The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will launch its Flash Lights buses decorated with colorful winter lights and neon "Happy Holidays" signs on the US 29/Colesville Road route. Passengers can share festive bus sightings on social media for a chance to win a $35 Amazon gift card in a weekly draw running through January 5, 2026, according to a Montgomery County government news release.
Gaithersburg’s former Lakeforest Mall is being redeveloped into a mixed-use space, including a new transit center to improve public transport access. The hub will serve Ride On buses and the planned MD 355 Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route. With nearly 2,000 daily riders at the current Lakeforest Transit Center, the new facility is designed to meet current demand and allow for future growth.
To honor Rosa Parks and her historic stand against segregation, MCDOT is displaying special interior bus cards across its nearly 400-bus fleet for December. The initiative underscores MCDOT’s commitment to equitable transportation by offering free rides year-round to seniors, people with disabilities, and youth.
Montgomery County’s Vision Zero initiative, aimed at eliminating serious and fatal crashes, reported a 29% decrease on its High Injury Network corridors in FY25. The annual report also shows an overall 5% drop in serious and fatal crashes compared to pre-COVID years, marking progress toward safer streets for residents.
As winter arrives, MCDOT, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection and WSSC Water, promotes smart salt use through the Salt-Wise campaign. Tips include shoveling early, applying precise amounts of salt, and reusing leftover salt to protect the environment while keeping roads safe.
MCDOT plans to improve service efficiency by changing 36 Ride On bus routes starting January 11, 2026, to boost reliability and better serve high-demand areas. The adjustments align with the county’s ongoing strategy to meet the needs of a growing population.
