MD 355 Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

The MD 355 BRT will provide a new transit service with greater travel speed and frequency along the MD 355 corridor that will help:

• Enhance transit connectivity and integration with other travel modes and transit options.
• Improve bus speed and reliability.
• Address current and future bus ridership demands.
• Attract new riders and provide improved service for existing bus and transit riders.
• Support Master Planned growth and improve transit access to major employment and activity centers.
• Achieve Master Planned non-auto driver modal share.
• Provide a sustainable and cost-effective transit service.
• Improve safety.

Following the adoption of a preferred alternative in early 2022, MCDOT will continue to work, in coordination with key stakeholders, to finalize decisions related to::

• Engineering, including lane widths and other roadway and roadway-adjacent features
• Station locations
• Alignment details
• Service planning (route structure, frequencies, span of service, etc.)

Roadway conditions, capacity, and expansion constraints along MD 355 vary considerably. The proposed alternative includes one or two median-running dedicated BRT lane(s) where feasible. This includes two dedicated, median-running bus lanes between Rockville and North Bethesda, and a single, median-running BRT lane between Gaithersburg and Rockville. The MD 355 BRT is expected to operate in mixed traffic in other areas. However, further engineering and design will determine the locations where dedicated lanes are feasible.

The County does not anticipate large amounts of new parking at most BRT stations along MD 355. However, the County is studying where demand for parking will be highest and how best to accommodate that parking demand to support ridership.

The alternative fuel vehicle industry continues to expand and debut new transit vehicle options. The County already owns and operates standard-length all-electric buses and is exploring other options. MCDOT will continue to monitor developments in the industry and carefully consider the use of sustainable fuel sources for the MD 355 Flash BRT service once the project is closer to implementation.

A detailed cost estimate for the MD 355 BRT is being developed as part of the current phase of the project.

Delivery of the project is highly dependent on numerous factors including Council approval, available funding, approval and permitting processes, and construction speed

MCDOT anticipates that funding for the project will come from a combination of federal, state, and local sources. The County is exploring options for new sources of revenue.

MCDOT understands that the community relies on existing services, and that there is a need to serve areas where BRT cannot be built in the short term with high-quality services. MCDOT and its partners are planning for the MD 355 BRT concurrently with a variety of other projects. These projects will address other transit needs throughout the County with the MD 355 BRT in mind. They include:

• Ride On Reimagined
  The Ride On Reimagined Study is a comprehensive, forward-looking assessment of the bus network that will result in significant recommended changes to how transit operates in Montgomery County based on current and future needs, including the need to connect to future BRT corridors like MD 355.
• Corridor Forward
  The Corridor Forward Plan will produce a prioritized list of transit options and an implementation plan detailing the milestones and resources necessary for Montgomery County to provide transit to residents and workers in the I-270 corridor. Operating parallel to I-270, the MD 355 BRT will play an important role in supporting transit connections of residents and workers between destinations along the eastern side of I-270. The MD 355 BRT will be a critical link in the integrated network of transit services this study will identify to serve the I-270 corridor.
• I-270 Managed Lanes
  The I-270 Managed Lanes Study is evaluating alternatives that address the needs to accommodate existing and long-term traffic growth along the corridor, enhance trip reliability, expand travel options, accommodate homeland security, and improve the movement of goods and services. The MD 355 BRT’s ability to serve mobility needs adjacent to and along I-270 (the County’s busiest north-south corridor) will play an important role in addressing long-term growth and associated needs identified through this study in this part of the County.
• Other BRT Projects and Studies
  • New Hampshire Avenue BRT
  • North Bethesda BRT
  • Veirs Mill Road (MD 586) BRT

Since 2015, MCDOT has held regular meetings regarding the MD 355 BRT project with key stakeholder organizations including the Cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Maryland Department of Transportation, local Corridor Advisory Committees, and a variety of community-based organizations. MCDOT has also held multiple series of public open houses and dozens of pop-up events each year since 2015. MCDOT has reviewed and considered hundreds of public comments and survey responses regarding the MD 355 BRT.

There are several ways you can get involved! For more information, see our Get Involved page.