Metro News Release
For immediate release: December 13, 2007
Montgomery County to Expand Free Metrobus Rides to Seniors and People with Disabilities
Who says there’s no such thing as a free ride? Metrobus will offer just that to seniors and people with disabilities at all times in Montgomery County starting January 1.
The Metro Board approved the perk today. It begins January 1st and will save each passenger 60 cents a trip. Metro currently charges half the peak fare on bus and rail for seniors and people with disabilities who present a valid Metro disability or senior ID.
Montgomery County is picking up the $220,000 tab for the free rides program in fiscal year 2008. Metrobus operates about 30 routes in Montgomery County.
The initial free ride program in Montgomery County began in October 2006, with seniors and persons with disabilities riding free between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays. Montgomery County’s Ride On buses began the same program in July 2006.
All MetroAccess customers with a valid MetroAccess ID card and one companion are able to ride Metro, DC Circulator, Ride-On, Falls Church's "George," Fairfax County's Fairfax Connector, and the City of Fairfax's CUE Bus for free.
Metro also offers free orientations to teach people with disabilities how to use bus and rail, along with trip planning assistance.
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News release issued at 12:00 am, December 13, 2007.