Mission Statement

The mission of the Division of Transit Services is to provide an effective mix of public transportation services in Montgomery County.

Budget Overview

The total recommended FY26 Operating Budget for the Division of Transit Services is $211,045,285, an increase of $17,379,868 or 8.97 percent from the FY25 Approved Budget of $193,665,417. Personnel Costs comprise 59.10 percent of the budget for 899 full-time position(s) and nine part-time position(s), and a total of 922.86 FTEs. Total FTEs may include seasonal or temporary positions and may also reflect workforce charged to or from other departments or funds. Operating Expenses account for the remaining 40.90 percent of the FY26 budget.

Debt Service for general obligation bonds and other debt for the Mass Transit Fund is appropriated in the Debt Service Fund and is not displayed in this section. To pay for Debt Service in FY26, a transfer of funds from the Mass Transit Fund to the Debt Service Fund of $28,429,735 is required.

In addition, this department's Capital Improvements Program (CIP) requires Current Revenue funding.

County Priority Outcomes

While this program area supports all eight of the County Result Areas, the following are emphasized:

• Easier Commutes
• A Greener County
• Thriving Youth and Families

Program Performance Measures

Performance measures for this department are included below (where applicable), with multi-program measures displayed at the front of this section and program-specific measures shown with the relevant program. The FY25 estimates reflect funding based on the FY25 approved budget. The FY26 and FY27 figures are performance targets based on the FY26 recommended budget and funding for comparable service levels in FY27.

Initiatives

• Prioritize transit in Montgomery County by making Ride On bus service fare free. Zero-fare bus systems offer a significant advantage to public transportation by eliminating the cost of travel for passengers. This initiative aims to encourage the use of buses, reduce traffic congestion, and lower carbon emissions by promoting more eco-friendly commuting options. By removing fares, these programs make transportation more accessible to everyone, especially those with limited financial resources, while also supporting environmental and social goals.

• Create a more sustainable and equitable transit system for the County through the Ride On Reimagined Service and Implementation Plan. This comprehensive strategy was developed through over two years of meticulous research and planning, including a focus on the community's unique needs. The first year of the plan focuses on foundational improvements, such as upgrading infrastructure, enhancing existing routes, and introducing new services where there is the highest demand. In later years, the plan will expand service to increase accessibility and accommodate future growth.

• Transition to a zero-emission bus fleet to achieve the County's goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, as outlined in the Climate Action Plan. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation has developed a transition plan to develop concrete strategies for emission reduction, evaluate facility needs, determine appropriate fleet composition, and engage the community. By integrating innovative technologies and planning for necessary infrastructure, the County is not only addressing current environmental challenges but also setting a standard for future transit initiatives. This proactive approach demonstrates a dedication to creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all residents while contributing to global efforts against climate change.

• Expand Ride On service through the Great Seneca Transit Network, which will significantly enhance mobility and access to vital job sectors, particularly in healthcare, biotech, and education. The first phase of the network is operational and serves the Shady Grove corridor and the Life Sciences Center along I-370. Key features of the network include new and upgraded transit stations, dedicated bus and bike lanes, transit signal priority for efficiency, enhancements to transit centers, and improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.

Innovations and Productivity Improvements

• The County has added 26 battery electric buses as replacements for diesel-fueled buses in the Ride On bus fleet. An additional 86 electric buses are planned to be added to expand the fleet to 112 electric buses by the end of FY26.

Program Descriptions

  Transit Services

Public transit plays a vital role in maintaining the livability of Montgomery County's growing communities, easing commutes for County residents, and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. The Transit Services program provides Ride On fixed route bus service, the FLASH limited stop transit service, and the FLEX on demand zone-based service...

  Transit Services General Administration

The General Administration program provides executive direction and support functions for Transit Services programs that include Ride On operations and planning, human resources, information technology, budget/grant/fiscal management/procurement services, and special transportation programs to increase mobility and promote the economic growth and stability of the County. ...

  Community Mobility Services

The Community Mobility Services program provides a wide range of transportation-related services and options for County residents and commuters. The program includes components to inform people about services available, enabling them to make the best choices for their needs; programs to reduce the cost of using those options; and programs...