Bus stops along the Montgomery County Ride On route now show real-time bus arrival information
Montgomery County Improves Public Transit with Real-Time Bus Arrival Displays
Montgomery County, Maryland, is enhancing its public transportation system by installing real-time bus arrival displays at 100 high-ridership bus stops and transit centers. The initiative, spearheaded by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), aims to provide up-to-date information and improve accessibility for riders.
The solar-powered digital displays, supplied by Connectpoint, use ePaper technology and feature audio and text-to-speech capabilities. As of mid-July 2025, approximately 50 screens have been installed, with ongoing installation planned to expand coverage across locations such as Bethesda, Germantown, Rockville, Shady Grove, Silver Spring, and Twinbrook.
The real-time information displays present bus arrival information with an audio readout and a text-to-speech button, addressing a common request among the ridership. These displays are designed to help riders better predict their travel times and be alerted to any issues that may affect their trip.
The MCDOT Division of Transit is currently implementing the screens, which are part of a broader plan to modernize public transit via the Ride On Reimagined initiative. This includes making Ride On buses zero fare, enhancing overall transit reliability, accessibility, and convenience. Future expansion includes installing more screens at additional bus shelters throughout 2025 and beyond.
MCDOT Director Chris Conklin stated, "These real-time information displays address a common request among the ridership, providing real-time information on bus wait times and system alerts." Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich added, "We are committed to building a reliable, accessible, and easy-to-use transportation system."
The Ride On Trip Planner app, released by MCDOT two years ago, has also been well-received by riders. More than two and a half million trips have been planned on the app since its release, and feedback from riders has been overwhelmingly positive. The app allows riders to plan their most efficient route across multiple modes of public transportation and access real-time Ride On bus arrival information.
The county hopes that more people will choose public transit as a result of these changes. With the installation of real-time bus arrival displays and the zero-fare policy, Montgomery County is making a significant effort to modernize and improve its public transportation system, making it more accessible and user-friendly for all residents.
[1] Montgomery County Department of Transportation. (2023). MCDOT Installs Real-Time Arrival Displays at High-Ridership Bus Stops. Retrieved from https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/mcdot/en/news/press_releases/2023/20230701_RideOnArrivalDisplays.html
[2] Montgomery County Department of Transportation. (2023). Ride On Trip Planner App Reaches Two Million Trips Planned. Retrieved from https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/mcdot/en/news/press_releases/2023/20230515_RideOnTripPlanner.html
[3] Montgomery County Department of Transportation. (2023). MCDOT Launches Zero-Fare Fare Policy for Ride On Buses. Retrieved from https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/mcdot/en/news/press_releases/2023/20230601_ZeroFareRideOn.html
[4] Connectpoint. (2023). Montgomery County Installs Connectpoint Falcon ePaper Displays for Real-Time Bus Arrival Information. Retrieved from https://www.connectpoint.com/news/montgomery-county-installs-connectpoint-falcon-epaper-displays-for-real-time-bus-arrival-information/
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