June 30, 2021

MCDOT Reminder: Federal Regulations Continue to Require Face Coverings on Public Transportation Including Taxis, Ride Sharing, Ride On, Ride On Extra and Flash Bus


The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is reminding residents that even though many COVID-19 restrictions are easing, Federal guidelines continue to require face coverings when traveling by public transportation. The regulation covers County Ride On buses, Ride On extra, Flash, Metrobus, Metrorail and when taking taxis or on-demand car services.

All MCDOT buses have a supply of face coverings for those who do not have their own.

Most statewide restrictions regarding COVID-19 will end on July 1 and Maryland’s state of emergency will legally lift on Aug. 15. However, Federal guidelines are still in place for public transit through at least Sept. 13.

All Ride On, Ride On extRa and Flash buses will remain free to all passengers through at least September. Fees were suspended during the onset of the pandemic.

Social distancing continues to be strongly recommended on board the buses and trains and at bus stops and shelters. Riders are asked to make their best effort to maintain maximum physical distance between themselves and other riders who are not from the same household.

Bus interiors continue to be cleaned by the County’s Department of General Services twice daily with hospital-grade disinfectant. Bus filter and ventilation systems also are treated each night with a disinfectant.

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. In addition, information is available at rideonbus.com or by subscribing to “Ride On Services” email alerts. Riders also can receive text alerts by texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311.