Flash FAQs
Montgomery County’s Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service will be extended into Howard County along the US 29 corridor in 2026. This pilot program will be used to observe the service levels and demand needed to meet the County's goals of fully implementing a BRT system in Howard County and the region. If successful, a further extension to Long Gate in Ellicott City is possible, as well as BRT along other corridors in Howard County.
As we work toward implementation, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their corresponding answers below. Additional information on the project can be found HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the Flash stations be located and how were they chosen?
This project is guided by multiple transit planning studies which have evaluated and tested multiple scenarios for this type of service in Howard County and the region. Federal funding received by both Montgomery and Howard Counties provided the opportunity to extend Montgomery County's existing service along the US 29 corridor north into Howard County. The extension is designed to provide access to and from three of the County's existing employment centers along the US 29 corridor:
1. Maple Lawn Commercial District
2. Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU APL)
3. Downtown Columbia
Maple Lawn was developed in Fulton by locating shopping/retail, work, and other amenities all within walking distance. Strategically located between Baltimore and Washington, DC, the development has grown to be a regional draw encompassing over 600 acres and 1,340 homes planned. Multiple transit stops were designated in the original development plans.
JHU APL is the County's largest employer and is located between Maple Lawn and Downtown Columbia.
Downtown Columbia is guided by the Downtown Columbia Plan, calling for its revitalization and redevelopment through specific land use, transportation, environmental, community conversation, and housing policies, including transit. It is currently served by both the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA) and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), offering connections to other transit systems.
How much will it cost to ride Flash?
For those boarding in Howard County, the Flash service will be FREE during the pilot period.
For those boarding in Montgomery County, please reference the Montgomery County Flash website for more information.
What are the hours of service for operation?
During the pilot period, the service will run at "peak" periods of travel in the morning and evening. Building on the existing service, the extension’s service will operate weekdays only from 5:00-9:30 am and 3:30-8:00 pm.
Further service enhancements including more service hours or all-day service will be based on demand during the pilot period and future funding availability.
Won't this service bring more traffic?
This service is designed to reduce traffic by offering a transit option to reduce Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOVs) usage on the road network. The roadways that the vehicles will travel have been designed for transit usage.
How will roadway safety be addressed in the project?
Safety is a core component of Howard County's transportation planning and is being incorporated throughout the planning and design process for the Flash extension.
The project team, which includes the Office of Transportation and Department of Public Works, will coordinate with the Howard County Public School System transportation team to review school walking routes and crosswalks along the proposed transit route for potential improvements.
In addition to more the more specific actions being taken during the planning and design process, Howard County generally focuses on safety through other means like the implementation of the Strategic Roadway Safety Plan (2020) and its newly adopted Neighborhood Traffic Calming Policy (2024). Through the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Policy, we will be able to address safety concerns, especially in areas like Maple Lawn, sooner than if the project was not advancing to design and construction.
What are additional benefits I can take advantage of when riding Flash?
Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) is a free commuter insurance program for commuters who use alternative modes of transportation within the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas at least two* times a week. The program offers up to SIX free rides home per year to those who take transit, bike, walk, carpool, or vanpool in times when their usual transportation options are limited (e.g. illness, unscheduled overtime).
*Due to many employees not commuting as before, Commuter Connections is currently waiving the two days per week requirement.
incenTrip
incenTrip is a mobile app that connects users with multi-modal transportation options and rewards responsible commute trips with points that can be exchanged for cash rewards.
Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download the incenTrip App and start earning today.
* Maryland is covered by two incenTrip programs: MDOT and Commuter Connections. Program eligibility is determined by your work location. The information on this website is for the MDOT program. Commuters who work in Washington, DC or in Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties should visit the Commuter Connections website for information about their rewards program.
Tax Benefits
Both the federal and Maryland state governments offer tax benefits for alternative commute options.
Where will the Downtown Columbia stations be located?
The Flash Bus Rapid Transit stations in Downtown Columbia are being finalized during the planning and preliminary design process, but will ultimately be divided into two phases.
The Phase 1 station is proposed to be located at one of the following sites:
- The Mall in Columbia (near Lidl)
- Current MTA Commuter Bus Stop along Ring Road at The Mall in Columbia
- Little Patuxent Parkway near Merriweather Row
- Broken Land Parkway near Town Center Avenue
The Phase 2 station is proposed to be located within in the Merriweather District near the current RTA stop.
Where can I go on this service?
In addition to connecting Downtown Columbia, JHU APL, and Maple Lawn to each other, the route continues south from Burtonsville to the Silver Spring Transit Center which includes connections to multiple transit systems.
Downtown Columbia riders will be able to connect to the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA) for destinations in Anne Arundel, Howard, and Prince George's Counties and the City of Laurel, as well as the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Commuter Buses.