p.m., and a public hearing will follow, prior to the vote.
The vote is the latest in an extension of the fare holiday, which the council in May voted to continue until Sept. 30.
“Fare-free service has collectively saved our residents millions of dollars in commuting costs at a time when we know that many are still struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Council President Tom Hucker (D-District 5) in a press release.
“Keeping Ride On fares suspended keeps our County moving, is consistent with our climate and racial equity goals, and eliminates the cost burden from our lowest-income residents as they continue to use public transportation to reach their jobs and conduct essential activities,” he added.
In May, the council also approved a funding request from County Executive Marc Elrich to conduct a fare equity study for Ride On. That study has not been completed.
A recent report by the Council’s Office of Legislative Oversight showed that 47 percent of Ride On customers have an annual household income below $30,000.
“2008 06 03 – 2228 – Rockville – Ride On Bus on Research Blvd” by thisisbossi is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0