The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will increase Ride On bus service starting Sunday, May 8. The new schedule will increase bus service to 90 percent of pre-COVID-19 levels.
All routes, except Route 301, will undergo schedule changes. The new schedules will be available at rideonbus.com and also will be available in print.
The increased service starting May 8 will include extending Route 4 from Kensington to Wheaton. The revised routing will provide a direct connection from the Kensington MARC Station to the Wheaton Metro Station. The route previously went as far as Connecticut and Howard Avenue in the Kensington area. It will now continue down University Boulevard and onto Veirs Mill Road to the Wheaton Metro Station. Route 4 will continue to operate on weekdays, with no additional changes.
“We know that many residents depend upon the Ride On bus system for daily trips throughout the County such as work, daycare, health services and other essential trips,” said MCDOT Director, Chris Conklin. “These service improvements are a step in the right direction. They provide access and opportunity to residents who need it.”
Passengers using Montgomery County’s Ride On buses are encouraged to wear a mask, but are no longer required to wear them. The change to the County’s mask policy comes after the announcement on April 18 that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decided to suspend enforcement of its mask mandate on all modes of public transportation. TSA’s decision came after a Federal judge’s ruling that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s mask mandate was unconstitutional.
“Ride On is committed to safety and we will continue to provide masks for our riders,” said MCDOT Division Chief of Transit Services Dan Hibbert. “Use of masks is still highly encouraged as COVID-19 remains a threat to our vulnerable.”
Bus interiors will continue to be cleaned by the County’s Department of General Services with hospital-grade disinfectant. Bus filter and ventilation systems are also treated with a disinfectant.
Ride On bus service remains free for all riders until at least July 2. Riders can plan trips online with Ride On Real Time.
