The Montgomery County Maryland Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has unveiled a “Ride with Pride” themed Ride On bus to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its allies during June, which is recognized as Pride Month.
Wrapped with the Intersex Progress Pride Flag, adorned with Ride with Pride messaging and neon lights to stand out at night, the bus is dedicated to the uplifting of LGBTQ+ voices, culture and civil rights.
In addition to the Pride Bus, all MCDOT buses will have #RidewithPride poster displays on board in June, with a QR code that will direct to a web page with information about the historical and cultural significance of the LGBTQ+ community.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Evan Glass, Maryland Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Woods, Councilmembers and members of the Montgomery Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly rode the bus on June 1 on its inaugural journey to a ceremony to raise the Progress Pride Flag outside of the Executive Office Building in Rockville.
“The Ride with Pride Bus is both a symbol of our commitment to social justice and equality and a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community,” said County Executive Elrich. “Montgomery County is the most diverse County in the State and one of the most diverse in the nation. The Pride Bus serves as a signal that the County is a safe and welcoming environment for anyone who lives, works or visits here.”
The Pride Bus will be deployed on bus routes throughout Montgomery County. Riders are encouraged to post photos of the bus to social media with the tag #RideWithPride.
“I am proud to unveil this bus, the first of its kind in Maryland, as a symbol of support to our LGBTQ+ employees, customers and the greater community,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Public transportation plays a vital role in creating a safe and equitable society, and we have a particular duty to uplift groups that have historically been marginalized.”
Riders hoping to catch the Pride Bus can check the MCDOT #RidewithPride page for a general schedule. Look for photos of the Ride On #RidewithPride bus in motion on the MCDOT social media channels or by following the #RideWithPride hashtag. Riders are encouraged to post and share their bus photos in support.