Ride On Buses Returning To 90 Percent Of Pre-Pandemic Service: MCDOT

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Ride On Bus service is returning to 90 percent of its pre-pandemic levels, the Department of Transportation said.

All routes, with the exception of 301, will have schedule changes that begin May 8.

"We know that many residents depend upon the Ride On bus system for daily trips throughout the County such as work, daycare, health services and other essential trips,” said MCDOT Director, Chris Conklin, in a news release. “These service improvements are a step in the right direction. They provide access and opportunity to residents who need it.”

Bus Route 4 will be extended from Kensington to Wheaton to provide a straight connection from the Kensington MARC Station to the Wheaton Metro Station, MCDOT said.

“Ride On is committed to safety and we will continue to provide masks for our riders,” said MCDOT Division Chief of Transit Services Dan Hibbert. “Use of masks is still highly encouraged as COVID-19 remains a threat to our vulnerable.”

The mask mandate for county buses was recently dropped, but county officials encouraged riders to continue to wear masks.

"As we join the region and comply with this legal decision, we are going to continue to monitor our transmission rates and legal options regarding masking," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "We highly encourage all residents to wear masks on our buses, as well as in crowded indoor areas. And, as we currently see our COVID rates increase, it is imperative that everyone stays up to date on their vaccinations."