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 FY27 Operating Budget for the Division of Transit Services is $217,804,667, an increase of $7,009,382 or 3.33 percent from the FY26 Approved Budget of $210,795,285. Personnel Costs comprise 59.26 percent of the budget for 899 full-time position(s) and seven part-time position(s), and a total of 921.36 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 40.74 percent of the FY27 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 FY27, a transfer of funds from the Mass Transit Fund to the Debt Service Fund of $33,362,270 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 FY26 estimates reflect funding based on the FY26 approved budget. The FY27 and FY28 figures are performance targets based on the FY27 recommended budget and funding for comparable service levels in FY28.

Initiatives

• Advance the Ride On Reimagined Service and Implementation Plan, a long-range strategy shaped by extensive research and community input to create a more equitable and sustainable transit network. The plan's first year delivered foundational upgrades to infrastructure and existing routes, with continued expansion aimed at improving accessibility, increasing service availability, and supporting long-term mobility goals. In Fiscal Year 2027, implement all-day Flash Bus Rapid Transit service to the Burtonsville Park and Ride and expand Ride On Flex service to Poolesville, Damascus, and Olney as key elements of this systemwide transformation.

• Expand Ride On Flex service to include new zones in Poolesville and Damascus, adding to existing service areas in Rockville, Wheaton, and Olney. This growth supports the Ride On Reimagined effort to modernize mobility by offering on-demand, curb-to-curb microtransit that improves first-mile/last-mile access, reduces wait times, and better serves communities that lack convenient fixed-route options.

• Expand the County's zero-emission bus program by adding new zero-emission buses in FY27 and funding critical charging and facility infrastructure identified in the County's comprehensive transition plan. This plan outlines strategies for reducing fleet emissions, assessing infrastructure needs, determining optimal fleet composition, and engaging the community throughout the transition. By advancing cleaner technology and essential upgrades, the County supports the Climate Action Plan goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 and strengthens a more sustainable, resilient transit system.

• Enhance rider access and trip planning by expanding use of the Ride On Trip Planner, a real-time digital tool that provides step-by-step directions, route options, travel times, and service alerts across the network. Integrating GPS tracking and live data, the platform helps riders make informed decisions, reduce wait times, and navigate the system more efficiently. As part of the County's Intelligent Transit System strategy, the trip planner improves accessibility for all users-especially those less familiar with transit-by offering an intuitive experience on both desktop computers and mobile devices.

Innovations and Productivity Improvements

• E-paper transit display monitors installed through the Intelligent Transit System Capital Project provide an energy-efficient, modern way to deliver real-time arrival information, service alerts, and route updates across the Ride On network. Their clear, glare-free screens remain readable in all lighting conditions, enhancing the rider experience. With ultra-low power consumption and the ability to operate on solar energy, these displays reduce operating costs, support the County's climate goals, and offer flexible, low-maintenance installation options that strengthen smart transit infrastructure and improve system accessibility countywide.

• As part of its zero-emission fleet transition, the County has incorporated 82 battery-electric buses into the Ride On fleet and plans to add 22 more by the end of FY27 for a total of 104 electric buses. In addition, the County will receive its first 13 hydrogen fuel cell buses, introducing a complementary zero-emission technology designed to support longer-running routes where battery-electric buses are not yet practical. Hydrogen fuel cell buses offer faster refueling times and longer ranges, making them well-suited for service patterns that exceed current battery-electric capabilities and strengthening the County's ability to deliver reliable, zero-emission service across the full network.

Program Descriptions

  Transit Services

Public transit plays a vital role in maintaining the livability of Montgomery County's growing communities, easing commutes for Montgomery 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...

  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 Montgomery 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...