Montgomery County Encourages Residents to Try Alternate Modes of Transportation Ahead of Earth Day

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is encouraging residents to try public transportation ahead of Earth Day on Monday, April 22.

Per the news release: Swapping a car commute for a walk, bike or bus ride reduces harmful pollution and lessens traffic congestion and the engine idling that accompanies it. Making a switch, even occasionally, can make a difference. Every car on the road releases about a pound of carbon dioxide emissions with every mile driven. Public transportation saves the U.S. an estimated 37 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

“Small behavior changes can really add up to a large environmental impact,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We know that 42 percent of our County’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector, mostly from privately owned cars. The average car emits nearly five metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. The more people we can help take transit and leave their cars at home could have a huge impact on our air quality and our climate goals.”

While all bus service saves emissions over independent car travel, MCDOT is committing to a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. The department has 14 electric buses in operation currently and has a contract for the purchase of 100 additional electric vehicles over the next three years.

The County is developing green charging infrastructure to support these buses. In October 2022, the County unveiled its first solar-powered microgrid for bus charging at the Brookville Bus Depot in Silver Spring. The facility is able to charge up to 70 buses with solar power. At the time of its unveiling, Brookville was the nation’s largest solar charging facility for public transportation.

MCDOT received a 2023 Federal grant to purchase its first 13 hydrogen buses and a fueling station that will break ground in the next year. This project will be supported by the County’s second solar-powered microgrid at the Gaithersburg bus depot, which is starting construction this spring. This microgrid is slated to be even larger than Brookville.

“We have a flexible zero-emission plan that will allow us to take advantage of emerging zero-emission technology,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The new hydrogen buses we are planning for will allow coverage of some of our longer-range routes. We are planning to use those buses on the Veirs Mill Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor. Flash is our County’s branded BRT line that is being built to connect the County better. It has all the benefits of rail, with less cost. The Flash network will have a huge impact on the way we travel in Montgomery County.”

The first Flash corridor is already in operation on U.S. 29, Colesville Road/Old Columbia Pike, traveling between Downtown Silver Spring and Briggs Chaney, with stops as far north as Burtonsville during weekday rush hour periods. Flash BRT provides a higher frequency of service than typical bus schedules and amenities like USB charging, level boarding and pre-payment of fare for faster service.

For residents who do not live near the first Flash route, the County’s Ride On bus service operates 80 routes throughout the County. All County buses have a $1 fare, offer free wi-fi and allow bikes either onboard or mounted on bike racks on the front of the bus.

“With the weather becoming milder, it is easy and enjoyable to test out the public transit system around you,” said Director Conklin. “Walking, biking and public transit promote a healthier lifestyle and positive change for the environment. If you have faltered on your New Year’s resolution to be healthier, or just want to take it up a notch, spring is a great time to give alternate travel modes a try.”

MCDOT offers a free trip planning app, Ride On Trip Planner, that provides transportation planning across multiple bus agencies, Metro and Bikeshare and gives estimated travel times and costs.

Free consultant services on public transit options and savings programs are available by emailing the MCDOT Commuter Services office at [email protected] or calling 240-777-8380.

MCDOT is also participating in a free regional biking event, Bike to Work Day, on Friday, May 17. Morning pitstops are being set up around the region with music, food and giveaways to celebrate and encourage riding bikes. Registration is free and open to all.

For more information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.