Ride On Flex, an on-demand bus service in the Rockville and Glenmont/Wheaton zones, will be out of service after 3:30 p.m. Thursday and all day Friday due to a shortage of available operators, according to a press release.
Additionally, Flex fares will be free through Code Red alert days. The National Weather Service defines ‘Code Red’ as air pollution concentrations within the region that are unhealthy.
Recently, Maryland has seen a significant increase in the concentration of air pollution. As of 2 p.m. Thursday in Rockville, the air quality index according to AirNow.gov, measured 176, which is considered “very unhealthy.”
Flex, which allows users to order a bus via a mobile app or a cell phone number, has a maximum fare of $1. The system was introduced in 2019 before being halted due to the pandemic.
The buses fit up to 11 people and presents very convenient options for disabled individuals. There are wheelchair-accessible seats, along with curb-to-curb pickup.
AirNow.gov expects the air quality to be moderate Friday.
