MCDOT is partnering with Montgomery County Public Libraries for a MonsterFlash event from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Twinbrook Library. located at 202 Meadow Hall Drive in Rockville, from 10 a.m.-noon. The bilingual, family-friendly event will feature story time, a dance party, a scavenger hunt and a tour of MonsterFlash, MCDOT's not-so-spooky "haunted" bus. The Twinbrook Library is located at 202 Meadow Hall Drive in Rockville.
MonsterFlash will come to the “HalloWheaton” festival from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, from noon-4 p.m. at Marioan Fryer Town Plaza located at 2424 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. MonsterFlash is an annual tradition at the family-friendly festival, which also includes activities such as s'mores roasting, mask and pumpkin painting, a beer garden, craft projects and a costume contest. Marian Fryer Town Plaza is located at 2424 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.
The US 29 Flash buses are the first of a series of BRT corridors planned for the County to provide a premiere bus service, often with dedicated lanes and signal priority. The MCDOT project team will be on hand to answer questions about the upcoming Flash Bus Rapid Transit project on Veirs Mill Road.
"Halloween is always a great time to connect with our community, and MonsterFlash adds a fun twist by combining the spirit of the season with an opportunity to learn about our Flash Bus Rapid Transit system," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "The Flash service is part of our ongoing commitment to expanding accessible, efficient transit options throughout Montgomery County. Whether you’re there for the haunted bus or to ask questions about our plans, we encourage everyone to stop by and join in the festivities."
"We launched our first Flash Bus Rapid Transit line in 2020 along US 29 and it has been consistently in our top four most popular buses in terms of ridership," said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. "We are working to bring Flash Bus Rapid Transit across the County. MonsterFlash is a great way to engage the community and encourage people to learn more about our new bus service."
Flash buses currently run along Colesville Road/Columbia Pike (US 29) between the Silver Spring Transit Center, Briggs Chaney and Burtonsville, with stops along the way. The County-operated bus line began in 2020 and offers fast, convenient service running every seven to 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends.
MCDOT is working to implement Flash bus rapid transit service across the County, starting construction in the Veirs Mill Road corridor next year to implement faster, high-frequency bus service and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on the corridor.
Fares on Ride On for most riders is only $1 per ride. Seniors (age 65 and older), persons with disabilities and youth under 19 ride free with specialized SmarTrip cards.