County Addresses Comments Received on Plyers Mill Traffic Calming Project

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE COUNTY'S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS

On Friday, March 21, 2014, Montgomery County Department of Transportation attended a community meeting organized by members of the Kensington Heights Civic Association, McKenney Hills - Carroll Knolls Civic Association, and Plyers Mill Road residents.  At the meeting, Montgomery County officials Jeff Dunckel, Seifu Kerse, and Rick Earp discussed with residents plans for improving pedestrian safety by constructing traffic calming features, sidewalks, and enhanced pedestrian crossings on Plyers Mill Road between Drumm Avenue and Georgia Avenue.  Experience with traffic calming projects at other locations in Montgomery County has demonstrated that traffic is slowed to posted speed limits with a resulting decline in pedestrian collisions.  With the decline of speeding and the addition of new improved pedestrian facilities, communities report - - and pedestrian crash data confirms - -  traffic calming projects result in much safer and more walkable communities.  

The County posted plans for the Plyers Mill traffic calming project previously on this site, and residents were asked to provide comments.  The County has addressed the comments provided, and a response can be viewed here.  Based on community feedback, the County has revised the plans.  The revised plans can be accessed at the links below.

Plyers Mill at Brunswick
Plyers Mill at Douglas
Plyers Mill at Drumm (1)
Plyers Mill at Drumm (2)
Plyers Mill at Maybrook (1)
Plyers Mill at Maybrook (2)
Plyers Mill at Saint Margaret

If you have any questions about this project, please contact the Project Manager, Seifu Kerse, at seifu.kerse@montgomerycountymd.gov.  

Leggett Seeks Applicants for Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee

County Executive Isiah Leggett is seeking applicants to fill four public member vacancies, including one member who represents people with disabilities, on the Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. The incumbent representing people with disabilities is eligible to apply for reappointment.

The 17-member Advisory Committee includes six government representatives, one public school representative, one Maryland Municipal League representative, and nine general public members who represent various regions of Montgomery County, including one member representing advocates of bicycling, and one member representing people with disabilities.

This Committee provides advice to the County Executive, County Council, and elected officials on implementation of the County’s Pedestrian Safety Initiative, priorities and needs in the area of pedestrian and bicycle safety and access, gathers information on pedestrian and bicycle safety, and identifies any new issues that may emerge.

Members serve three-year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Meetings generally are held every other month on weekday evenings. All members are also expected to serve on various sub-committees, and these meetings will be held as needed. For more information, please see the County Website Page for the Committee:

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-pedsafety/index.html

Application Process

County Executive Isiah Leggett is committed to representation on all of the County’s boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County’s residents. Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns, and viewpoints are presented. 

Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity are encouraged to apply. An application, consisting of a brief cover letter and resume, should be sent by mail to County Executive Isiah Leggett, 101 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD  20850, or by email to countyexecutive.boards@montgomerycountymd.gov. Home and employment addresses, as well as contact phone numbers and email addresses should be included. If appropriate, applicants should indicate the position for which they are applying.  The application deadline is July 11, 2014. 

Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Members of these boards are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Leggett’s appointments are generally subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of individuals selected for appointment to groups that are confirmed by the Council are made public as part of the confirmation process.

Maryland Ranks Among Most Bike-Friendly States

Cyclists may find it easy to bike in the Old Line State as Maryland ranked high on a list of most bike-friendly states in the U.S. Maryland ranked No. 7 on The League of American Bicyclists' list of best states for cycling. Each year, the league ranks states on their friendliness to cycling based on measures such as policies and programs, legislation and enforcement, as well as infrastructure and funding. 

Washington state ranked No. 1 with Minnesota close behind. Montana and Alabama came in at the bottom of the list ranking 49 and 50, respectively. Washington state scored 66.8 points out of a possible 100. Maryland scored 53.8 points, in part due to its high scores in education and encouragement with biking. Virginia ranked at No. 18, with a score of 41.5 points. D.C. was not included on the list. 

The results are based on a multi-faceted Bicycle Friendly State questionnaire that is answered by each state's bicycle coordinator. Maryland's Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator is Michael Jackson.

Visit the League of American Bicyclists's website to read the full study.

(Source: WTOP.com, May 7, 2014.) 

Dale Drive Sidewalk Completed

The Division of Transportation Engineering has recently completed construction of 1900 feet of new sidewalk along the north side of Dale Drive, from Mansfield Road to Hartford Avenue in Silver Spring. This project was part of the Transportation Improvements for New Schools program, which funds improvements to serve County public schools. The program has previously constructed sections of other sidewalk along Dale Drive from Wayne Avenue to Piney Branch Road. This latest sidewalk provides connectivity to the Sligo Creek Elementary School, the Silver Spring International Middle School, as well as to downtown Silver Spring, Sligo Creek Park, and bus stops.

The project involved construction of significant retaining walls more than 300 feet long and ranging in height from three to 11 feet. Also part of the project was a storm drainage system and gas, sewer, and water utility relocations.

The contractor was Banneker Ventures LLC. Significant construction work was undertaken by subcontractorM. Luis Construction Company, a local woman-owned business recently honored by the President when he visited their asphalt manufacturing plant in Rockville.

For more information, contact Shirley Reeves-Collette, Project Manager, at 240.773.3412 or by email. For budget details on the project, see the Office of Management and Budget website. For information on transportation construction projects, visit the Division of Transportation Engineering's website.

Montgomery County Department of Transportation Installs Two New Sidewalks

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation Division of Transportation Engineering's New Sidewalk program has recently completed two new sidewalk links to enhance pedestrian connectivity in the county.

• In the Silver Spring area, a link was installed along Franklin Avenue, from Colesville Road/US29 to University Boulevard/MD193. This project cost approximately $437,700.

• In the Silver Spring area, a link was installed along Melbourne Avenue, at the dead end. This project cost approximately $4,900.

Other new sidewalk links constructed in fiscal year 2014 include the following. 

• In the Potomac area, a link was installed along Oaklyn Drive, from Persimmon Tree Road to Avenel Farm Road. This project cost approximately $237,700.

• In the Potomac/Bethesda/Cabin John Creek area, a link was installed along River Road, from Bradley Boulevard to Clewerwell Drive. This project cost approximately $125,300.

For more information on the New Sidewalk program, including how to request a new sidewalk in your neighborhood, visit the Division of Transportation Engineering's website. 

County Continues Investments and Activities to Make Piney Branch High Incidence Area Safer

New Midblock Crosswalk Installed on Piney Branch Road

When the County Executive announced his Pedestrian Safety Initiative five years ago, a key approach was to focus on areas that were experiencing the highest number of pedestrian collisions. Piney Branch Road, between Flower Avenue and the County line, was such a place. Two new crosswalks with pedestrian refuge islands and flashing beacons to warn motorists are the latest improvements in a multi-year effort to enhance safety. 

In 2010 and 2011, MCDOT upgraded sidewalks and ADA ramps in the corridor. Through agreements with PEPCO, additional street lights were installed and other lights were brightened. In 2011, traffic signal upgrades for pedestrians were installed, with more now being planned in cooperation with the State. To see a graphic of all engineering improvements along this corridor, click below.

Additional resources were spent on extensive grassroots education, and Police conducted intensive enforcement, writing over 800 citations to both pedestrians and motorists. Pedestrian collisions here are now down 36 percent since this effort began.

MCDOT to construct dual bikeway on Woodglen Drive

Beginning this fall, MCDOT will start construction of a dual bikeway along a portion of Woodglen Drive that includes: 

• An eight-foot, off-road, shared use bikepath on the west side of Woodglen Drive between Edson and Nicholson lanes in North Bethesda; 
• An on-road, six-foot-wide bike lane on the east side of Woodglen Drive (in the northbound travel lane); and 
• An on-road shared lane, or “sharrow” on the west side of Woodglen Drive (in the southbound travel lane). 

Sharrows are pavement markings that alert motorists to the presence of bicyclists and encourage safer passing practices. 

The Woodglen dual bikeway will provide an important link to the Bethesda Trolley Trail and access to Metro stations, retail and neighborhood activity centers in the Rockville and North Bethesda areas. 

In Maryland, bicycles are classified as vehicles and are permitted on any road where the speed limit is posted at 50 mph or below. The on-road bicycle lanes will require the removal of six metered parking spaces along Woodglen Drive. Travel lanes will be narrowed for the sharrow. 

To enhance safety, discourage speeding and alert motorists to those using the path, curb extenders will be built at the intersection of Executive Boulevard and Woodglen Drive.


For more information on bicycle infrastructure projects, visit MCDOT's bikeways website. For information on Bikesharing in Montgomery County, visit MCDOT's bikesharing website.

County Council Pedestrian Safety Program Update Highlights Improvements to Pedestrian Safety

On September 24, 2013, Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation presented to the County Council updates from the successful Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Programs. The programs use data-driven approaches to increase bicycle and pedestrian safety throughout the county.

The Bicycle Safety Program completed evaluations of BikeShare routes, the most recent addition to the county’s extensive transportation network, to address challenges the county’s existing roadways pose for bikers. After thorough analysis of potential bike routes, many bicycle  engineering improvements were made to both on-road and off-road facilities across the county.

The Pedestrian Safety Initiative, introduced in December 2007, coordinates engineering, education and enforcement efforts to change pedestrian and driver behavior. The program uses a data-driven approach to target efforts in areas with the highest rates of pedestrian collisions, also known as High Incidence Areas (HIAs). Engineering efforts in HIAs include: sidewalk improvement, intersection and signal reconstruction, pedestrian refuge construction, street lighting, and curb markings.  Since beginning program implementation in 2009, pedestrian collisions in these HIAs have decreased by 43%. 

Traffic calming, another major part of the Pedestrian Safety Initiative, has reduced collision rates by 50% by reducing speeds to posted speed limits.

The Safe Routes to School program conducted comprehensive school zone traffic safety assessments in over 160 schools and subsequently implemented engineering, education and enforcement actions. Since 2009, there has been a 79% reduction in the number of pedestrian collisions within a ¼ mile radius of these schools.

Following the data-driven methodology, education efforts have been modified to reflect recent data trends. From 2010 to 2012, there have been 172 pedestrian collisions within ½ mile of Montgomery County’s High Schools, of which 30 involved 13-18 year olds. This fall, the county is launching a High School Pedestrian Safety Education Campaign, which analyzes crash data to target and work directly with high schools’ administration and staff.

In 2012, there was a 39% increase in the number of pedestrian collisions in parking lots and garages; representing 30% of all the county’s pedestrian collisions. The county has launched the Parking Lot Pedestrian Safety Education Campaign, which works directly with the private property owners and managers operating parking lots to raise public awareness of the need exercise caution and to keep “Heads Up” in Parking Lots. 

Enforcement efforts, led by the Montgomery County Police Department, have given out 600 warnings and 1,600 citations in HIAs to drivers and pedestrians, while over 80 warnings and 400 citations have been given out through crosswalk sting operations. Recent results in the enforcement efforts show increased court support for citations, media’s expanded role in raising awareness, citations being more effective over warnings, and residents being active in participating in pre-enforcement education activities. Since 2011, when expanded enforcement efforts began, there has been an increase in drivers found at fault in pedestrian collisions and a decrease in pedestrians found at fault: drivers are found at fault in 59% of reported pedestrian collisions.

As serious pedestrian collisions have continued to decrease where actions have been targeted, the County continues to focus on improving safe bicycle access on county roads, and coordinating enforcement, education and engineering efforts to improve pedestrian safety. Also, the county continues to cooperate and coordinate their efforts with the Pedestrian, Bicycle and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. 

To view the presentation, click below:

State begins safety and resurfacing project on Georgia Avenue/MD97

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a $4.6 million safety and resurfacing project along nearly two miles of MD97 (Georgia Avenue) from the Washington, D.C. line to MD390 (16th Street) in Silver Spring. Weather Permitting, the work will be completed by late fall. Motorists and pedestrians traveling in this area should plan ahead, add extra commute time and be aware of shifting traffic and walking patterns.

The work will:

• Reconstruct existing sidewalks to ensure they meet ADA standards and are at least five feet wide;
• Repair and replace existing inlets and pipes;
• Patch damaged sections of pavement prior to resurfacing;
• Install new curb and gutter;
• Resurfacing Georgia Avenue;
• Replace traffic signal pavement detectors at the intersection of MD 97 and MD 390; and
• Install new line striping and pavement markings.

SHA's contractor is permitted to close one lane of Georgia Avenue in both directions weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and up to two lanes overnight Sunday through Thursday, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Drivers are urged to stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. For more information, see SHA's press release.

Seven Locks sidewalk project adds to County's pedestrian infrastructure

MCDOT’s Division of Transportation Engineering recently installed a mile and a quarter of new sidewalk along Seven Locks Road. In response to a request from the president of the Montgomery Square Civic Association, MCDOT replaced a series of asphalt and dirt paths between Montrose Road and Tuckerman Lane. This project included the installation of ADA compliant ramps, selected driveway aprons, and new, five foot wide concrete sidewalk panels.

This sidewalk project, costing about $270,000, provides a safe and convenient connection for pedestrians to synagogues, churches, retail stores, and other activity centers. MCDOT’s Sidewalk Program provides such funding to expand the sidewalk network throughout the county. Concurrently, the Division of Highway Services is also resurfacing this same segment of Seven Locks Road. They will be milling and patching the pavement where needed, applying a layer of hot mix asphalt, then re-striping the road. 

Officials and Community Celebrate Completion of Shady Grove Access Bike Path

County Executive Leggett, left, with members of the community and Bruce Johnston, right, MCDOT division chief at new bikeway Coming BikeSharing program also noted County Executive Leggett recently celebrated the completion of the 10-foot wide Shady Grove Metro Access Bike Path. It improves bike access to the Metro Station and facilitates combining bicycle trips with buses, Metro, and walking. The bike path also connects to other area sidewalks and bikeways, including along Crabbs Branch Way. MCDOT is planning to add a bikeway along Needwood Road, connecting to the Rock Creek and ICC trails. The $2.7 million project was constructed by DOT’s Division of Transportation Engineering, and runs from Shady Grove Road to Redland Road. A pedestrian-activated traffic signal was installed where the bikeway crosses the Metro access road. To further enhance biking, the County will soon be installing a bike share station at the Metro --part of a network of over 50 stations in Shady Grove, Rockville, Bethesda, downtown Silver Spring and Takoma Park. For more information on bicycle projects and bike sharing, visit our MCDOT's website or call for projects,240.777.7244, and for bike sharing, 240.777.7170.

SHA Completes Resurfacing on MD 355 in Bethesda beginning this Sunday Night

Motorists Should Expect Traffic Impacts on Wisconsin Avenue Through Late Fall Travelers in Bethesda will have a smoother ride by late fall as construction crews complete the final phase of pavement resurfacing on two sections of MD 355 as part of two ongoing safety projects.   Beginning this Sunday night, August 11, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will resurface several sections of MD 355 (Wisconsin Avenue) in Bethesda, Montgomery County. The total cost of the two projects, which are approximately 1.5 miles apart, is $2.9 million. Weather permitting, the projects should both be complete by late fall. SHA will resurface one mile of MD 355 from Montgomery Avenue to Jones Bridge Road and more than a mile of MD 355 from the Washington, D.C. line and MD 191 (Bradley Boulevard).  The project will improve conditions for motorists and pedestrians on MD 355 in the heart of Bethesda. To date, curb and gutter, sidewalk, ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps, drainage improvements and traffic signal adjustments have been completed on both projects.  Crews will also replace the signal systems at Wisconsin Circle and Battery Lane. “The final surface, new sidewalks and improved drainage provide a refreshed and safer corridor for those who live and work in the area,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. . “We thank motorists and pedestrians for their patience as crews work to complete these projects.” During resurfacing on both projects, crews may close up to two lanes on MD 355, overnight Sunday through Thursday, between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. and one lane, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All work is weather permitting. As part of the resurfacing work on both projects, SHA will remove the top layer of pavement, patch, grind and resurface all lanes, reconstruct traffic signals at Battery Lane and Wisconsin Circle and apply new pavement markings. The traffic signal reconstruction work at Battery Lane and Wisconsin Circle will add audible countdown signals (APS) and countdown pedestrian signals (CPS) to each intersection. New mast arms and signal heads will be installed at the reconstructed signal at Wisconsin Circle. On average, 67,000 vehicles travel daily within the limits of both projects inside the Wisconsin Avenue corridor in Bethesda. SHA’s contractor for the work is M. Luis Construction Company of Baltimore, which will coordinate lanes closures between both projects. SHA will maintain access for pedestrians and residents during the road work for both projects. Residents and travelers are advised that equipment used for construction can be loud and disruptive. Motorists should make alternate parking arrangements along MD 355 within the project limits through late fall as parking will be temporarily unavailable during resurfacing work within the work zones. The pair of resurfacing projects are located along the same MD 355 corridor where SHA is currently working to complete utility relocations for a Bethesda Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) project between Cedar Lane and Jones Bridge Road. This project was made possible with funding from the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013, which maintains crucial system preservation investments and allows Maryland to activate long-term strategies to invest in Maryland’s transportation systems. By putting people back to work in the transportation industry with $4.4 billion in new investments in the next six years, Maryland is creating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and providing Marylanders with the transportation infrastructure necessary to grow and prosper for decades to come. As crews work to keep work zones safe, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert – look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For Everyone!

State begins safety and resurfacing project on Georgia Avenue/MD 97

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a $4.6 million safety and resurfacing project along nearly two miles of MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) from the Washington, D.C. line to MD 390 (16th Street) in Silver Spring.  Weather permitting, the work will be completed by late fall, 2013.  Motorists and pedestrians traveling in this area should plan ahead, add extra commute time, and be aware of shifting traffic and walking patterns.

The work includes:
• Reconstructing existing sidewalks to five feet wide to become ADA-compliant;
• Repairing, replacing existing inlets and pipes;
• Concrete patching of sections of damaged pavement prior to resurfacing;
• Installing new curb and gutter;
• Resurfacing Georgia Avenue;
• Replacing traffic signal pavement detectors at the intersection of MD 97 and MD 390;
• Installing new line striping and pavement markings.

SHA’s contractor is permitted to close one lane in both directions of Georgia Ave., weekdays, between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and up to two lanes overnight, Sunday through Thursday, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. 

SHA will use electronic message boards, temporary fencing, construction cones and barrels, arrow boards and flaggers to direct motorists through the work zone. As crews work to keep work zones safe, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert – look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.

Leggett Celebrates Pedestrian Safety Improvements in Wheaton; Thanks Wheaton Pedestrian Volunteers for their Efforts to Educate Public

County Executive Isiah Leggett Celebrates Completion of Pedestrian Safety Improvements on Reedie Drive and Thanks Pedestrian Safety Volunteers

On August 6, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett today celebrated the completion of pedestrian safety improvements on Reedie Drive between Veirs Mill Road and Georgia Avenue in Wheaton that were installed by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT). This 800-foot stretch of road was targeted because it was designated as one of the County’s “High Incidence Areas” (HIAs) -- locations having the highest density of pedestrian collisions. Between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2012, there were 20 pedestrian collisions including one fatality in the Reedie Drive HIA.

In addition, Leggett thanked Vincente Lopez, Carolyn Gupta, Betty Smith and Bettye Blakeney who were representing a group of 30 Spanish- and English-speaking pedestrian safety advocates who have been conducting education activities in Wheaton/Aspen Hill for 15 months. Lopez was featured in a Spanish language YouTube story about the volunteers. Several of the volunteers were also instrumental in working with the State of Maryland to have a new signal installed at the intersection of Veirs Mill Road and Claridge Road to improve pedestrian safety in this heavily traveled area.

The volunteer brigade was formed following a community meeting held by MCDOT to engage residents in the Wheaton/Aspen Hill area in pedestrian safety education. The group represents the Hispanic/Latino community as well as several neighborhood civic associations, including Connecticut Avenue Estates, Montclair Manor and Rock Creek Palisades. Trained by MCDOT, the volunteers also work with County Police and the Maryland Highway Safety Office.

Click here to read the more detailed press release about this event.  To see a Transportation Update summarizing the event, click here.

WJLA Event Coverage

Wheaton Patch Event Coverage

Webinar Features Montgomery County's Pedestrian Safety Program

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership in the Greater Washington region hosted a webinar on June 5 about Montgomery County’s approach to improving pedestrian safety. Speakers shared data detailing the results of the program and discussed engineering, education and enforcement efforts that are reducing the severity of pedestrian collisions and the number of collisions in targeted, high risk areas. 

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett released a strategic plan in December 2007 to improve pedestrian safety that uses a multifaceted approach. Speakers discussed the use of data to guide program priorities; the role of road audits and targeted infrastructure improvements; pairing education with engineering and enforcement; successes in the Safe Routes to School program; and the integral role of law enforcement. 

The Safe Routes to School Greater Washington region is a partnership of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

Click below to view the Webinar:

Construction Begins on MacArthur Boulevard Bikeway Improvements

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Engineering has begun work on bikeway improvements along 13,800 linear feet of MacArthur Boulevard. This is known as Segment 2 of improvements along this bikeway corridor. Segment 2 extends from the Beltway/I-495 to Oberlin Avenue.
The contractor, Fort Myer Construction, has been on site since mid April but has now begun actual construction work.
This project is part of the Capital Improvements Program and is designated as project number 500718-2. For budget information on this or other CIP projects, visit the Office of Management and Budget's website. For more information on this and other transportation-related construction projects, visit the Division of Transportation Engineering's website.

More Engineering-Based Pedestrian Safety Improvements

MCDOT continues to invest in engineering improvements to enhance pedestrian safety – particularly in high crash areas where collision data shows more pedestrians are being struck.

* In Takoma Park, on Piney Branch Road between Flower Avenue and the County line, pedestrians are safer because of new street lights, wider sidewalks, new pedestrian signals, and soon a new crosswalk with pedestrian-activated warning lights.
* In Wheaton, at Reedie Drive between Veirs Mill Road and Georgia Avenue, a major safety project included refurbished crosswalks, new pedestrian refuge islands, and clearer lane markings.
* On Randolph Road at Veirs Mill, new sidewalks and streetscaping have been installed.
* On Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring, Community Affairs is installing streetscape improvements in Fenton Village.
* And in Rockville and Bethesda, segments of MD355 have received new pedestrian signals.

These investments are part of County Executive Leggett’s Pedestrian Safety Initiative. For more information, go to MCDOT's revamped pedestrian safety website.

Safe Routes to School Program completes third grant cycle

MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School program just wrapped up one of its two-year grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. It promotes the 3 E’s – Engineering, Education, and Enforcement – at schools.  Read More

Ripley Street portion of Metropolitan Branch Trail opens in Silver Spring

The extension of the Metropolitan Branch Trail at the Silver Spring Metro Station to Ripley Street is now open. Last month, a portion of the trail opened to enhance accessibility around the Transit Center.  Read More

Bus stop improvement program continues to enhance the transit experience



Improved bus stop with curb access, new shelter   -   Photo: Stacy Coletta



 Transit Services’ Bus Stop Improvement Program is in its seventh year of operation, completing upgrades to two-thirds of Ride On’s 5000 bus stops. The program systematically evaluates bus stops by asking a series of questions, such as, “Can passengers wait at the stop without being in danger?” “Is the stop reasonably close to a safe street crossing and can that crossing be made safer?” and “Can passengers get to the stop along an accessible path?”

In planning improvements, staff look beyond the bus stop to consider the walking routes patrons will take to destinations and housing. To date, close to seven million dollars in infrastructure enhancements have been made. The bus stop program often partners with other MCDOT projects to bring about innovative and attractive upgrades. These include the sidewalk construction program, ADA improvements, and traffic calming projects.

For more information, go to Ride On's website. Or call 311 (TTY, call 301-251-4850), Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm