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NORTH BETHESDA EMPLOYEES:

You might think it's easier to just hop in your own car and go it alone. We are here to tell you that you can reduce your time, energy, stress, and cash outlay by finding an alternative to commuting solo. And we can help you-for free-in a wide variety of ways, such as:

FREE Matching Service for Ridesharing: we have a database full of commuters interested in sharing the ride to work. Whether your interest is carpooling or vanpooling, we can help!

Transit Itineraries: We can provide you with personalized bus and rail information for your commute to work..

Save Time - Save Money - Save your Sanity - Save the Earth!

 
  1. FREE MATCHING SERVICE FOR RIDESHARING

    2. We have a database of over 2,000 commuters who live and work throughout the North Bethesda area that have expressed an interest in sharing the ride to work. We can match you with other individuals who are interested in forming a carpool or expanding their current car or vanpool. Complete a Rideshare Form on-line or call us at 301-770-8108 for information.
     
  2. TRANSIT ITINERARIES

    3. The Metrobus, Metrorail and Ride-On system provide many choices for commuters. There are numerous bus routes that go in and out of North Bethesda, from early morning to late at night. With all the schedules at our fingertips, and lots of information that we have built up from years of experience, we can provide routing information and bus schedules regardless of where you live. The North Bethesda Transportation Center has information on MARC trains and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE). Just let us know how we can help you! Complete a Transit Request Form on-line or call us at 301-770-8108 for information.
     
  3. FREE GUARANTEED RIDE HOME PROGRAM

    4. This is another FREE service available to you, courtesy of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG). Many people hesitate to carpool or take public transportation to work because they are afraid of an emergency, illness or unscheduled overtime. The answer is simple: Commuters who carpool, vanpool, walk, ride a bike, or take public transportation to work at least two days per week should call us and register for this program. It provides very important peace of mind. Each participant can use the service up to four times a year. For information, call the North Bethesda Transportation Center at 301-770-8108 or e-mail us at info@nbtmd.org, or to register directly with Commuter Connections call 1-800-745-RIDE (7433).
     
  4. METROCHEK PROGRAM

    5. Did you know that your employer can provide YOU with up to $109 a month in commute to work benefits. That's right!! $109 worth of subsidies for riding the bus, train, metrorail or a qualified vanpool. It's called Metrochek and it can be used as a Metrorail farecard or it can be exchanged for other forms of fare media such as bus tokens or passes. Metrocheks can be exchanged by mail or at local transit stores. Call or e-mail the NBTC for a brochure and more information about getting a Metrochek program started in your office.

    In addition, Montgomery County has reintroduced the FARE SHARE Program. Participating employers will receive matching contributions for their employees commute to work benefits. That translates into HUGE savings for both.

    So Go Ahead!! Tell your boss about it!!


     
  5. STAGGERED WORK HOURS/COMPRESSED WORK WEEK

    6. Staggered work hours translates into an earlier or later start to your day. For example, rather than begin your workday during the traditional hours of 7:30am to 8:30am; you may consider beginning at 6:30am and complete your workday at 3:30pm. Or, if the early hours aren't appealing to you how about beginning at 9:30am and completing your day at 6:30pm.

    A compressed work week has even greater possibilities. If you work just one additional hour each day for 8 business days and on the 9th business day work an 8 hour day, you will have earned the 10th business day off. How? Do you ask. It's simple, by working just one additional hour for 8 days, you have worked the equivalent of one business day.

    Think about it; If employers offered either a staggered work schedule or compressed work week we would reduce traffic congestion significantly in the Washington area.
     

  6. TELECOMMUTING

    7. Eliminating a one, two or three hour daily commute even just one day a week adds to personal time and reduces air pollutants resulting in a cleaner environment. It can save commuters up to $1500 a year in gasoline as well.

    It can be fairly inexpensive to set up a home office. If you own your own computer equipment you may only need some software and a modem. Many companies provide employees with the extra equipment they need. In addition, or as an alternative, there may be a Telework Center near you. Currently, there are Telework Centers in Frederick, Hagerstown, Waldorf, and Manassas with others planned throughout the area.
     

  7. ON-SITE EMPLOYEE OUTREACH PROMOTIONS

    8. NBTC staff can visit your business to promote commute alternatives in creative ways. We come equipped with a host of information including bus schedules for Metro and Ride On, metrorail information, bike to work information and feature special prizes for everyone who visits our display. Our staff is very knowledgeable and can answer your questions about your specific commute to work needs. Call us and we can work with your employer to schedule a promotion for your office.
The following are other tools you can use to ease your commute:

HOV Lanes

Use of the clearly marked HOV lanes can result in a significant reduction in the length of time you spend on the road going to and from work. In Maryland, the HOV lanes run for 19 continuous miles northbound from the Capital Beltway (495) to MD 121 (Clarksburg exit), and for 12 miles southbound from I-370 to I-495.

I-270 has HOV-2 lanes, which means you only need one other passenger to qualify to use them.. Look for the special striping and diamond markings along the north and southbound left lanes, along with HOV-2 signs. The signs will tell you the time periods that HOV is in effect, usually 6-9 am and 3:30-6:30 pm. HOV is not in effect on weekends or on Maryland State holidays.
 

Rock Spring/Grosvenor Shuttle (RIDE ON 6)

This shuttle travels between the Grosvenor Metro station and the Rock Spring business park. The shuttle has convenient stops along its route, which includes the following streets: Democracy Lane, Fernwood Road, Rockledge and Rock Spring Drive, Old Georgetown Road and Tuckerman Lane. This bus is a rush hour shuttle, and runs every ten to twelve minutes in the morning from 6:40am. to 8:40 am, and again in the afternoon from 4:22pm. to 5:51 pm. Call the NBTC for a Ride On #6 shuttle schedule at (301) 770-8108.

Ride On Route 70 Express Bus Service:

Metrobus Route J9 Express Bus Service: