The “Better Buses campaign” to redesign and reimagine the county’s Ride-On system was launched on December 10, 2020. Here’s the video .
But why do we want to redesign and reimagine our Ride-on system? Below are some short answers, for more information visit Montgomery-Better-Buses-Platform:
Background: Montgomery County’s Ride On system is the largest suburban transportation system in the United States, with an average daily ridership of 85,000 and over 80 routes. The system has not been comprehensively redesigned in over 20 years, but a lot has changed about where and how people live and work. For example, our population has grown 50% in the past 30 years.
Equity: Bus riders in Montgomery County are overwhelmingly lower income, without a car, have limited English proficiency, and nearly 80% are people of color. Almost half of riders have an annual household income under $30,000. Transportation is crucial to escaping poverty.
Why go fare-free? Free service can attract new riders, including students, seniors (the fastest growing segment of our population), and people with disabilities. The launch in July 2019 of the Kids Ride Free program was a huge success, creating a 57% increase in student ridership in only six months!! Also given the demographics of who uses Ride-On most, going fare free will give riders a few extra dollars for rent, food, and other purchases that will immediately boost our local economy.
In summation, with more people riding buses, we’ll have fewer cars on the road. Let’s make buses the backbone of our transportation system, the mode of choice & fare-free! This benefits everyone!!
