"Free buses are popular and working here in Montgomery County," said At-Large Council Member Evan Glass."
"their parents worked multiple jobs, they didn't have a car, and they relied on our bus system, which was cost-prohibitive."
Montgomery County eliminated fares on its 385 RideOn buses at the end of June 2025 after finding post-pandemic fare collection too sparse to justify a $19 million farebox modernization. The system carries about 18 million trips per year. The fare elimination produced a slight overall ridership increase, continued success from a prior Kids Ride Free program that raised student ridership 57 percent, no observed increase in people using buses as shelter, and only a minimal effect on the county budget. Restoring fares after pandemic-era suspension proved difficult even at reduced rates.
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