For Immediate Release: July 26, 2016
Red Line Passengers Urged to Seek
Alternatives During SafeTrack Surges in
August: Surge #6 Begins August 1 and Will
Affect the Entire Red Line; Surge #7 Begins
August 9 with Greatest Impact at Shady Grove
and Rockville
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) first surges to affect the Red
Line begin next week: Surge #6 takes place August 1 through 7 and Surge #7 will be in effect
August 9 to 18. These surges, and especially Surge #6, are expected to cause major delays on the
entire Red Line -- the Metrorail system’s busiest line. Metro is urging commuters to find
alternatives, particularly during weekday, peak travel hours.
Note: During Surges 6 and 7, Montgomery County’s 311 Call Center is extending its hours to
assist commuters and will operate from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What is MCDOT Doing to Help Travelers?
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is assisting travelers during
SafeTrack as outlined below.
For Riders:
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MCDOT is extending peak-hour service on its free shuttles to 4 ½ hours in both the
morning and afternoon to encourage commuters to travel before 7 a.m. or after 9 a.m. and
before 4 p.m. or after 6 p.m.
For Surge #6: Provide free Ride On “Red Line Shuttles” between the Silver Spring,
Takoma and Fort Totten Metrorail stations and the Grosvenor--Strathmore, Medical
Center, Bethesda and Friendship Heights stations weekdays every 10 minutes from
5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. MCDOT is extending peak-hour service to 4
½ hours in both the morning and afternoon.
For Surge #7: Provide free Ride On “Red Line Shuttles” between the GrosvenorStrathmore station and Montgomery College via I-270 weekdays every 10 minutes
from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. MCDOT is extending peak-hour
service to 4 ½ hours in both the morning and afternoon.
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For Surge #7: Provide enhanced Ride On Route 46 bus service (which operates
between Montgomery College-Rockville and Medical Center), increasing frequency
between Grosvenor-Strathmore and Rockville via White Flint and Twinbrook stations to
every 10 minutes during peak travel times.
Work with the Maryland Transit Administration to provide more MARC train cars on
the Brunswick Line, sell tickets on some station platforms and provide tickets to
MCDOT to sell at its TRiPS store in Silver Spring, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5
p.m.
Provide commuter services assistance, including telework, alternate work schedules,
carpooling, vanpooling and use of car-sharing.
Post bike route “SafeTrack Detour” signs at station entrances to connect West
Hyattsville on the Green Line, with the Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and
Glenmont stations.
Co-sponsor “Learn the Route” free, guided bike rides in advance of each SafeTrack
surge.
Create an interactive map of Park and Ride Lot options.
Coordinate with Montgomery County Police to provide traffic control to improve
bus operations at the Silver Spring Transit Center and other key locations.
Offer free Bikeshare memberships, training and helmets to qualified, low income
residents through the MC Liberty program.
For Drivers:
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Monitor traffic flow and adjust traffic signals in areas most affected by SafeTrack to
improve bus operations and traffic flow.
Suspend MCDOT road repair projects along key commuter routes affected by surges.
Request that the Maryland State Highway Administration restrict lane closures and
construction projects along key routes affected by surges.
Prohibit metered parking along MD 355, MD 97 and US 29 corridors to improve bus
operations and traffic flow.
Educate Travelers:
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Provide Ride On staff at affected Metro stations to assist passengers, direct them to
shuttles and distribute information.
Hold “pop-up” events at Metrorail stations to educate passengers about upcoming
surges.
Post interior and exterior Ride On bus and bus shelter ads.
Display informational posters at all Transit Centers.
Use social and traditional media to communicate with customers and the public.
Promote the Fare Share commuter benefits matching program in Transportation
Management Districts and to major employers.
Critical Information About SafeTrack Surge
#6, August 1-7
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This Surge affects the second highest number of passengers of all WMATA surges.
Continuous single tracking between Takoma and Silver Spring will result in major
disruptions throughout the entire Red Line.
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The number of trains running between Glenmont and Silver Spring will be cut in
half; one quarter of the trains between Silver Spring and NoMa will be available;
and service between NoMa and Grosvenor-Strathmore will be cut by a quarter.
Anticipate significant Metrorail delays that could add an hour each way to
commutes.
Red Line passengers are urged to seek alternate transportation, telework or ride at
off-peak hours.
What to Expect on Metrorail During Surge #6
On weekdays
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Between Shady Grove and NoMa, Red Line trains will run every six minutes during peak
periods and every 12 minutes during midday and evenings.
Between Glenmont and Grosvenor-Strathmore, Red Line trains will run every 12
minutes.
After 10 p.m., trains will run every 15 minutes.
On weekends
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Train frequencies may vary.
Transportation Alternatives
Ride a Bus
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Take a free Ride On “Red Line Shuttle” between Silver Spring, Takoma and Fort
Totten Metrorail stations weekdays every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30
p.m. to 7 p.m. Connect to the Green/Yellow Line at Fort Totten. Look for shuttles at
the following locations:
o Silver Spring (southbound only): Colesville Road (between Wayne Avenue and
the Metrorail entrance)
o Takoma (northbound and southbound): Bus Bay A
o Fort Totten (northbound only): Alighting Bus Bay (left of main entrance)
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Take a free Ride On “Red Line Shuttle” between Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical
Center, Bethesda and Friendship Heights stations weekdays every 10 minutes from
5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Look for shuttles at the following locations:
o Grosvenor-Strathmore (southbound only) - Bay D
o Medical Center (southbound) - Bay D
o Medical Center (northbound) - Bay E
o Bethesda - Bay A
o Friendship Heights (northbound only) - Bay K
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Ride enhanced Metrobus service:
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Route 80 weekday peak service connecting downtown DC and Fort Totten
Route Y7 weekday peak service between Olney and Silver Spring
MetroExtra S9 limited stop service midday between Silver Spring and McPherson
Square
Check other bus options
o Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.
o Ride On
o Metrobus, such as Route 70 between Silver Spring, Gallery Place and Archives.
Ride the Metrorail Green/Yellow Line
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Use the Greenbelt, College Park or West Hyattsville stations (in addition to Fort Totten).
Drive, park and ride from a Green Line station. Check typical parking availability on
this map.
Take MARC Train
which will add extra rail cars.
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Try the Brunswick Line,which has stations in Rockville, Metropolitan Grove, Garrett
Park, Kensington, Silver Spring and Union Station (limited parking available near Garrett
Park and Kensington stations).
Connect with Ride On at many MARC stations. Enter station name here to view transit
options.
Buy MARC train tickets at the station or in advance:
o In Person:
 Use Quik-Trak ticket vending machines at some stations.
 On the platform from MARC staff at Rockville and Silver Spring during
peak travel times.
 Onboard with cash only; $20 denominations or less. (Note: MARC
charges a $5 surcharge for onboard purchases.)
o Online: www.mta.commuterdirect.com (Note: When purchasing a ticket, use
“Washington, DC” for Union Station.)
o Silver Spring TRiPS store at the Silver Spring Transit Center, Monday through
Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Explore Commuter Services Options
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View Montgomery County’s telework video and webinar or receive free, expert
consulting services from Montgomery County Commuter Services. Call 240-777-8380
or email.
Consider allowing employees to flex their time.
Consider signing up for the County’s FareShare program for employers that allows them to
buy-down the cost of transit or vanpooling for their employees. Contact Montgomery County
Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 or email.
Try Biking
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Ride to the West Hyattsville Green/Yellow Line station.
o Look for MCDOT’s bike route “SafeTrack Detour” signs that begin at station
entrances at the Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont
stations.
o Route distances along the Sligo Creek Trail, with local street connections, range
from about five miles betweenTakoma and West Hyattsville to 11.6 miles
between Glenmont and West Hyattsville.
Use the Georgetown Branch Trail between Silver Spring, Bethesda and Georgetown.
o This signed trail combines on-street travel with a gravel and paved path.
o Route distances are 5.7 miles between Silver Spring and Bethesda and 12.1 miles
between Silver Spring and Georgetown.
Use Capital Bikeshare.
o Access Capital Bikeshare in Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Friendship Heights,
Bethesda, Chevy Chase Lake, Rockville or Shady Grove. See full station map
online,
o Use a credit card for a $2 single trip fare, good for up to 30 minutes, or an $8
daily fare.
o Limited income residents can call Montgomery County Commuter Services at
240-777-8380 to learn about eligibility for a free, annual, Bikeshare membership.
Plan your ride by checking the Montgomery County Planning Department’s Level of
Traffic Stress map.
Join a “Learn the Route” free, guided ride, co-sponsored by Montgomery County
Commuter Services and led by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Call 240-7778380 or email for more information.
Consider Driving as a Last Resort
For those with limited choices, driving may be the best option, but expect more traffic
congestion than usual.
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Drive, park and ride. Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.
Check Commuter Connections for ride-sharing information or contact Montgomery
County Commuter Services for assistance at 240-773-8747.
Use a car share vehicle. Montgomery County offers Zipcars at some parking garages.
Critical Information About SafeTrack Surge
#7, August 9-18
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Red Line passengers are encouraged to avoid Shady Grove and Rockville stations.
Continuous single tracking between Shady Grove and Rockville means only onethird of the regular service will be available during peak hours.
Red Line passengers on the west side of the Red Line are urged to seek alternate
transportation, telework or ride at off-peak hours.
What to Expect on Metrorail During Surge #7
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Red Line trains will serve Shady Grove and Rockville every 18 minutes, rather than
every six minutes during peak periods.
Other Red Line trains will have nearly normal service.
Transportation Alternatives
Ride a Bus
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
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Take a free Ride On “Red Line Shuttle” between the Grosvenor-Strathmore and
Shady Grove stations via I-270 weekdays every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. MCDOT is extending peak-hour service to 4 ½ hours in both the
morning and afternoon.
Take the enhanced Ride On Route 46 bus. Ride On will increase bus frequency to
every 10 minutes during peak travel times between Grosvenor-Strathmore and Rockville
via White Flint and Twinbrook stations. Regular fares apply.
Check other bus options
o Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.
o Ride On
o Metrobus
Board Metrorail at Other Red Line Stations
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Board at Twinbrook, White Flint or Grosvenor rather than at Shady Grove or
Rockville
Parking is typically available at Twinbrook and White Flint. Check availability on this
map.
Take MARC Train,
which will add extra rail cars.



Try the Brunswick Line,which has stations in Rockville, Metropolitan Grove, Garrett
Park, Kensington, Silver Spring and Union Station (limited parking available near Garrett
Park and Kensington stations).
Connect with Ride On at many MARC stations. Enter station name here to view transit
options.
Buy MARC train tickets at the station or in advance:
o In Person:
 Use Quik-Trak ticket vending machines at some stations.
 On the platform from MARC staff at Rockville and Silver Spring during
peak travel times.
 Onboard with cash only; $20 denominations or less. (Note: MARC
charges a $5 surcharge for onboard purchases.)
o
o
Online: www.mta.commuterdirect.com (Note: When purchasing a ticket, use
“Washington, DC” for Union Station.)
Silver Spring TRiPS store at the Silver Spring Transit Center, Monday through
Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Explore Commuter Services Options


View Montgomery County’s telework video and webinar or receive free, expert
consulting services from Montgomery County Commuter Services. Call 240-777-8380
or email.
Consider allowing employees to flex their time.
Consider signing up for the County’s FareShare program for employers that allows them to buydown the cost of transit or vanpooling for their employees. Contact Montgomery County
Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 or email.
Try Biking



Use Capital Bikeshare.
o Access Capital Bikeshare in Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Friendship Heights,
Bethesda, Chevy Chase Lake, Rockville or Shady Grove. See full station map
online,
o Use a credit card for a $2 single trip fare, good for up to 30 minutes, or an $8
daily fare.
o Limited income residents can call Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 to learn
about eligibility for a free, annual, Bikeshare membership.
Plan your ride by checking the Montgomery County Planning Department’s Level of
Traffic Stress map.
Join a “Learn the Route” free, guided ride, co-sponsored by Montgomery County
Commuter Services and led by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Call 240-7778380 or email for more information.
Consider Driving as a Last Resort
For those with limited choices, driving may be the best option, but expect more congestion than
usual.



Drive, park and ride. Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.
Check Commuter Connections for ride-sharing information or contact Montgomery
County Commuter Services for assistance at 240-773-8747.
Try a car share vehicle. Montgomery County offers Zipcars at some parking garages.
To improve Metrorail safety and reliability, WMATA has accelerated its maintenance of
Metrorail to complete three years’ worth of work in one year. This effort is limiting service in
certain areas at scheduled times, which Metro is calling Safety Surges. Montgomery County will
be most affected by Surges 6, 7 and 10.
For more information, visit Montgomery County SafeTrack, Metro SafeTrack Surge #6, Metro
SafeTrack Surge #7 or Montgomery County Commuter Services.
Montgomery County’s 311 Call Center is extending its hours to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through
Friday from August 1 through 18. Call 311 from within the County, 240-777-0311 from outside
the County or use Maryland Relay Services. Online help from 311 is always available.
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Media Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-7155