The Montgomery County Department of Transportation has launched a new bus network redesign plan based on its two-year Ride On Reimagined study, which aims to improve public transportation in Montgomery County by enhancing bus routes, increasing frequency, and serving underserved areas.
The study evaluated the current Ride On and Metrobus networks while collaborating with Metro’s Better Bus Initiative, which assesses similar changes to Metrobus services. MCDOT said the study team also examined ridership patterns, using feedback from bus riders, bus operators, and potential bus riders to better understand transportation needs.
The Ride On Reimagined recommendations feature one-, five-, and long-term plans and a long-term vision, which focus on rerouting existing bus routes and adding new services to improve connectivity and efficiency. The long-term vision outlines plans to expand express and on-demand bus services in Montgomery County, which includes eight new Flash bus rapid transit (BRT) lines, four Ride On extRa lines, and 19 new Ride On Flex zones.
The high-frequency Pink and Lime Ride-On extRa lines, part of the new Great Seneca Transit Network, launched in September as part of the first-year changes.
“The Ride On Reimagined Transit study reflects our dedication to addressing the evolving transportation needs of our diverse community,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We are constantly trying to find ways to make transit more useful and available to more residents. Our goal is to effectively accommodate growth and density by supporting transit-oriented development, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
MCDOT said the bus network redesign will better transit needs in Montgomery County, which has a diverse population of more than one million residents and is projected to have an 18 percent increase in population and a 29 percent increase in employment by 2050.
Additionally, the Ride On system recently saw its ridership jump by 20 percent, the second-highest among similar transit systems in the United States.
“We have taken stock of Montgomery County’s transit needs and now have a clear path to move forward with improvements to enhance operational efficiency and proactively prepare for anticipated future growth,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The average resident in Montgomery County will be able to access nearly 14,000 more jobs within 30 minutes during a typical weekday morning rush hour commute using the proposed bus network enhancements, a 74 percent increase in job accessibility compared to the existing network. These advancements will allow us to provide equitable access to jobs and encourage public transit use.”
The final report highlights key service enhancements:
- More Frequent Service: Over 30 routes will increase weekday frequencies, 38 will improve weekend frequencies, and 26 will introduce new weekend services.
- Expanded Coverage: The Vision Network adds 19 new Ride On Flex zones, covering over 85 square miles to reach underserved areas and enhance service in lower-density neighborhoods.
- Improved Connectivity: The network includes eight Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines and four new Ride On extRa lines, offering fast and reliable service along important corridors while improving connections to Metro stations and key destinations.
- Sustainability Goals: The plan aims to convert nearly 400 MCDOT Ride On buses to a zero-emission fleet to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support climate action efforts.
MCDOT’s long-term vision also includes transitioning nearly 400 Ride On buses to zero-emission models. Currently, the county operates 14 electric buses and plans to add 100 more over the next three years.
Additionally, a hydrogen charging station will open next year, making MCDOT the first public transit agency on the East Coast to operate several hydrogen-fueled buses.
“The support we received has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, and we are confident that the redesigned services will deliver significant benefits to both our riders and our organization,” said Ride On Reimagined project lead Deanna Archey.
Visit the MCDOT Ride On Reimagined website for study information and interactive maps highlighting the proposed changes.
Photo: “Flash BRT Silver Spring 2020-10-20 13.BusStop.SSMD.20October2020 (50518124133)” by Elvert Barnes is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.