Bus Service Expanding In Montgomery County To Support Reopening

SILVER SPRING, MD — Ride On bus service will be expanded Sunday to support Montgomery County Marc Elrich's Phase I reopening plan. Bethesda Circulator and Silver Spring Van Go (Route 28) bus services will resume on Monday.

County transportation officials slashed service for Maryland's most populous county in a bid to stem the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Starting Sunday, under the "Essential Plus" plan, Ride On will offer 53 weekday routes, 49 Saturday routes, and 42 Sunday routes. Currently, the transit system has 36 routes in service seven days a week.

"I am pleased to announce that we are increasing bus service to serve more people and reach more areas of the county as we do our best to support reopening efforts during Phase I," said Chris Conklin, director of the county's Transportation Department. "I also want to acknowledge the commitment of our operators and fleet maintenance workers who are an important part of our essential workforce. Ride On will continue to work to maximize service for our riders and support economic and community recovery."

Service hours and bus frequency will still be provided on a reduced basis. Riders can visit the "Essential Plus" webpage for detailed information.

For the first time since December, Routes 2, 9, 14 and, 28 will return to service inside the Silver Spring Transit Center. The transit center was closed for Purple Line construction.

At this time, all passengers still must wear a face covering to board and ride a bus. They must also board the bus at the rear (unless a ramp is needed to accommodate a disability or stroller).

Fees are waived.