For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Ahead of a severe winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service starting this Saturday afternoon into Sunday, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is encouraging residents to check the Montgomery County Snow Portal throughout the storm for storm response updates and any service adjustments for the Ride On bus system. MCDOT will treat and plow County roads during storms and will post information updates at the top of the page.
On the snow portal, residents can check the snow-removal status of County-maintained roads, view live traffic cameras for current road conditions, and submit requests to the County’s MC311 customer service center. Outside of MC311 operating hours, residents can call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000, to report fallen trees blocking the roadway and other non-emergency concerns. For active downed power lines, dial 911.
MCDOT typically plows County roads after approximately three inches of snowfall. Primary roads are plowed first, and once complete, residential roads are plowed. Plows are sometimes pulled back to primary roads during long periods of falling snow or freezing temperatures. Once the plowing operation is complete, plows are directed to treat any missed areas or roads that require additional treatment. Residents can request plow services after the operation is finished via the snow portal.
Ride On service level changes will also be posted at the top of the portal page, providing riders with status updates on local bus service. All County buses are zero-fare, and bus routes are plowed as primary routes.
In incidents of severe weather, Ride On may implement a system-wide reduced bus schedule change for the safety of riders and drivers and to keep streets clear for snow removal crews. Ride On may reduce service to a weekend schedule or, in extreme weather, an S schedule. All Ride On service changes are announced by 4 a.m., the day the plan will go into effect.
Ride On bus riders are encouraged to plan ahead and check for service adjustment announcements before their trips. Riders can use the Ride On Trip Planner app for individual bus arrival information.
Residents should also sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive emergency alerts regarding weather alerts and other emergency information. The Alert Montgomery System provides accurate and immediate emergency notifications from Montgomery County via text and email.
Advertisement
For the most up-to-date bus service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and YouTube. In addition, information is available at rideonbus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts or by texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 62463 to receive text alerts.
For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, including active weather response information, and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
# # #
Release ID: 26-010
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282
Read the original article at mcdot