Ride On (bus)

Ride On is the primary public transportation system in Montgomery County, Maryland. Ride On serves Montgomery County as well as the community of Langley Park in Prince George's County and Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. In fiscal 2018, it operated on a US$112.3 million budget.[2]

Ride On
A Gillig compressed natural gas bus at Shady Grove station in the most recent paint scheme.
ParentMontgomery County
FoundedMarch 31, 1975 (1975-03-31)
Headquarters101 Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Rockville, Maryland, U.S.
Service typeLocal, express, and limited stop bus service, paratransit, demand responsive transport, bus rapid transit
Routes81
Fleet350
Daily ridership73,300 (Q1 2017)[1]
Annual ridership23,438,000 (2017)[2]
Fuel typeCNG, diesel, diesel-electric hybrid, battery electric
Websitewww.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit/

Ride On operates 81 routes, including operating two Metrobus routes on weekends.[3]

History

The former Ride On logo, used as the primary logo from the late 1990s until mid-2009. It is still used on some older buses.

1970s–1990s

Ride On began service on March 31, 1975. Starting in 1983, single front door TMC City Cruisers entered service. These buses were part of a joint order with Frederick City Transit, and shared the same paint livery. In 1988, OBI Orion I 30' foot buses were introduced. In 1989, 57 30-foot Gillig Phantom buses, the first buses in the second-generation blue-and-white scheme, went into service. These buses retired in 2014 due to the arrival of the Gillig Advantage CNG

In the spring of 1996, Ride On's first CNG buses, the 1996 35-foot Orion V buses, went into service. These buses have since retired.

2000s

In September 2001, Ride On buses were used to transport Montgomery County firemen to the Pentagon in Virginia to assist in search and rescue operations after the September 11 attacks.[4]

In early 2004, Ride On's first low-floor buses, the 2003–04 35-foot Orion VII CNG buses (5900–5932), went into service. They replaced all of the remaining 1989 30-foot Gillig Phantom buses (which were also Ride On's last buses without wheelchair lifts), therefore resulting in an all-accessible fleet.

In 2006, Ride On started accepting SmarTrip cards. All of the buses would be equipped with SmarTrip-compatible fare boxes by August of that year.

Also in 2006, Ride On's first five hybrid-electric buses, the 2006 40-foot Gillig Low Floor aka Gillig Advantage buses (5300-5304), went into service. The following year (2007), eight additional 40-foot Gillig Low Floor hybrid-electric buses (5305-5313) went into service.

Between summer and fall 2008, Ride On's first low-floor diesel buses, the 2008 29-foot Gillig Advantage (5001-5006) and 2008 40-foot Gillig Advantage buses (5726–5746), went into service. They are the last buses in the second-generation blue-and-white paint scheme.

In 2009, Ride On introduced a new logo and blue-yellow-green paint scheme with the delivery of new Gillig Advantage clean diesel and hybrid buses.

2010s

In autumn 2011, Ride On's 12 40-foot Gillig Low Floor hybrid buses (5349–5360) and one clean diesel bus (5758) went into service. All 13 of these buses were purchased with funds from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Seven additional 40' Gillig Low Floor hybrid buses (5361–5367), which were also purchased with stimulus funds from the ARRA, went into service in mid-2012.

In July 2012, Ride On retired all 62 of its 2007 Champion cutaway buses due to fires and replaced them with 30 1998 30-foot Orion V buses. All 30 of these units were formerly operated by Washington's WMATA.

On September 19, 2013, 12 new 40-foot Gillig Low Floor clean diesel buses (5759–5770) went into service. A week later (September 26, 2013), 28 new 29-foot Gillig Low Floor clean diesel buses (5032–5059) also went into service. Also, the 2013 29-foot Gillig Low Floor clean diesel buses replaced all of the 2003 model shuttle transit vehicles (STV) that were formerly operated by Pittsburgh's Port Authority of Allegheny County.

In April 2014, 19 brand-new 2014 40-foot Gillig Low Floor CNG buses (5837–5855) entered service. They are Ride On's first new CNG buses in almost a decade (2005 35' Orion VII CNG buses, which went into service in 2006).

Between September and October 2014, 32 new 29-foot Gillig Low Floor clean diesel buses (5060–5091) went into service and replaced all of the 1998 30-foot Orion V buses that were formerly operated by WMATA.

Ride On celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2015, with 3 buses (1 from each of the 3 bus divisions) wrapped in the transit agency's 40th anniversary ad.

Between April and May 2016, 40 new 40' Gillig LF clean diesel buses (4000-4039), 1 29' Gillig LF clean diesel bus (2000) and 16 40' Gillig LF CNG buses (4040-4055) entered service. And with the new buses came the new five-digit numbering system for Ride On, along with the addition of suffixes denoting engines with a ("C" for compressed natural gas, "D" for diesel, "E" for electric and "H" for hybrid).

Ride On extRa, a new limited-stop bus service along Maryland Route 355, began on October 2, 2017 between Lakeforest Transit Center and Medical Center Metro Station. As of September 17, 2018, the route serves 13 stops. Ride On added 59 Gillig 40-foot buses in summer and the fall 2017; 42 buses replaced some of the oldest vehicles in the fleet. Seventeen buses (4056D-4072D) are specially branded and used exclusively for Ride On's new extRa service that began October 2, 2017. This limited-stop service runs along Route 355 from Lakeforest Transit Center to Medical Center Metro Station. All of the 59 buses are manufactured by Gillig; 25 run on clean diesel (4056D-4080D) and 34 use compressed natural gas (4081C-4114C).[5] Four additional 40-foot CNG buses (4115C-4118C) entered service in the winter of 2018.

Ride On was award a $1.75 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to purchase the county's first four electric buses and charging stations. Ride On is partnering with Proterra, the bus manufacturer, and the Center for Transportation and the Environment, a nonprofit that develops technologies and implements solutions to achieve energy and environmental sustainability. The Montgomery County Department of General Services, which purchases and maintains the Ride On buses, greatly assisted with the grant application. The four Proterra Catalyst 35 ft electric buses are scheduled to serve Route 18 in Takoma Park starting in 2019. The county has applied for a separate grant to help buy 10 more electric buses through FTA's Bus and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program. The county expects to hear back around the end of the year if its application was approved.[6][7]

MCDOT Ride On received a $4.365 million grant from the FTA to replace diesel buses with 10 new, electric buses on October 1, 2018.[8]

Ride On added 26 Gillig 40-foot buses in spring 2019; replacing all the remaining Orion VII's. These buses introduced a brand new paint scheme with a wave pattern and are painted blue, dark blue, light green, and a touch of white.[9] 23 use compressed natural gas (4119C-4141C) and 3 run on clean diesel (4142D-4144D).

On April 28, 2019, Ride On announced Ride On Flex, an on-demand bus service that runs in three major metropolitan areas in the county using new, 11-passenger cutaway buses.

2020s

On September 4, 2020, Ride On's first four fully-electric buses (3000E-3003E) entered service on routes 18 and 25 in Silver Spring/Takoma Park. They are manufactured by Proterra and can run on a single charge all day long. [10]

On October 14, 2020, Ride On launched its brand new BRT Flash service on US 29. The orange route operates between Silver Spring and Briggs Chaney every 15 minutes daily while the blue route operates between Silver Spring and Burtonsville every 15 minutes only during peak hours (5:30-8:30am and 3:30-7:00pm) Monday-Friday. Ride On's very first articulated (60 ft) buses (6000D-6015D) operate on the Flash service.

Additional Service Types

Along with standard bus service, Ride On operates two additional services, Ride On extRa and Ride On Flex. Ride On is also adding Ride On Flash in 2020.

Ride On extRa

Logo of Ride On extRa

Ride On extRa, a new bus service that started on October 2, 2017, is a limited stop service via Maryland Route 355 between Medical Center station on the Washington Metro's Red Line and the Lakeforest Mall Transit Center. This bus route has free WiFi, USB charging ports, and more padding in the seats compared to traditional Ride On services. The fare charged is the same as on other Ride On buses, although fare loading on the bus is not permitted. As of September 17, 2018, Ride On extRa serves a new stop at Templeton Place in Rockville, increasing the number of bus stops to 13.

Ride On Flex

Logo of Ride On Flex

Ride On Flex is an on-demand bus service that began serving Montgomery County on June 26, 2019 and runs in and around Rockville, Glenmont, and Wheaton using new, 11-passenger cutaway buses.[11] Passengers are able to request a bus using an app. The new service does not charge a higher fare, and accepts the same payment methods as standard Ride On buses with no onboard fare loading allowed.[12]

Flash BRT

Logo of Flash BRT

Flash is a bus rapid transit network that began service on October 14, 2020.[13][14] The first route runs between Silver Spring and Burtonsville along MD Route 29.[15] Additional routes are in development and will likely run along MD 355 between Clarksburg and Bethesda and MD 586 between Rockville and Wheaton.[15][16] Flash has dedicated stops with prepayment machines and operates in a mix of mixed-traffic and dedicated lanes using articulated buses equipped with Wi-Fi and USB ports.[17]It is the second operational BRT system in the Washington metropolitan area and the first to be located in Montgomery County.

Fares

Ride On's current one-way fare is $2.00 regardless of payment method. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities ride free on weekdays between 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM, and on Saturdays between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM; at all other times, a reduced fare of $1.00 is charged. As of July 1, 2019, children ages 5 and up can ride Ride On, as well as Metrobus routes originating in Montgomery County, for free until they graduate from high school by using a Youth Cruiser SmarTrip card.[18] Ride On offers a $0.50 discount for bus fares that transfer from the Washington Metro.

As with all other transit providers in the Washington Metropolitan Area, as of January 4, 2009, Ride On stopped the issue or acceptance of paper transfers. Riders wanting transfer credit must use a SmarTrip card to get the rail-to-bus or bus-to-rail discount or to transfer free from bus to bus.

Fleet

Ride On operates a fleet consisting of Diesel, CNG, Diesel-electric hybrid, and Battery electric buses produced by Gillig Corporation, Nova Bus, Proterra, and Starcraft.

Image Builder and
model name
Model year Length Numbers
(Total)
Amount in service Energy source Engine/Transmission Notes
Gillig
Low Floor Advantage
2008 40 ft (12 m) 5726-5746
(21 buses)
19 Diesel
  • Cummins ISL
  • Allison B400R
  • 5729[19] and 5731 are retired due to accidents
29 ft (8.8 m) 5001-5006
(6 buses)
6
retiring
2009, 2013-2014 29 ft (8.8 m) 5007–5091
(84 buses)
84
  • Cummins ISL (2009 models)
  • Cummins ISL9 (2013-2014 models)
  • Allison B400R
  • 5007-5031 are 2009 models
  • 5032-5059 are 2013 models
  • 5060-5091 are 2014 models
2009, 2011, 2013 40 ft (12 m) 5747–5770
(23 buses)
23
  • Cummins ISL (2009 models)
  • Cummins ISL9 (2011-2013 models)
  • Allison B400R
  • 5747-5757 are 2009 models
  • 5758 is a 2011 model
  • 5759-5770 are 2013 models
2009–2012 5314–5367
(54 buses)
53 Diesel-electric hybrid
  • Cummins ISB (2009 models)
  • Cummins ISB6.7 (2011-2012 models)
  • Allison EP-40 HybriDrive
  • 5314-5348 are 2009 models
    • 5314 was originally numbered 5349
  • 5349-5360 are 2011 models
  • 5361-5367 are 2012 models
  • 5348 was retired due to damage from an accident[20]
2014 40 ft (12 m) 5837–5855
(19 buses)
18 CNG
  • Cummins ISL G
  • Allison B400R
  • 5840 is out of service due to damage from an accident[21]
2016 29 ft (8.8 m) 2000D
(1 bus)
1 Diesel
  • Cummins ISL9
  • Allison B400R
40 ft (12 m) 4000D-4039D
(39 buses)
39
4040C-4055C
(15 buses)
15 CNG
  • Cummins ISL G
  • Allison B400R
Starcraft
Allstar XL
30 ft (9.1 m) 60
(1 bus)
1 TBA TBA
  • Only operate on Route 301
Gillig
BRT Plus
2017 40 ft (12 m) 4056D-4072D
(16 buses)
16 Diesel
  • Cummins L9
  • Allison B400R
  • Specially branded with Ride On extRa design
Gillig
Low Floor Advantage
4073D-4080D
(7 buses)
7
  • Cummins L9
  • Allison B400R
4081C-4118C
(37 buses)
37 CNG
  • Cummins L9N
  • Allison B400R
Starcraft
Starlite Transit
2019 30 ft (9.1 m) 1001D-1006D
(6 buses)
6 Diesel
  • Ford 3.2L Diesel
  • Specially branded with Ride On Flex design
Gillig
Low Floor Advantage
40 ft (12 m) 4119C-4141C
(22 buses)
22 CNG
  • Cummins L9N
  • Allison B400R
  • Introduced a new paint scheme
4142D-4144D
(3 buses)
3 Diesel
  • Cummins L9
  • Allison B400R
  • Introduced a new paint scheme
Nova Bus
LFS Artic
2nd Generation
articulated
62 ft (19 m) 6000D-6015D
(16 buses)[22]
16
  • Cummins L9
  • Allison B500R
  • Only operate on Ride On's Flash BRT service[15]
  • Entered service on October 14, 2020
  • Second non WMATA operator operating Articulated buses in the Washington area transit after DASH.[23]
Proterra
Catalyst BE35
35 ft (11 m) 3000E–3003E
(4 buses)
4 Battery electric[24]
  • UQM HD220 220 kW peak permanent magnet motor
  • Eaton EEV-7202 2-speed auto-shift EV transmission
  • First all-electric transit bus for Ride On.
  • Currently serving on routes 18 and 25.
  • Entered service on September 4, 2020.
Gillig
Low Floor Advantage
2020 40 ft (12 m) 4145D-4153D
(9 buses)
9 Diesel
  • Cummins L9
  • Allison B400R
  • Replaced the 2006-07 Gillig Advantage HEV buses based out of Silver Spring division
29 ft (8.8 m) 2001D-2019D
(19 buses)[25]
19
  • Cummins L9
  • TBD
  • To replace 2008-09 29' Gillig Advantage buses based out of Nicholson division

On order

Builder and model name Length Year Fleet number Fuel type Engine/Transmission Notes

Retired fleet

Year Builder and model name Numbers
(preserved numbers)
Year Retired Picture Powertrain
(engine and transmission)
Notes
1979-1981 Transportation Manufacturing Corporation
T-30 CityCruiser
5102-5256
  • Caterpillar 3126
  • Allison MT-740
1984 Bus Industries
of America

Orion I (01.502)
5257-5297
1990-1992 5500-5545 2013
  • Detroit Diesel 6V92TA
  • Allison HTB-748
1988-1989 Gillig
Phantom 30'
(3096TB3208)
5300-5356 2004
  • Cummins C8.3
  • Allison MT-647
  • Originally powered by Caterpillar 3208T engines
1993 Flxible
Metro D
5700-5703 2000–2001
  • Cummins C8.3G
  • Ex MTA Maryland buses, acquired in 1995
  • Often used on Route 70
  • Runs on LNG fuel
1994-1997 Gillig
Phantom 35'
5360-5409 2013
1999 5410-5423 2015
  • Cummins ISM
  • Allison B400R
1992 Bus Industries
of America

Orion V (05.504)
5546-5547
  • Detroit Diesel 6V92TA
  • Allison HTB-748
1995 Orion Bus Industries
Orion VI CNG (06.501)
5801-5802 Mid 2000s
  • Cummins L10G
  • Allison B400R
1996 Orion Bus Industries
Orion V CNG (05.503)
5997-5999
  • Cummins L10G
  • ZF HP590
  • 35 ft buses
  • Originally numbered 5567-5569
Orion Bus Industries
Orion V (05.503)
5550-5566
  • Cummins M11
  • Voith D863.3
  • 35 ft buses
1998 5572-5579 2014
  • Cummins M11E
  • Voith D863.3
  • 35 ft buses
1999 Orion Bus Industries
Orion V (05.501)
5705-5725 2017
  • Detroit Diesel Series 50
  • Voith D864.3
1999-2000 Orion Bus Industries
Orion V CNG (05.501)
5803-5821 2015
  • Detroit Diesel Series 50G
  • Voith D864.3
1999 Orion Bus Industries
Orion V (05.505)
5100-5129 2014
  • Detroit Diesel Series 50 EGR
  • Allison B400R
  • Ex WMATA buses, acquired in 2012
  • Replaced the 2007 Champion Cutaways
2001-2002 Orion Bus Industries
Orion V (05.504)
5580-5623 2016-2017
  • Detroit Diesel Series 50
  • Voith D864.3
2003 DaimlerChrysler
Commercial Buses

Orion VII CNG (07.502)
(semi-low floor)
5900-5917 2017
  • Detroit Diesel Series 50G
  • Voith D864.3E
2004 5918-5932 2018
  • Cummins Westport C Gas Plus
  • Voith D864.3E
2005 5933-5957 2019
  • Cummins Westport C Gas Plus
  • ZF 5HP592C
  • All units are retired on May 1, 2019
  • Replaced by the 2019 Gillig Low Floor CNGs
New Flyer Industries
C40LF
5822–5836 2020
  • Cummins Westport C Gas Plus
  • Allison B400R
  • Mainly sidelined since March 2020 due to rear door issues.
  • Retired in 2020
  • Replaced by the 2020 Gillig Low Floor
2006-2007 Gillig
Low Floor Advantage
5300–5313
  • Cummins ISB
  • Allison EP-40 HybriDrive
  • First diesel-electric hybrid buses for Ride On.
  • Retired in 2020
  • Replaced by the 2020 Gillig Low Floor
2001-2002 ElDorado National
Aero Elites
5101-5181
  • Originally contracted to outside firms until the late 2000s
2004 IC Corp
5232–5234, 5238–5241, 5243-5246 Mid 2010s
  • International DT 466
  • Allison 2000
  • Replaced all Champions Cutaway buses
2001 Ford/StarTrans Bus
Cutaways
5201-5212 2012
2007 Champion
Cutaways
5182–5231, 5285-5296 2012
  • International VT 365 (5182-5231)
  • GMC 8.1L (5285-5296)
  • Allison 2000
  • Seven different fires occurred on these buses between 2009 and 2012, but caused no injuries.[26][27]
  • All buses were pulled out of service following the seventh engine fire on July 18, 2012.[28][29]
  • Replaced by the Gillig 30-foot Low Floor, 1999 30-foot Orion Vs (Ex-WMATA), and a few buses from Pittsburgh.

Divisions

The bus fleet, owned and operated by Ride On, is distributed among three garages in Kensington, Silver Spring and Gaithersburg.

Division name Location Capacity Routes Buses Notes
Silver Spring 8710 Brookville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910 147 1, 2, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 34, 36, 39, 41, 51, Flash BRT
Monday-Saturday Only: 5
Weekdays Only: 47
Weekends Only: L8, T2
  • Diesel: 2000D, 4000D-4039D, 5069-5091, 5749-5770, 6000D-6015D
  • Electric: 3000E-3003E
  • Hybrid: 5300-5367
  • Diesel-Electric Hybrid Division
  • Battery-Electric Division
  • Diesel
Gaithersburg 16700 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville, MD 20855 155 43, 46, 48, 49, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 70, 71, 73, 74, 76, 78, 79, 90, 101
Monday-Saturday Only: 100
Weekdays Only: 75
  • CNG: 4040C-4055C, 4081C-4141C, 5822-5855
  • Diesel: 4056D-4080D, 4142D-4144D, 5726-5748, 6000D-6015D
  • CNG Division
  • Diesel
Nicholson 4700 Nicholson Ct, Kensington, MD 20895 68 6, 7, 8, 23, 29, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 42, 44, 45, 52, 53, 81, 83, 96, 97, 98
Late Night and Sunday Only: 5
Weekends Only: 47, 75
Sundays Only: 100
  • Diesel: 1001D-1006D, 5001-5068
  • Diesel

Routes

Ride On offers 81 routes throughout Montgomery County. All routes run through peak rush hour periods between 6 AM and 9 AM and 3 PM to 7 PM on weekdays. Many routes offer services for off-peak hours and weekends as well.[30]

Ride On routes
Route Name Termini (Western/Southern) Termini (Eastern/Northern) Weekday Peak Weekday Off-Peak Saturday Sunday Notes
1Silver Spring – Friendship HeightsFriendship Heights StationSilver Spring StationYYYY
  • Certain midday trips operate via Leland St
  • Certain rush hour trips operate via Ross/Spencer Rds
2Silver Spring – LyttonsvilleSilver Spring StationBrookville (Ride On Operations Center)YYYY

Certain rush hour trips serve Fort Detrick (AM trips towards Lyttonsville, PM trips towards Silver Spring)

4Silver Spring – KensingtonArmory Avenue & Knowles AvenueSilver Spring StationYNNN
5Silver Spring – TwinbrookTwinbrook StationSilver Spring StationYYYY

Certain midday trips serve Victory Forest Apartments

6Parkside – Grosvenor – Montgomery MallMontgomery Mall Transit CenterGrosvenor-Strathmore StationYYNN
7Wheaton – Forest GlenForest Glen StationWheaton StationYNNNAM from Wheaton Station, PM from Forest Glen Station
8Silver Spring – WheatonSilver Spring StationWheaton StationYYYNvia Forest Glen Road & Holy Cross Hospital
9Silver Spring – WheatonSilver Spring StationWheaton StationYYYY
10Twinbrook – HillandaleTwinbrook StationNew Hampshire Avenue & Power Mill RoadYYYYreplaced WMATA Metrobus Route C6 in 1998.
11Silver Spring – Friendship HeightsFriendship Heights StationSilver Spring StationYNNNAM from Silver Spring Station, PM from Friendship Heights Station

Service started in 1997 as a rush-hour variant of Route 1.

12Silver Spring – TakomaSilver Spring StationTakoma StationYYYYvia Carroll Avenue
13Silver Spring – TakomaSilver Spring StationTakoma StationYNNNvia Sligo Creek Parkway
14Silver Spring – TakomaSilver Spring StationTakoma StationYYYNvia Colesville Road
15Silver Spring – Langley ParkSilver Spring StationTakoma Langley Transit Center YYYYSecond highest ridership in system, avg. 4,500 per day
16Silver Spring – TakomaSilver Spring StationTakoma StationYYYYvia New Hampshire Avenue
17Silver Spring – Langley ParkSilver Spring StationTakoma Langley Transit Center YYYYvia Montgomery College in Takoma Park
18Silver Spring – Langley ParkSilver Spring StationTakoma Langley Transit Center YYYYvia Takoma Station, Sunday service between Langley Park and Takoma station only (no Sunday service between Takoma and Silver Spring stations)
19Silver Spring – NorthwoodSilver SpringForest Glen Road & Burnett AvenueYNNNAM from Forest Glen Road, PM from Silver Spring
20Silver Spring – HillandaleSilver Spring StationNew Hampshire Avenue & Power Mill RoadYYYYOperates via Piney Branch Road & New Hampshire Avenue
21Silver Spring – Briggs Chaney Park & RideSilver Spring StationBriggs Chaney Park & RideYNNNAM from Briggs Chaney, PM from Silver Spring Station.

Service started on June 25, 2007.[31]

22Silver Spring – HillandaleSilver Spring StationHillandale Center (Power Mill Road)YNNNOperates via Columbia Pike & Colesville Road
23Friendship Heights – Sibley HospitalSibley HospitalFriendship Heights StationYYYN
24Hillandale – TakomaTakoma StationPower Mill Road & New Hampshire AvenueYNNNAM from Hillandale, PM from Takoma Station
25Takoma – Langley ParkTakoma StationTakoma Langley Transit Center YNNNvia Maple Ave
26Montgomery Mall – GlenmontMontgomery Mall Transit CenterGlenmont StationYYYYReplaced original WMATA Metrobus Route C8 in 1996.
28VANGO Free Circulator – Silver Spring Silver Spring Station YYYNFree service at all times, VanGO Shuttle Loop around Downtown Silver Spring.
29Bethesda – Glen Echo/Friendship HeightsFriendship Heights Station Bethesda Station (Weekdays)

Glen Echo (Goldsboro Road) (Weekends)

YYYYreplaces WMATA Route C1, and N8 and original Ride On Route 31
30Bethesda – Medical CenterBethesda StationMedical Center StationYYNN
31Wheaton – GlenmontWheaton StationGlenmont StationYNNNvia Poplar Run. Service started in late 1998.
32Bethesda – Naval Ship R&D Center and WoodrockNaval Ship Research & Development Center (Woodrock)Bethesda StationYNNNvia Cabin John
33Glenmont – Medical CenterMedical Center StationGlenmont StationYNNN
34Aspen Hill – Friendship HeightsFriendship Heights Station Aspen Hill (Weekday Rush Hours only)

Wheaton Station

YYYY
  • Serves Aspen Hill to Friendship Heights Station AM Rush, From Friendship Heights Station to Aspen Hill PM Rush
  • Originally went from Aspen Hill to Medical Center Station only
  • Extended to Friendship Heights Station on May 4, 2008 replacing original Ride On Route 42.
36Bethesda – Potomac – via Hillandale RdConnelly School (Bradley Blvd)Bethesda StationYYNN
  • via Bradley Blvd
  • via Hillandale Road (Rush Hour Only)
  • AM to Bethesda Station PM to Connelly School
37Potomac – WheatonPotomac Community CenterWheaton StationYNNNServes Grosvenor-Strathmore Station

AM Rush service from Wheaton, PM Rush service to Wheaton

38Wheaton – White FlintWhite Flint StationWheaton StationYYYY
39Glenmont – Briggs Chaney Park & RideGlenmont StationBriggs Chaney Park and RideYNNN
41Aspen Hill – GlenmontGlenmont StationGrand Pre Road & Bel Pre Road (Aspen Hill)YYYYReplaced WMATA Metrobus Route Q3 in 1996.[32]
42White Flint – Montgomery MallMontgomery Mall Transit Center White Flint StationYYYN
  • Select trips operates to White Flint via Boiling Brook Parkway
  • Created on January 13, 2013; formerly part of Route 38.[33]
43Shady Grove – Traville Transit Center – Fallsgrove CenterTraville Transit CenterShady Grove StationYYYY
44Twinbrook – RockvilleTwinbrook StationRockville StationYNNN
45Rockville Regional Transit – Twinbrook/Rockville Senior CenterTwinbrook StationRockville Regional Transit CenterYYYNSelect trips operates via Rockville Senior Center
46Shady Grove/Montgomery College – MD355 – Medical CenterMedical Center StationMontgomery College Rockville CampusYYYY
47Rockville – Montgomery Mall – BethesdaBethesda StationRockville StationYYYYvia Falls Road, Wootton Parkway, Seven Locks Road, Fernwood Road, and Old Georgetown Road.

Serves Montgomery Mall and Suburban Hospital.

48Wheaton – RockvilleWheaton StationRockville StationYYYYReplaced original WMATA Metrobus Route Q4 in the mid 1990s.
49Rockville – GlenmontRockville StationGlenmont StationYYYYReplaced WMATA Metrobus Route Y4 in 1998.
51Glenmont – Norbeck Park & RideGlenmont StationNorbeck Park & RideYNNNService started in late 1998.
52Rockville – Montgomery General Hospital – Our Lady of Good Counsel High SchoolRockville StationMontgomery General HospitalYNNNThis route serves Our Lady of Good Counsel High School during peak hour.
53Shady Grove – GlenmontShady Grove StationGlenmont StationYNNN
54Rockville – LakeforestRockville StationLakeforest Transit CenterYYYYvia Muddy Branch Road, Research Blvd, and West Montgomery Avenue

Serves Washingtonian Rio

55Rockville – Germantown Transit CenterRockville StationGermantown Transit CenterYYYY
56Rockville – LakeforestRockville StationLakeforest Transit CenterYYYYvia Falls Road, Wootton Parkway, Darnestown Road, and Quince Orchard Road

Serves Fallsgrove Center, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Kentlands and Gaithersburg Park & Ride

57Shady Grove – LakeforestShady Grove StationLakeforest Transit CenterYYYYvia Washington Grove Road, Muncaster Mill Road, and Redland Road

Serves the Gaithersburg MARC station

58Shady Grove – Lakeforest – Watkins MillShady Grove Station Lakeforest Transit Center

Kaiser Permanente (Frederick Avenue) (Weekdays only)

YYYYvia Snouffer School Road and East Village
59Rockville – Montgomery VillageRockville StationMontgomery Village Center (Clubhouse Road)YYYYvia Frederick Road, Deer Park Road, Gude Drive, Crabbs Branch Way, and Stonestreet Avenue

Serves Lakeforest Transit Center and Shady Grove station

60Shady Grove – Montgomery VillageShady Grove StationMontgomery Village Center (Stedwick Road)YNNNvia Shady Grove Road, Midcounty Highway, Washington Grove Lane, Flower Hill Way, and Centerway Road.

AM from Montgomery Village, PM from Shady Grove

61Shady Grove – Germantown Transit CenterShady Grove StationGermantown Transit CenterYYYYvia Germantown Road, Clopper Road, Frederick Road, and Girard Street

Serves Germantown MARC station, Kingsview Park & Ride, Metropolitan MARC station at certain times on weekdays, Gaithersburg Park & Ride, Lakeforest Transit Center, and Washington Grove MARC station

63Rockville – Shady GroveRockville StationShady Grove StationYYNNvia Gaither Road and Piccard Drive
64Shady Grove – Montgomery VillageShady Grove StationMontgomery Village Center (Clubhouse Road)YYYYvia Centerway Road and Emory Grove Road
65Shady Grove – Montgomery VillageShady Grove StationMontgomery Village Center (Stedwick Road)YNNNLimited Stops via Midcounty Highway

AM from Montgomery Village, PM from Shady Grove

66Shady Grove – Traville Transit CenterTraville Transit CenterShady Grove StationYNNNvia Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

AM from Shady Grove, PM from Traville

67Shady Grove – Traville Transit CenterTraville Transit CenterShady Grove StationYNNNvia Frederick Avenue and Dufief Mill Road

AM from Traville, PM from Shady Grove

70Germantown – Bethesda ExpressBethesda StationMilestone Park & RideYNNN
71Shady Grove – Kingsview Park and RideShady Grove StationKingsview Park & RideYNNNvia I-370, I-270, Clopper Road, Mateny Road, Dawson Farm Road, and Steeple Road

AM from Kingsview Park & Ride, PM from Shady Grove Station

73Shady Grove Metro – Cabin BranchShady Grove StationCabin Branch (Clarksburg)YNNNvia I-370, I-270, Frederick Road, Clarksburg Road, and West Old Baltimore Road

Service started on May 14, 2017.[34]

74Shady Grove – Germantown Transit CenterShady Grove StationGermantown Transit CenterYYYNvia I-370 and Great Seneca Highway

Serves Kingsview Park & Ride, Kentlands, Montgomery County's Johns Hopkins University campus, and Washingtonian Rio.

75Clarksburg Correctional Facility – Clarksburg-Milestone- Germantown Transit CenterGermantown Transit CenterMontgomery County Correctional FacilityYYYY
  • via Frederick Road and Snowden Farm Parkway
  • Serves Milestone Center and Clarksburg Premium Outlets
  • Extends to Germantown MARC station during weekday peak hours
76Shady Grove – PoolesvillePoolesvilleShady Grove StationYYYN
78Shady Grove – Kingsview Park and RideShady Grove StationKingsview Park & RideYNNNvia I-370, I-270, Clopper Road, Mateny Road, and Richter Farm Road

AM from Kingsview Park & Ride, PM from Shady Grove

79Shady Grove – Germantown – ClarksburgShady Grove StationClarksburg Gateway CenterYNNN
  • via I-370, I-270, Middlebrook Road, and Ridge Road.
  • AM from Clarksburg, PM from Shady Grove
  • Rerouted on April 9, 2009 replacing Route 82.
81Rockville – White FlintWhite Flint StationRockville StationYNNNvia Tower Oaks Blvd
83Holy Cross Germantown – Milestone Park & Ride – Germantown Transit Center – Germantown MARCGermantown Transit CenterHoly Cross Hospital GermantownYYYNvia Century Blvd, Waters Landing Drive, Father Hurley Blvd, Ridge Road, and Seneca Meadows Parkway

Serves Milestone Center and extends to Germantown MARC station during weekday peak hours

90Shady Grove – DamascusShady Grove Station Woodfield (Woodfield Road) (Peak hours)

Milestone Park & Ride (Damascus) (Off-Peak hours)

YYNN
96Grosvenor – Rock Spring – Montgomery MallMontgomery Mall Transit CenterGrosvenor-Strathmore StationYYNNvia Tuckerman Lane, Old Georgetown Road, Rockledge Drive, and Fernwood Road

Serves Rock Spring Park

97Germantown Transit Center – Gunners LakeGermantown Transit CenterGermantown Transit CenterYYYY
  • A circular loop route
  • via Middlebrook Road, Father Hurley Blvd, Wisteria Drive, and Waring Station Road
  • Serves Germantown Town Center and the Germantown MARC station during weekday peak hours
  • AM: Clockwise loop, PM: Counterclockwise loop
98Germantown Transit Center – Kingsview Park & RideKingsview Park & RideGermantown Transit CenterYYYNvia Clopper Road, Schaeffer Road, Richter Farm Road, Steeple Road, Father Hurley Blvd, Wisteria Drive, Wanegarden Drive, Wynnfield Drive, and Water Landing Drive

Serves Germantown Community Center during weekday non-peak hours, Cinnamon Woods during weekday peak hours, and Maryland SoccerPlex on Saturdays

100Shady Grove – Germantown Transit Center ExpressShady Grove StationGermantown Transit CenterYYYYExpress via I-370 and I-270
101Lake Forest – Medical Center (Ride On extRa)Medical Center StationLakeforest Transit CenterYNNN
  • Started service on October 2, 2017.
  • Route overlays Route 46 and 55 on MD 355 that serves only 13 stops every 10 minutes.
  • Replaced WMATA Metrobus Routes J7 & J9.
  • AM times: 5:30am–9:30am, PM times: 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm
301Rockville – TobytownTobytown DriveRockville StationYYYYStarted service on October 2, 2016. Serves North Potomac and Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

Flash BRT routes

Flash BRT routes
Name Termini (Western/Southern) Termini (Eastern/Northern) Weekday Peak Weekday Off-Peak Saturday Sunday Notes
Flash BlueSilver Spring StationBurtonsville Park & RideYNNN
  • Bypasses White Oak
Flash OrangeSilver Spring StationBriggs Chaney Park & Ride Lot,YYYY
  • Via White Oak
  • Rush hour trips operate to the White Oak FDA/FRC Building in the peak hour direction


Metrobus routes

Additionally, Ride On operates two weekend routes that are served by WMATA Metrobus on weekdays.[35][36]

Metrobus Routes
Route Name Termini (Western/Southern) Termini (Eastern/Northern) Weekday peak Weekday off-peak Saturday Sunday Notes
L8Aspen Hill – Friendship HeightsFriendship Heights StationGrand Pre Road & Bel Pre Road (Aspen Hill)(WMATA Metrobus)(WMATA Metrobus)YY
T2Rockville – Friendship HeightsFriendship Heights StationRockville Station(WMATA Metrobus)(WMATA Metrobus)YYvia Potomac

Former routes

These routes have been served by Ride On at one point but have since been discontinued due to either low ridership, duplication of another route, simplification to other routes, or combined into another route. However some routes would be reincarnated into new routes for Ride On.

Former Ride On routes
Route Name Termini (Western/Southern) Termini (Eastern/Northern) Weekday peak Weekday off-peak Saturday Sunday Notes
3Silver Spring – TakomaSilver Spring StationTakoma StationYNNNAM from Takoma Station, PM from Silver Spring Station. Discontinued on September 17, 2017 due to low ridership.[37]
10 (first use)
11 (first use)
21 (first use)Burtonsville ShuttleBriggs Chaney Park & RideBriggs Chaney Park & RideNYNNLooped around the Briggs Chaney Park & Ride. Only ran midday on weekdays. Discontinued on January 4, 2002.[38]
26 (first use)
27Friendship Heights – Medical CenterFriendship Heights StationMedical Center StationYNNNDiscontinued on September 7, 2003 due to low ridership. Alternative service available on extended Route 33 and realigned Route 36.[39]
31 (first use)YYYYReplaced by Route 29 in early 1998.
35Wheaton – Montgomery MallMontgomery Mall Transit CenterWheaton StationYYYYDiscontinued on September 1, 2002; replaced by extended route 47 and realigned Route 34.[40][41]
40White Flint – GlenmontWhite Flint StationGlenmont StationYYYNDiscontinued in early 2001; replaced by extended WMATA Metrobus route C8.[42][43]
41 (first use)
42 (first use)Friendship Heights – Medical CenterFriendship Heights StationMedical Center StationYYYYCombined with Route 34 on May 4, 2008.[44]
48 (first use)
49 (first use)
50
51 (first use)
62Shady Grove – GermantownShady Grove StationMontgomery College Rockville CampusYYYYDiscontinued on May 28, 2005.[45][46]
63XShady Grove - Gaither RoadShady Grove StationGaither Road & Gaither DriveYYNNServed as a supplement to Route 63, connecting passengers from the Gaither Road industrial area to Shady Grove Metro during the midday and late night. Started service on January 6, 2019. Combined with route 63 on May 12, 2019.
66 (first use)Shady Grove – Shady Grove HospitalShady Grove StationYNNNDiscontinued by 1998.
67 (first use)Shady Grove – Shady Grove HospitalShady Grove StationYNNNDiscontinued by 1998.
68Germantown MARC ShuttleGermantown MARCGermantown MARCYNNNLooped around the Germantown MARC Station. Discontinued on May 28, 2005.[45][46]
69Germantown MARC ShuttleGermantown MARCGermantown MARCYNNNLooped around the Germantown MARC Station. Discontinued on May 28, 2005.[45][46]
72Shady Grove – GermantownShady Grove StationGermantown CommonsYNNNAM from Germantown Commons; PM from Shady Grove. Discontinued on May 28, 2005.[45][46]
73 (first use)Shady Grove – Germantown – Goldenrod LaneShady Grove StationGoldenrod Lane & Century BlvdYNNNAM from Goldenrod Lane & Century Blvd; PM from Shady Grove. Discontinued on May 28, 2005.[45][46]
77Shady Grove – GermantownShady Grove StationGermantown CommonsYNNNAM from Germantown Commons; PM from Shady Grove. Discontinued on May 28, 2005.[45][46]
80Shady Grove – King Farm LoopShady Grove StationGaither Road & Redland RoadYNNNDiscontinued; last run was on May 3, 2002.[38]
82Clarksburg Town Center – Germantown Transit CenterClarksburg Gateway CenterDepartment of Energy in GermantownYNNNAM from Clarksburg; PM from Department of Energy. Combined with Route 79 on April 5, 2009.[44]
91Rockville Pike ShuttleRockville Town CenterRock Pike & Edson LaneNYNNOperated from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Discontinued on September 3, 2001.[47]
92Bethesda ShuttleBethesda StationBethesda StationYYYNBecame operated by the Bethesda Urban Partnership on September 3, 2006.[48]
93US – HHS – Twinbrook StationTwinbrook StationDHHS Parklawn Shuttle (Fishers Lane)YNNNDiscontinued on September 17, 2017 due to low ridership.[37]
94Clarksburg – Germantown MARCGermantown MARCClarksburg Gateway CenterYNNNDiscontinued on September 17, 2017 due to low ridership.[37]
124Shady Grove Express MD 117 Park & Ride

MD 124 Park & Ride

Shady Grove StationYNNN Operates through I-270. Discontinued on March 14, 2008.[44]
127Campus Connector (Takoma – Silver Spring – Shady Grove UMS)Takoma StationUniversity of MarylandYYNNDiscontinued on May 16, 2008.[44]
129Burtonsville – Silver Spring (Limited Stop)Silver Spring StationBurtonsville Park & RideYNNN
  • Service started on May 14, 2018.
  • Limited Stop service on US 29 between Silver Spring & Burtonsville P&R
  • Only served 15 stops every 15 minutes.
  • AM times: 5:30am–9:00am, PM times: 3:00 pm–7:00 pm
  • via Colesville Road, Lockwood Drive, Stewart Lane, Tech Road Park & Ride, Briggs Chaney Park & Ride, Castle Blvd
  • Discontinued on October 15, 2020, replaced by Ride On Flash.

Additionally, Ride On ran one weekend route that is served by WMATA Metrobus on weekdays. This route has since been discontinued due to the same reason as other discontinued Ride On routes.

Ride On Routes
Route Name Termini (Western/Southern) Termini (Eastern/Northern) Weekday peak Weekday off-peak Saturday Sunday Notes
Z2Colesville – Silver SpringOlney (Spartan Rd & Georgia Ave)Silver Spring station(WMATA Metrobus)(WMATA Metrobus)YNSaturday Service Discontinued on January 12, 2013 due to low ridership.[49] Weekday service is still operated by Metrobus, See Colesville–Ashton Line for history.

References

  1. "Transit Ridership Report First Quarter 2017" (pdf). American Public Transportation Association. June 6, 2017. Retrieved August 23, 2017 via http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Pages/ridershipreport.aspx.
  2. "Transit Services - Ride On Program". Montgomery County MD Government. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  3. "Ride On Routes and Schedules".
  4. 911NewsCoverage (4 July 2014). "ABC (WJLA) 9-11-2001 News Coverage 11:00 PM - 12:00 AM" via YouTube.
  5. "Ride On to Add Dozens of New Buses to Fleet". Montgomery County Department Of Transportation. MCDOT. May 16, 2017. Retrieved May 20, 2017.
  6. "Grant Allows Montgomery County To Buy Electric Buses for Its Fleet". Bethesda Magazine. Bethesda Magazine. September 15, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  7. "MCDOT's Ride On Bus System Awarded $1.75 Million FTA Grant to Purchase Electric Buses and Charging Stations". Montgomery County MD Gov. Montgomery County MD Gov. September 15, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  8. "MCDOT Receives $4.365 Million from U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration to Purchase 10 Electric Buses". Montgomery County MD Gov. Montgomery County MD Gov. October 1, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  9. Profitt, Ashley (2019-04-25). "'Ride On' To Unveil New Bus Design and Kick Off 'Give and Ride Week'". Montgomery Community Media. Retrieved 2019-06-12.
  10. "Montgomery County rolls out first four electric Ride On buses". www.bethesdamagazine.com. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
  11. "MCDOT Unveils Ride On Flex at Microtransit Public Forum". dccommutetimes.com. Retrieved 2019-06-06.
  12. "Ride On Flex". www.montgomerycountymd.gov. Retrieved 2019-06-06.
  13. Lazo, Luz. "The D.C. region's most ambitious try at bus rapid transit is coming to Montgomery County". The Washington Post. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  14. Clabaugh, Jeff. "Montgomery Co.'s new Bus Rapid Transit system to be called 'Flash'". Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  15. "FLASH is an easier, more reliable, and less stressful way to get you where you need to go quickly". ridetheflash.com. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  16. Lyons, Jane. "MoCo advances two bus rapid transit projects on Route 355 and Veirs Mill Road". Greater Greater Washington. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  17. "FLASH features a different kind of vehicle. It's like a train on rubber tires with features that keep you plugged in and moving". Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  18. "Kids Ride Free".
  19. Hedgpeth, Dana. "Crash involving Ride On bus and SUV in Bethesda". Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  20. Zimmermann, Joe. "Ride On Bus Crash Injures Five on Western Avenue". Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  21. Arnold, Tiffany. "Ride On bus driver pinned in crash involving truck". Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  22. "Montgomery County Maryland Capital Budget". apps.montgomerycountymd.gov. Retrieved 2020-01-30.
  23. Malouff, Dan. "DASH is running the first non-WMATA articulated buses in Washington area transit". Greater Greater Washington. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  24. Schere, Dan (3 September 2020). "Montgomery County rolls out first four electric Ride On Buses". Bethesda Magazine. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  25. Kass, Adam (2020-01-20). "Anyone know what a ⁦@RideOnMCT⁩ is doing in Tempe, AZ? I assume it's a delivery but that's just a guess. ⁦@fox5dc⁩ ⁦@SweeneyABC⁩ ⁦@WTOP⁩pic.twitter.com/3xYdbLGcdi". @adamkass8. Retrieved 2020-01-30.
  26. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/ride-on-bus-fires-in-montgomery-prompts-federal-safety-probe/2012/04/11/gIQAF2WgBT_story.html
  27. "Crews Battle Fire on Ride On Bus". NBC4 Washington. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  28. "Some Ride On Buses Taken Out of Service Following Fire". NBC4 Washington. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  29. "The Schumin Web » I didn't want to have this I-told-you-so moment, but…". www.schuminweb.com. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  30. "MCDOT RIDE ON ROUTES AND SCHEDULES". www.montgomerycountymd.gov.
  31. www.montgomerycountymd.gov (June 21, 2007). "Dump the Pump June 21, 2007 Ride Transit". web.archive.org. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  32. "Ride-On Route 41 Information". web.archive.org. March 22, 1996. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  33. "MCDOT Current Events". web.archive.org. January 29, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  34. "Schedule Change 4/17: Layout 1" (PDF). www.montgomerycountymd.gov. May 4, 2017. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  35. https://www.wmata.com/schedules/timetables/upload/L8_180916.pdf
  36. https://www.wmata.com/schedules/timetables/upload/T2_180916.pdf
  37. "Schecule Change:Layout 1" (PDF). Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  38. "RIDE ON Route Map-Information (April 4, 2002)". web.archive.org. April 4, 2002. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  39. "Ride On Service Changes Effective Sunday, September 7, 2003". web.archive.org. September 7, 2003. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  40. "RIDE ON Route Map-Information (June 2, 2002)". web.archive.org. June 2, 2002. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  41. "RIDE ON Route Map-Information (October 3, 2002)". web.archive.org. October 3, 2002. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  42. "RIDE ON Route Map-Information (April 13, 2001)". web.archive.org. April 13, 2001. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  43. "Metrobus service changes effective January 13, 2001 Maryland". February 10, 2001. Archived from the original on February 10, 2001. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  44. "Ride On Routes and Schedule (April 5, 2009)". web.archive.org. April 5, 2009. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  45. "Ride On Routes and Schedule (June 5, 2005)". web.archive.org. June 5, 2005. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  46. "Ride On Routes and Schedule (August 26, 2005)". web.archive.org. August 26, 2005. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  47. "RIDE ON Route Map-Information (October 5, 2001)". web.archive.org. October 5, 2001. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  48. "Ride On Routes and Schedule (November 4, 2006)". web.archive.org. November 4, 2006. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  49. https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=5392
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