A Commitment to Mobility

Accessible RIDE ON bus service is central to Montgomery County's commitment to provide mobility for all its residents. The service allows passengers who cannot use a conventional RIDE ON bus the ability to take public transit to go to work and travel around the County like other transit patrons. Accessible RIDE ON may be used by patrons who use a wheelchair, walker, or who otherwise need the assistance of a lift to board a RIDE ON bus.

Our Accessibility Plan is met

As of September 2004, Ride On fleet is 100% accessible.
Ride On timetables on the web, all trips are marked with a wheel chair symbol.

Using your Accessible RIDE ON Service

Before you ride, measure side to side!

When the bus arrives at your bus stop, the operator will lower the lift platform that you can board. If you have a personal assistant, that person may ride the lift with you. Once you are on the platform the operator will raise the lift. Be sure to lock the wheels of you mobility device when you are on the lift.

If you use a mobility device, it must fit on the lift. Lifts on most of the RIDE ON buses are 28.5 inches wide and 46 inches long and will safely support a maximum of 600 pounds. If you have any questions, you should check with the manufacturer of your device that it complies with the above specifications.

When the lift is at the level of the bus floor, the passenger using the mobility device must be able to maneuver between the farebox and a stanchion, down the aisle, and into the securement positions. The width of the aisle between the farebox and the stanchion is about 35 inches.

The quickest and easiest way to board the bus and maneuver on board is to back onto the lift, if feasible. Once you are on board there is limited room to turn around. This is especially important if the bus is full or when one of the securement positions is already occupied.

On most of the RIDE ON buses, the wheelchair positions are located in the first set of forward facing seats on both sides of the bus. The seats fold up to reveal the securement devices. The side facing seats in front of the forward facing seats also fold up to provide more space for maneuvering. The area providing the most room to maneuver is located on the left side as you face the front of the bus (the driver's side of the bus).

Play It Safe!

Your mobility device must be secured in order for you to use the bus safely. Your safety is the utmost importance to us, but it is up to you to fully understand the design of our bus and to determine whether your particular mobility device can maneuver on board, and be secured in one of the two positions. If you have a question as to whether or not your mobility device will fit on the lift, maneuver about the bus, and be secured safely, please let us know when you make arrangements for your trip.

Accessible RIDE ON buses have two securement positions for mobility devices. Each position is equipped with a rear wheel clamp, and one retractable securement belt on each side of the position. Each position is also equipped with a regular seatbelt.

All mobility devices should be secured by the rear wheel clamp on one side and the securement belt on the opposite side of the mobility device. If the rear wheels on your mobility device cannot be secured by the rear wheel clamp, the securement belts on both sides should be used. The securement belts should be secured onto a main structural member (frame) of the mobility device at approximately a 45 degree angle. Belts are mounted about 6 inches from the floor of the bus. We have tried to design the securement system so a large percentage of our patrons could operate it themselves. Our bus operators are available to assist in securing your mobility device.

Arranging your On-Call Trip?

As of September 2004, all Ride On buses are lift equipped, there is no need to call in advance for your trip

Catching the Bus and Making Your Trip

Passengers must board and alight only at designated RIDE ON bus stops. You should take it upon yourself to ensure that the stops at the beginning and end of your trip and at any transfer points are accessible. On the day of your trip you need to be at the bus stop several minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. The bus is on a regular schedule and cannot wait for any late arrival. If you miss the bus, another one may not be available on short notice.

Special Identification Cards

Special identification cards for persons with disabilities are issued by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). To apply for this card, call WMATA at 202-962-1245. This card is accepted on all RIDE ON buses.

Accessible RIDE ON Transit Information Center
240-777-5870 (Voice)
240-777-5869 (TDD)

or write to:

Accessible RIDE ON Transit Information Center
101 Monroe Street, 5th Floor
Rockville, MD 20850