Transit
Free buses, delayed BRT, and on-demand experiments
FY2026 budget: $218M
Ride On at a glance
Montgomery County operates one of the most heavily ridden suburban bus systems in the country, with ~19.6 million rides in 2025 across approximately 400 buses on 80 routes. The Mass Transit Fund / Transit Services operating budget grew from $112.3 million in FY2018 to $211 million in FY2026 and ~$218 million in FY2027.
Flash BRT: 13 years from concept to first line
Ride On Flash launched October 14, 2020 on the US 29 corridor — roughly 13 years after then-Council Member Marc Elrich first proposed BRT in 2007. The 14-mile route cost approximately $31 million ($2.2 million/mile). It carries approximately 4,000 riders daily. Dedicated bus lanes exist on only the northern 40% of the route; the southern section operates in mixed traffic. FY27 continues Flash expansion funding (including all-day Burtonsville Flash service planning).
FLEX microtransit
Ride On FLEX, launched June 2019, uses Via's technology to provide app-based rides in small geographic zones. Existing zones operate with limited vehicles and hours. FY27 funds expansion to Poolesville and Damascus. A 2020 MWCOG assessment noted that microtransit "may be cost neutral and not result in cost savings." Montgomery County still does not publicly report FLEX's cost per ride — it is embedded within the Mass Transit Fund.
Zero-fare policy
On June 29, 2025, all Ride On services became fare-free; FY27 continues $0 fare revenue. Fare revenue had already collapsed from approximately $10 million annually to $1.6 million. New fare equipment would have cost $19–$22 million. Critics note an equity problem: Ride On is free while Metrobus within the county costs $2.25, and Metrobus routes disproportionately serve areas with higher BIPOC populations.