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Go Montgomery!The County’s long-term, comprehensive transportation plan will significantly increase spending on new roads, transit, hiker-biker trails, and pedestrian safety. |
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Thursday, May 31, 2012Reach-a-Ride Helps Those with Physical or Cognitive LimitationsThe Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Reach-a-Ride program facilitates access to a broad range of specialized transportation services, from ramp- or lift-equipped taxis for mobility device users to door-through-door escort services for people with significant physical or cognitive limitations. Call center representatives can help find providers that offer appropriate services.
Contact the toll-free call center at 1-855-732-2427.
Monday, April 30, 2012Reminder: Regional Bike to Work Day Celebration on May 18On May 18, commuters will have the opportunity to participate in the Washington area’s annual Bike to Work Day celebration and show their support for bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work. Bike to Work Day is a free, non-profit event that encourages commuters to try bicycling to work as an alternative to solo driving. Last year, Bike to Work Day attracted nearly 11,000 bicyclists.
Go online to register for the event and get more information. Learn about the 58 pit stops throughout the region and 13 in Montgomery County, commuter convoys, how to find a ride buddy or become a sponsor.
Participants who pre-register will receive a free tee-shirt, refreshments and a chance to win bicycles and other raffle prizes. Tee-shirts are available at the pit stops and are limited to the first 11,000 who register.
For questions about Bike to Work Day, contact Commuter Connections or call 800-745-7433, or the Washington Area Bicyclist Association or call 202 518-0524.
Monday, April 30, 2012Free Telework Webinars Jumpstart Productivity and ProfitabilityMontgomery County is offering free webinars about the advantages of telework that will be presented by industry professionals using the latest research.
Participants will get:
Hear from leading employers about their successes with telework. Topics covered at each session will vary.
Monday, April 30, 2012Transportation Options Available for SeniorsSeniors looking for transportation alternatives to driving in their own cars have a number of options in Montgomery County.
First is the County’s own Ride On bus system, with 82 routes. Every Ride On bus is lift-equipped to handle wheelchairs and most buses kneel to make entry easy. Seniors ride free from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and at half fare during other hours. MetroBus service is also available for longer trips, including into the District. Special training is available to make the first bus ride easy through the Connect-A-Ride program at senior centers.
Other options include MetroAccess and Medicaid Transportation for medical appointments; Call ‘N Ride, which provides discounted coupons for use on taxis; and a special senior bus service sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services that provides transportation to recreation centers or shops.
A link on the County’s website provides information of interest to seniors, including more information about transportation options.
Monday, April 30, 2012High Cost of TransportationAccording to the U.S. Treasury Department, the average American family spends more than $7,600 a year on transportation, more than they spend on food and more than twice what they spend on out-of-pocket health care costs. For 90 percent of Americans, transportation costs absorb one out of every seven dollars of income.
Traffic congestion on roads results in 1.9 billion gallons of gas wasted per year and costs drivers more than $100 billion in wasted fuel and lost time. Americans who were able to live in “location efficient” housing -- close to their jobs and/or transit -- were able to save $200 per month in transportation costs, including paying less at the pump over the past decade, according to the new research.
Commuter Services helps employers and employees understand and connect with cost-effective, sustainable transportation options. Visit their website for more information. Or, sign up for Commuter Services’ online newsletter, “Better Ways to Work” for more information on programs and services that assist commuters.
Monday, February 27, 2012New Shuttle Service Between KingsviewPark & Ride Lot and Germantown MARC Station Now AvailableMontgomery County’s Ride On bus system is partnering with the Maryland Transit Administration MARC Train to ease commutes for Germantown MARC train passengers. A new shuttle service, Ride On Route 94, is transporting passengers during peak commuting times between the Kingsview Park & Ride Lot, located at Clopper Road (Maryland Route 117) and Kingsview Village Avenue, and the Germantown MARC station. Passengers using the new service will be dropped off and picked up immediately adjoining the train station.
Morning shuttle service will leave from the Kingsview Park & Ride Lot for the MARC Station at 7:25, 7:42 and 8:02. In the evening, the shuttle will depart the MARC Station for the return trip to the Kingsview Park & Ride Lot at 4:21, 4:36, 5:13, 6:05, 6:29, 6:51, 7:19 and 8:01. If MARC is running late in the evening, the service will “meet the MARC” by waiting for the next train to arrive.
Riders who have a MARC weekly, MARC monthly or TLC ticket can simply show it to the bus operator and ride free, the same as on all Ride On buses. Other riders will be charged the regular $1.50 fare for SmarTrip users or $1.70 for passengers paying the fare with cash or other Ride On fare media.
For more information, check Ride On’s website or call 311, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, February 27, 2012FriendshipHeights Commuter Store Hours Have ChangedThe Friendship Heights TRiPS Commuter Store at 17 Wisconsin Circle, between Wisconsin and Western avenues is now open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store is closed for lunch each day from 1 to 2 p.m.
The Silver Spring TRiPS Commuter Store is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 8413 Ramsey Avenue, at the corner of Wayne and Ramsey avenues.
For more information about the TRiPS Commuter Stores, visit the County website.
Monday, February 27, 2012Bus Subsidy Available for Fairland and White Oak ResidentsResidents of the Fairland and White Oak areas who currently drive to work or are new residents in the Maryland Route 29 corridor may be eligible for a $35 bus pass subsidy from HD-Maple Ridge, L.L.C. The company is offering the incentive to reduce the number of commute trips in its project area. The bus passes may be used only during weekday rush hour commutes. The program can accommodate a maximum of 50 participants, so there may be a waiting list. For more information, contact Teresa Thomas or call 301-476-9588.
Monday, February 27, 2012Celebrate Telework Week in MarchTelework Week 2012, sponsored by Telework Exchange, is the second annual effort to encourage agencies, organizations, and individuals to pledge to telework. This year’s event will be held from March 5 to 9..
Telework is an opportunity for organizations and employees to do something that benefits the environment and supports improved productivity; enhanced personnel recruitment and retention; better work/life balance; commuter savings; and reductions in traffic and greenhouse gas emissions.
During Telework Week 2011, nearly 40,000 people pledged to telework, saving $2.7 million on commuting costs, gaining back nearly 149,000 hours in their day, removing 1,800 tons of pollutants from the air, and avoiding driving 3.76 million miles.
For more information, check the Telework Exchange website.
Monday, February 27, 2012Free Shuttle Bus Serves North Chevy ChaseA free shuttle bus is now operating between the Bethesda Metro Station and the Chevy Chase Lake community in North Chevy Chase. Chevy Chase Land Company has recently made the service available to the general public after it being previously limited to the retail and office tenants at 8401 Connecticut Avenue.
The shuttle operates Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. with pickups at the Metro and 8401 Connecticut Avenue about every 40 minutes.
For more information, including a schedule, email Chevy Chase Land Company.
Friday, January 27, 2012Changes to Transit Benefits and SmartBenefits Began January 1Beginning January 1, federal tax-free transit benefits decreased to $125 a month and the parking benefit increased to $240 a month. Congress did not extend transit benefits that allowed employees or employers to take a tax-free or pre-tax transit benefit of $230 a month for those who commute to work using transit or vanpools. For more information, visit the County's Commuter Services website or call 311, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2012New Shuttle Service between Kingsview Park and Ride Lot and Germantown MARC Station Began January 30Starting Monday, January 30, Montgomery County’s Ride On bus system began partnering with the Maryland Transit Administration MARC Train to ease commutes for Germantown MARC train passengers. A new shuttle service, Ride On Route 94, is transporting passengers during peak commuting times between the Park and Ride Lot at Kingsview, located at Clopper Road and Kingsview Village Avenue, and the Germantown MARC station. Morning shuttle service leaves from Kingsview for the MARC Station at 7:25, 7:42 and 8:02 a.m. In the evening, the shuttle departs from the MARC Station at 4:21, 4:36, 5:13, 6:05, 6:29, 6:51, 7:19 and 8:01 p.m. Riders who have a MARC weekly, MARC monthly or TLC ticket can show them to the bus operator and ride free, the same as on all Ride On buses. Other riders will be charged the regular fare of $1.50 for SmarTrip users or $1.70 for passengers paying the fare with cash or other Ride On fare media. For more information, check Ride On’s website at www.rideonbus.com or call 311, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 31, 2011County Submits Bikeshare Application to MDOT; $1 Million Grant will Help Fund Downcounty ProgramThe Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has submitted an application to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) for a $1 million grant that will fund a bikesharing system in southern Montgomery County. The bikeshare application to MDOT is the fifth grant submitted by MCDOT over the past three years seeking funding for bikesharing, but the first to the State of Maryland since it announced a bikeshare grant program this November. The proposed bikeshare program will fund 29 docking stations and 204 bikes between the Beltway and the District of Columbia border, including Friendship Heights (Chevy Chase), Bethesda, the Medical Center Metro area, Takoma Park and Silver Spring. The bikeshare stations would be integrated with the Capital Bikeshare system in Arlington, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, focusing on connecting Metrorail stations in downcounty areas with major employment, residential, commercial and activity centers. Montgomery County has been successful in obtaining a $1.3 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant for a bikesharing program in portions of the City of Rockville and Greater Shady Grove Transportation Management District, including the County’s Life Sciences Center. That grant is provided through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments under the FTA’s Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) program to link lower-income residents and employees with jobs and job training. The City of Rockville is partnering with the County to provide matching funds and implement the program. The Rockville/Shady Grove bikesharing program will eventually be connected with the proposed downcounty system as it expands. The new bikesharing application requests 80 percent grant funding for capital facilities. The County would be responsible for the remaining 20 percent local match, which is coming from private sector sources. The County also will be responsible for operating and maintenance costs, some of which are expected to be offset by revenues from membership and usage fees. Building developers, businesses, residents and other organizations in the County that have an interest in bikesharing are invited to contact the County’s bikeshare program staff to explore opportunities for joint funding, as well as to suggest locations for bikeshare stations. Saturday, December 31, 2011Changes to Transit Benefits and SmartBenefits in 2012Federal law has allowed employees or employers a $230 a month tax-free or pre-tax transit benefit for those who commute to work using transit or vanpools. The current transit benefit cap was not extended by Congress, so beginning January 1, 2012 the tax-free transit benefit will decrease to $125 a month and the parking benefit will increase to $240/month. Wednesday, August 31, 2011Montgomery County Employers Sweep Regional Commuting Choices AwardsThree Montgomery County employers were recognized at the regional Commuter Connections’ 2011 Employer Recognition Awards ceremony this summer for collectively reducing 734,550 vehicle miles traveled in the region and cutting gasoline usage by 36,928 gallons last year. The businesses honored were:
Montgomery County Commuter Services and its local program operators, Bethesda Transportation Solutions and the North Bethesda Transportation Center , provided assistance and guidance to the companies. Commuter Services is available to assist other businesses in establishing and enhancing programs that make using alternative transportation options easier for employees. Contact Commuter Services for more information. Wednesday, August 31, 2011Go Car-Free on September 22Join others throughout the Washington region and worldwide in celebrating Car-Free Day on September 22 this year. The first Car-Free Day was held September 2000 to encourage a small act that can have a big impact. The idea is that once residents try working from home, carpooling, vanpooling, riding a bus, taking a train, pedaling a bicycle, or walking to a destination, they may be encouraged to do more of it in the future. With the high cost of gasoline, Car Free Day is a great opportunity for commuters to try Car Free and Car-Lite alternatives and see the positive impact on their daily commute. Last year, about 7,000 people took the pledge to go Car-Free or Car-Lite, and contributed to improving the region’s air quality and reducing their carbon footprint. Pledge today to go car-free on September 22, and enjoy a chance to win great prizes, including an iPad and a bicycle. Montgomery County ’s Commuter Services will be glad to assist employers in organizing Car-Free Day events, as well as help individual commuters find new ways to get to work. Email Commuter Services for assistance. Thursday, June 30, 2011Telework Tax Credit Available to Montgomery County EmployersEmployers who establish an off-site workstation may be eligible for a tax credit against the personal property tax from Montgomery County. Employers who purchase a new home computer or new laptop computer may receive a tax credit of up to 50 percent of the cost of each new computer. More information is available on the County’s Commuter Services website. Thursday, June 30, 2011Employers: No More Paper SmartBenefits® VouchersThe Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has announced it will soon stop issuing SmartBenefits® paper vouchers to employers. The last day to use the vouchers is December 31, 2011. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) offers detailed instructions for transitioning to the new electronic-only system, along with answers to frequently asked questions. Or employers can check WMATA’s information for employers. Montgomery County employers interested in setting up a transit benefits program for their employees can contact Commuter Services. Commuting Consultants are available to help set up a customized program. Thursday, April 28, 2011Celebrate Bike to Work Day in MayMontgomery County will join communities nationwide in celebrating Bike to Work Day on May 20. This annual celebration encourages bicycle commuting, which provides exercise benefits and is also an effective way to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and noise, and conserve energy. For most trips of less than five miles, commuting by bicycle may take about the same amount of time as traditional transportation options. For longer trips, riders can combine Ride On, which has bike racks on the front of all buses, with bicycle commuting.
This year, the County will hold events at 10 sites:
Montgomery County provides and promotes a comprehensive and balanced transportation program that includes a wide variety of transit, ridesharing, bicycling, pedestrian and teleworking options for residents, businesses, employees and visitors. These alternative modes of transportation are effective and efficient commuting solutions, reducing pollution and transportation costs, helping address climate change concerns, and ensuring the economic and environmental vitality of communities.
For more information about the pit stops, or to be eligible for prizes, register for Bike to Work Day online.
For more information about commuting options in the County, contact Commuter Services or call 240-773-2989. Or, stop in at one of the County’s TRiPS Commuter Stores in downtown Silver Spring, 8413 Ramsey Avenue, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Friendship Heights, 17 Wisconsin Circle, Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., both of which are near the Metrorail stations.
Thursday, March 31, 2011Register Now to Participate in Bike to Work Day 2011Join thousands of area commuters on Bike to Work Day on May 20 for a celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work. Ride solo or join friends and colleagues in a bike convoy. Registrants are eligible to win prizes and bikes through regional and local raffles and receive a free Bike to Work Day t-shirt. In 2010, this event attracted more than 8,000 bicyclists at 32 pit stops throughout the Washington area. This year, there are 49 regional pit stops with great prizes, food, drinks and more. Bicycling is a cost-effective and healthy commuting alternative that provides the benefits of exercise, stress reduction, air quality improvements and traffic congestion reduction. The 10 pit stops in Montgomery County are:
To find out more about Bike to Work Day and register for the event, go the Washington Area Bicyclist Association website. Thursday, March 31, 2011Better Ways to Work Online NewsletterA new, bi-monthly e-newsletter from the Commuter Services Section of the Division of Transit Services, called “ Better Ways to Work,” will keep you informed about commuting options and transportation news in Montgomery County . To sign up for the newsletter, go to the County’s website. For more information about commuting in Montgomery County , go to Commuter Services website. Monday, December 20, 2010Ride On Customers Can Add Bus Passes to Their SmarTrip Cards
The pass is activated the first day a customer uses it, regardless of the day, and then is valid for seven consecutive days. As an added convenience, customers may load two bus passes at a time onto their SmarTrip® card. The cost of the 7-Day Bus Pass on SmarTrip® is $15 for the regular bus pass and $7.50 for the senior/disabled bus pass, the same cost as paper bus passes. Bus passes cannot be loaded onto a SmarTrip® card that has a negative balance. Customers may add the 7-Day Bus Pass to their SmarTrip® card at any Metro sales office, regional transit store or select retail outlets. For a complete list of locations, visit Metro's website or call 202-637-7000. Thursday, September 30, 2010Friendship Heights Commuter Store Marks First Year of OperationMontgomery County Commuter Services’ TRiPS Commuter Store in Friendship Heights recently marked its first anniversary. The store, located at 17 Wisconsin Circle, is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
TRiPS stands for “Transportation Resources, Information and Places to See.” The store sells bus passes and tokens for Montgomery County’s Ride On buses, as well as fare media for Metrobus and Metrorail, including the SmartTrip Card. Regional transit fare media is available along with trip planning information and resources.
The TRiPS Commuter Store staff promotes environmentally friendly travel modes, including transit, car/vanpooling, biking, walking and car sharing at both the Friendship Heights and Silver Spring TRiPS stores. Staff also provides complimentary services to help Montgomery County employers and their employees beat traffic, save time and reduce expenses. Transportation marketing specialists are available to visit businesses and set up customized commuting benefits programs tailored to their needs.
For more information, call Commuter Services at 240-773-TRiPS (8747) or 240-777-8380, or visit the Commuter Services’ website. The promotion of alternate transportation is a component of the Division of Transit Services within MCDOT.
Thursday, September 30, 2010Montgomery County Celebrated Car Free Day on September 22Montgomery County Commuter Services (MCCS) joined the Washington region in celebrating Car Free Day on Wednesday, September 22. This annual, worldwide event encourages the public to find alternatives to using cars or reduce the amount of driving that day. Organizers promote the idea that using transit, biking and walking – instead of driving – will reduce noise, pollution and stress.
To celebrate Car Free Day, Commuter Services staff distributed refreshments, offered drawings for valuable, donated coupons from local retailers, and provided transportation option information at several locations throughout the county.
Check the MCCS website for more information or call 240-773-2989. Those traveling near downtown Silver Spring or Friendship Heights can stop in at the County’s TRiPS Commuter Stores, located at 8413 Ramsey Avenue in Silver Spring and 17 Wisconsin Circle in Friendship Heights. Both stores are located within a short walk of Metrorail stations, sell transit fare media, and provide a variety of information on transportation alternatives.
Montgomery County provides and promotes a comprehensive and balanced transportation program that includes a wide variety of transit, ridesharing, bicycling, pedestrian and teleworking options for residents, businesses, employees and visitors. These alternative modes of transportation are effective and efficient solutions, reducing pollution and transportation costs, helping address climate change concerns and ensuring the economic and environmental vitality of the community.
Thursday, August 26, 2010Percentage of Region’s Commuters Driving Alone DeclinesMore people in the metropolitan Washington region are taking transit to work or teleworking than at any point in the past 10 years, according to findings of the Commuter Connections program sponsored by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG).
According to the 2010 “State of the Commute” survey, since 2001 the number of workers in the region driving alone to work has declined from 70 percent to 64 percent, while the those who use transit and telework at least one day a week has risen to 21 percent (from 17 percent) and six percent (from three percent) respectively.
For more information on the survey, see the report (pdf) on MWCOG’s website. For information on alternative transportation in Montgomery County, visit the Commuter Services’ program website or call 240-773-2989.
Friday, July 30, 2010Metro Drops Price of SmarTrip Card in AugustBeginning August 29, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) will drop the price of its SmarTrip card from $5 to $2.50 as a further incentive to encourage more people to use it. Passengers already pay more to use cash on buses and on August 1, Metrorail passengers will start paying a 25 cent premium for using paper fare cares.
SmarTrip cards are a great convenience, because they can be used on all regional transit services, including Montgomery County’s Ride On buses. Loading value onto the reusable, rechargeable fare card, resembling a credit card, is simple and can be done at any Metrorail station or on any bus. Purchase SmarTrip cards at Metro sales offices, retail outlets and commuter stores or through vending machines at all Metrorail stations where parking is available.
Friday, July 30, 2010Bethesda Circulator Announces New Hours of ServiceThe Bethesda Circulator, the free trolley that runs every 10 minutes and connects parking garages and Metro in downtown Bethesda, has announced new hours of operation:
For more information visit the Bethesda Urban Partnership’s website or call 301-215-6661.
Friday, July 30, 2010More Metrorail Fare Adjustments to Take Effect in AugustThe second phase of Metrorail fare adjustments will take effect on Sunday, August 1, with the implementation of a new 20-cent surcharge during peak-of-the-peak weekday travel periods, an increase in the cost of three Metrorail passes and a 25-cent discount per trip for customers who use a SmarTrip® card instead of a paper fare card.
Beginning August 2, Metro will be making a number of changes:
There is good news among all the fare increases. Metro is reducing the cost of a SmarTrip® card from $5 to $2.50 starting on August 29 to make it easier for customers to take advantage of SmarTrip® savings. This is the first reduction in the price of the cards since SmarTrip® was introduced in 1999.
For more information visit Metro’s website or call 202-637-7000.
Friday, May 28, 2010Commuter Services to Sponsor Free Workshop for Montgomery County Employers; “Sustainable Commuting Workshop” to Explain Programs and Options Available
Montgomery County’s Commuter Services is conducting a “Sustainable Commuting Workshop” for employers and businesses that will focus on ways to help employees shorten their commutes, including telework options. These programs can improve County employers’ ability to recruit and retain the best employees, while reducing traffic congestion and enhancing quality of life. They can also contribute to County certification as a “Green Business.” Funded by a grant from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the workshop will be held on June 10 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Lobby Level Auditorium, Rockville. Workshop presentations by experts and industry leaders will focus on financial assistance programs and other benefits available to employers and employees, including County, the House Keys 4 Employees and Smart Keys 4 Employees programs, and telework resources for employers. Local employers and industry leaders will share their experiences during panel discussions. Technical assistance will also be available to interested employers. Recent news articles and research confirm that work commutes are a heavy burden on businesses and employees, especially in the Washington region. Long commutes can sap productivity and impact a company’s profit margin. At the workshop, employers will learn about commute-reducing programs that can reduce turnover costs, improve morale and improve competitiveness. Local businesses are also encouraged to participate as exhibitors. This free marketing opportunity provides exhibitors access to a variety of businesses to promote their programs and services related to commuting challenges and trip reductions; housing location; finance and affordability; energy and environment; telework services; family-friendly human resource policies, and eco-friendly business practices. To register for the workshop, go to the County’s website or call 240-777-8380. Thursday, April 29, 2010New Publication Provides Information on the County’s Department of TransportationMontgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has recently updated its online publication of vital statistics about the department and its services, presenting statistical highlights from each of the five divisions and numerous photos.
Some of the interesting facts in the new brochure include: Did you know Traffic Engineering controls 775 traffic signals and maintains 60,000 street lights? Did you know Ride On carries 29 million passengers a year on 86 routes? Or, that Highway Services has to plow snow from over 5,000 lane miles of road each time we have a winter storm? Did you know that Parking Services operates 41 parking lots and garages, and the Transportation Engineering division has built 77 miles of sidewalks in the past five years?
The publication is a great item for classrooms or to provide residents a better understanding of where their tax dollars go. It’s available on the County’s website.
Thursday, April 29, 2010Winning Photos and Pictures of Landscape Projects Now on WebsitePhotos of winning entries from the annual Keep Montgomery County Beautiful (KMCB) photography and beautification contests are now displayed on the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Community Outreach website.
The annual beautification contest is open to community groups, businesses, public institutions, and other organizations undertaking landscaping projects that enhance the appearance of non-residential properties. The photo contest is open to residents whose photographs capture the beauty of landmarks, people, and places within Montgomery County.
Twenty years ago, concerned volunteers formed the KMCB Task Force to work with the County to develop beautification projects, anti-litter and recycling programs, and to educate and change citizen attitudes about littering and graffiti.
Nominations forms for this year’s competition will soon be available. For more information, see the website or call the Office of Community Outreach at 240-777-7155.
Friday, March 26, 2010New Carpool Cash Incentive Available from COGThe Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Commuter Connections program is sponsoring a pilot project called “Pool Rewards” to encourage commuters who drive alone to try carpooling. If eligible, drivers can earn $2 a day ($1 each way) for each day they carpool to work over a consecutive 90-day period. The maximum incentive for the 90-day trial period is $130 in exchange for providing information online about the new commute and completing surveys about the experience. This trial offer is only valid through March 31 to a limited number of commuters. For more information, visit the Commuter Connections website. The County’s Commuter Services program also offers ridesharing assistance to residents and commuters working in Montgomery County. Visit their website or call 240-773-2989. Wednesday, January 27, 2010For Next Two Weeks, Residents May Offer Comments on the Proposed Parkwood Drive SidewalkFor a limited time, the County Executive has reopened the public hearing record on the Division of Transportation Engineering’s proposed Parkwood Drive sidewalk project. Residents may submit their comments beginning Monday, February 1 until Monday February 15 at 5 p.m. Information and documents previously submitted for the public hearing conducted on August 25, 2009 will continue to be included in the official hearing record and do not need to be re-submitted.
The public record has been reopened to receive additional information from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and other interested parties. After the record is closed, the Hearing Officer will report his/her findings and recommendations to the County Executive for further consideration, as outlined by the County Code.
Written comments should be submitted to: Jan Melvin, Montgomery County Department of Transportation, Annual Sidewalk Program, 100 Edison Park Road, 4th Floor, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. For more information, contact Jan Melvin at
240-777-7271 or by e-mail.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009TRiPS Commuter Store Now Open in Friendship HeightsMontgomery County Commuter Services (MCCS) has a new TRiPS Commuter Store in Friendship Heights at 17 Wisconsin Circle that is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. TRiPS stands for “Transportation Resources, Information and Places to See.” The store provides regional transit fare media for visitors, residents and commuters along with trip planning information and resources to make getting to their destinations easier. Bus passes and tokens for Montgomery County’s Ride On buses can be purchased, as well as fare media for Metrobus and Metrorail, including the SmartTrip Card.The TRiPS Commuter Store staff promote environmentally friendly travel modes, including transit, car/vanpooling, biking, walking and car sharing at both the Friendship Heights and Silver Spring TRiPS stores. Staff also provide complimentary services to help Montgomery County employers and their employees beat traffic, save time and reduce expenses. Transportation marketing specialists are available to visit businesses and set up customized commuting benefits programs tailored to their needs. For more information, call Commuter Services at 240-773-TRiPS (8747) or 240-777-8380, go to the website or visit Montgomery County Commuter Services at 1110 Bonifant Street, Suite 400, Silver Spring. Thursday, August 27, 2009Commuters Now Have More Payment Options for Fare Media at MontgomeryCounty Commuter Stores and Rockville Transit Information CenterMontgomery County’s Silver Spring and Friendship Heights TRiPS Commuter Stores now offer commuters new payment options when adding value to their SmarTrip Cards or purchasing other transportation fare media. Commuters can use cash, or Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit or debit cards. In addition, checks will be accepted when purchasing other transportation fare media, such as bus passes, Metrorail farecards and SmarTrip cards.
Commuters can also exchange SmartBenefits vouchers for the following Metro and Ride On passes and cards:
Ride On’s Rockville Transit Information Center also accepts Master Card, Visa, checks and cash as methods of payment for purchasing fare media, or they can purchase or add value to SmarTrip Cards using MasterCard, Visa or cash.
Commuters are reminded that they can always add value to their SmarTrip card on any Ride On bus and at Metro stations, Giant Food stores and CVS pharmacies.
The Silver Spring TriPS Commuter Store is located at 8413 Ramsey Avenue. The Friendship Heights TriPS Commuter Store is at 17 Wisconsin Circle, Chevy Chase. The Rockville Transit Information Center is at 101 Monroe Street, 5th Floor. For more information, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/commute, or call Montgomery County Commuter Services at 240-777-8380or 240-773-8747.
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Ride On customers who purchase a 7-Day Bus Pass can now load the pass directly onto their SmarTrip® card. Bus passes on SmarTrip® are valid for seven consecutive days of unlimited travel, not only on Ride On, but also on Metrobus, ART, DASH, DC Circulator, CUE, Fairfax Connector and TheBus. 
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