Montgomery County is set to mark a milestone for public transportation, as local officials gather to celebrate the golden anniversary of its Ride On bus service. According to the Montgomery County press release, the commemorative event is scheduled for tomorrow at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton. County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Kate Stewart will lead the ceremony at 10 a.m., joined by Federal and State officials. Notably, the event location has a rain-day backup plan with the Park and Planning Building Lobby situated across the street.
Since its inception in 1975, the Ride On bus system has evolved from a fleet of 20 buses serving routes in Takoma Park and Silver Spring to a robust network boasting nearly 400 ADA-accessible buses. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the service facilitated transit for 18 million riders across Montgomery County, averaging 65,000 weekday passenger pickups. The expansion represents, not just the quantity, but an array of services tailored to diverse commuter needs—from the standard Ride On service to specialized offerings like the Ride On extRa and the on-demand Ride On Flex.
Further enhancing regional connectivity, the transit framework includes the Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, operating along US 29/Colesville Road, and plans are underway to extend the Flash Network for broader, high-frequency connectivity. As noted in the Montgomery County announcement, such services epitomize the county's forward-thinking approach to transportation as it celebrates the Ride On's 50th Anniversary. Marking half a century of continuous service, the event will pay homage to the committed individuals and evolving technologies that have propelled the system forward.
The anniversary event will be attended by a cohort of dignitaries, including County Councilmember Evan Glass, Maryland State Senator Jeff Waldstreicher, Maryland Delegates Linda Foley and Jared Solomon, Assistant Secretary of Maryland Department of Transportation Joe McAndrew, and WMATA Chief Transportation Officer Leroy Jones. A notable attendee, forty-six-year Ride On bus operator Bill Oliver, and lifelong rider Susanne Brunhart-Wiggins will also be present, amplifying the personal stories that ride within the service's decades-long journey.
For more details on the event specifics, interested individuals can visit the official Montgomery County website.
