Montgomery County’s Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service will be extended into Howard County along the US 29 corridor, according to MCDOT’s Go! Montgomery newsletter.
Four additional stations north of Burtonsville on US 29 will be built out starting this Spring and will offer frequent bus service during weekday rush hours. The partnership between Montgomery and Howard County will allow for faster, more convenient access to larger transit hubs such as Metro, Marc train and the future Purple Line.
This pilot program will be used to observe the service levels and demand needed to meet Howard County’s goals of fully implementing a BRT system in the county and region. If successful, a further extension to Long Gate in Ellicott City is possible, as well as BRT along other corridors in Howard County.
Per MCDOT: “The Flash BRT network consists of eight connected corridors that will unlock development potential and increase job access. Flash will allow for convenient access across Montgomery County with connections to wider transportation hubs such as Metro, Mark commuter rail service and the upcoming Purple Line light rail. Additionally, the project reduces greenhouse gas emissions removing up to 90 cars for each bus, and using zero emisson buses. With the same fare of other Ride On buses, $1, the Flash system is equitable, providing wide access to opportunity throughout the region.”