Additional bus services will restart early next week in an effort to accommodate Marc Elrich’s Phase 1 reopening plan and aid economic recovery in the county’s urban districts.
Services were initially reduced back in March to limit the spread of COVID-19 and designated solely for essential workers.
Beginning June 7, Ride On will open 53 new weekday routes, 49 Saturday routes and 42 Sunday routes county-wide in addition to the current 36 operating routes. Bethesda Circulator and Silver Spring Van Go will resume bus routes on June 8.
“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 MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “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.”
Some reopened routes including the 2,9,14 and 28, which run the Silver Spring Transit Center closed in December to accommodate Purple Line construction. Ride On will continue offering free fares on all routes.
In April, Michael Miller, a MCDOT employee who managed Ride On services, died from COVID-19. Miller is the only county employee to date that has died from the virus.
Riders should continue to wear face masks, practice social-distancing and board from the back of the vehicles. Buses will continue to be disinfected in the evenings.
The department requests that riders refer to the Essential Plus webpage for additional information and details.
