Ride On will launch a new, limited stop, higher-speed bus service in October on Route 355.
The new service, called Ride On extRa, will run every 10 minutes from 5:30-9:30 a.m. and 3:30-7:30 p.m., with 12 stops between the Medical Center Metro station in Bethesda and the Lakeforest Transit Center in Gaithersburg.
At Ride On extRa bus stops, passengers will be able to connect to Metro’s Red Line, 15 Metrobus routes, MARC’s Brunswick Line, MTA’s Commuter Bus service, and 42 Ride On routes. Stops serving Rockville include the Shady Grove Metro station, Montgomery College, the Rockville Metro station, Edmonston Drive and Halpine Road.
Ride On extRa buses will operate 30-40 percent quicker than local buses due to the limited stops and the use of Transit Signal Priority, which will detect the buses as they approach select intersections and hold signals green to allow buses to pass through. The buses will have Wi-Fi and USB charging outlets.
“Maryland Route 355 is one of the most heavily used corridors in Montgomery County, so while we continue to plan for Bus Rapid Transit on this roadway, the new Ride On extRa service will move people more quickly in modern, sleek vehicles with enhanced amenities,” said Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett. “Giving travelers more options can reduce the number of cars on this highly congested thoroughfare and ease the commute for the remaining drivers.”
County transportation department staff outlined the new service during the Mayor and Council’s June 12 meeting. Learn more and find video of the presentation at www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter.