The County Council Has Extended Free Ride On Bus Service To Jan. 1, 2022

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Ride On Bus customers won't have to pay a fare until Jan. 1, 2022, as the County Council voted Tuesday to extend the fare waiver. It was initially waived because of the pandemic and was extended in May, but had been scheduled to end this Thursday.

“Extending the Ride On fare holiday will help us improve transit access, grow bus ridership, and help our workforce get to and from their jobs as we continue our economic recovery,” said Councilmember Andrew Friedson in a statement. “It’s a win-win for our climate and our local economy.”

Some councilors and advocates have said that the bus service is vital for low-income residents.

A report from Council's Office of Legislative Oversight shows that nearly half of Ride On customers have an annual income of less than $30,000, nearly half are people of color and 42 percent speak a language other than English at home, the council said in a release.

"Public transportation is vital to our community and fare-free service has collectively saved our residents millions of dollars in commuting costs at a time when we know that many are still struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Council President Tom Hucker in a statement before the council vote. "Keeping Ride On fares suspended keeps our County moving, is consistent with our climate and racial equity goals, and eliminates the cost burden from our lowest-income residents as they continue to use public transportation to reach their jobs and conduct essential activities."

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