Montgomery County rolled out a new series of rapid transport buses called Flash buses in October 2020. In the past year, over half a million people have used these new buses, according to a press release by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT). Due to the success of the first test run, MCDOT is considering a more extensive network of Flash buses.
The Flash buses will run on a 14-mile route using preexisting roads (Columbia Pike/Colesville Road and Lockwood Drive). These 60+ foot-long buses are intended to improve the speed and efficiency of transportation. They hold up to 100 passengers per trip, have multiple boarding points, and also provide level boarding (steps are not necessary to get on). The routes that these buses take are also specially designed to improve efficiency.
The Flash buses are allowed to use shoulder lanes on about 40 percent of their routes to avoid traffic and thus decrease transit time. They can use shoulder lanes between Burtonsville near the Howard County line and New Hampshire Avenue in White Oak. Otherwise, they will drive with traffic the rest of the route.
Additionally, the Flash buses receive priority at certain intersections through “queue jumping.” The buses are given a designated lane prior to the intersection, and that lane’s light will turn green before the others, letting the Flash buses get ahead. The Washington Post states that the Flash will receive such priority at a total of 15 intersections.
The Flash is also working to accommodate as many people as possible, with short wait times and long hours. The MCDOT states that the Flash will have a bus coming every 7.5 minutes during rush hours, and 15 minutes during the rest of the day. It will also be running from 5:30am until midnight in order to be as accessible as possible.
These attributes make the Flash special. According to The Washington Post, these modifications have resulted in a 30 percent decrease in commute time.
This route was built in a majority-minority community to provide reliable transportation to those who need it. “This project will improve transit for low-income and minority populations, helping us reach our equity goals. The Flash will provide increased access to a robust jobs corridor and enhance the quality of life for many of our residents while providing another amenity to attract more businesses to open up in our County,” County Executive Mark Elrich said in a press release.
The MCDOT is planning on improving the current route by adding more designated lanes and vehicles.
In another press release MCDOT director Chris Conklin said, “I’m encouraged by the success the Flash has seen in its first year despite the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on transit services.” Encouraged by the success of the county’s first foray into bus rapid transport, MCDOT will continue planning and designing its next two Flash routes on Rockville Pike and Veirs Mill Road. In these newer iterations, the Department aims to designate even more lanes for the Flash.
Article by Kidus Waleign of Richard Montgomery High School
Photo courtesy of Montgomery County