View source for Flash BRT

{{Short description|Bus rapid transit network in Montgomery County, Maryland, US}}
{{Infobox public transit
| box_width                   = auto
| name                        = Flash BRT
| image                       = Flash BRT Logo.svg
| owner                       = [[Ride On (bus)|Ride On]]
| locale                      = [[Montgomery County, Maryland]]
| transit_type                = [[Bus rapid transit]]
| lines                       = 1 operational<br/>2 under development
| stations                    = 12 (operational)<br/>~45 (overall)
| annual_ridership            =
| chief_executive             = 
| headquarters                = [[Rockville, Maryland]]
| website                     = http://www.ridetheflash.com
| began_operation             = October 14, 2020<br/>(U.S. 29 only)
| operation_will_start        = 
| ended_operation             =
| operator                    = Ride On
| vehicles                    = 16 [[Nova Bus]] [[Nova Bus LFS|LFS articulated]]
| system_length               = {{convert|14|mi|km|abbr=on}} on U.S. 29<ref name = "Launch">{{Cite news |last=Pascale |first=Jordan |title=Montgomery County Launches A New Rapid Bus Service This Week |url=https://www.npr.org/local/305/2020/10/13/923246519/montgomery-county-launches-a-new-rapid-bus-service-this-week |date=2020-10-13 |work=WAMU 88.5 |location=Washington, DC}}</ref>
| average_speed               = <!-- {{convert|0|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} -->
| top_speed                   = <!-- {{convert|0|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} -->
| map                         = {{Flash BRT}}
| map_state                   = collapsed
| map_name                    =
| ridership                   =
| osm_id                      =
}}

'''Flash BRT''' is a [[bus rapid transit]] network in [[Montgomery County, Maryland]] with one operational line and two more under development.<ref name = "Launch"/> When complete, the network will run along [[U.S. Route 29 in Maryland|U.S. 29]] from [[Silver Spring, Maryland|Silver Spring]] to [[Burtonsville, Maryland|Burtonsville]], [[Maryland Route 355]] from [[Bethesda, Maryland|Bethesda]] to [[Clarksburg, Maryland|Clarksburg]], and [[Maryland Route 586]] from [[Wheaton, Maryland|Wheaton]] to [[Rockville, Maryland|Rockville]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ridetheflash.com/planned-routes/|title=WHERE WILL IT BE?|date=2016-10-30|website=Ride the FLASH|access-date=2019-08-02|archive-date=2019-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802221543/https://www.ridetheflash.com/planned-routes/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The '''Burtonsville–Greencastle Express Line''', designated '''Route Z11''', was a weekday peak-hour bus route operated by the [[Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]] between [[Silver Spring station (Maryland)|Silver Spring station]] of the [[Red Line (Washington Metro)|Red Line]] of the [[Washington Metro]] and Burtonsville Crossing Park & Ride Lot in [[Burtonsville, Maryland]]. The line operated every 10–25 minutes during the weekday peak hours in the peak direction only. Route Z11 trips are roughly 50 minutes long. The line was suspended on March 18, 2020 due to the [[COVID-19]] pandemic and was replaced by Flash BRT in October 2020.

== Route ==
=== U.S. Route 29 ===
The service runs from the Silver Spring Metrorail station along [[U.S. Route 29 in Maryland|U.S. 29]], before ending at the Burtonsville Park and Ride. Buses drive along the shoulder at the northern end of the route, with the remainder of the service using mixed-traffic roadways. Buses also receive [[Bus priority|signal priority]] at some intersections.<ref name = "Launch"/> Howard County has also studied the possibility of extending the BRT line from Burtonsville to [[Maryland Route 99]] in [[Ellicott City, Maryland|Ellicott City]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.howardcountymd.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=d7DOB9h5TvU%3d&portalid=0 |title=Info|website=/www.howardcountymd.gov|access-date=2020-11-18}}</ref> The line opened on October 14, 2020 replacing route 129.<ref name="Try">{{cite web |last1=Lazo |first1=Luz |title=The D.C. region’s most ambitious try at bus rapid transit is coming to Montgomery County |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/the-dc-regions-most-ambitious-try-at-bus-rapid-transit-is-coming-to-montgomery-county/2020/10/01/845edbbc-01c3-11eb-b7ed-141dd88560ea_story.html |website=The Washington Post |access-date=1 October 2020}}</ref>

=== Maryland Route 355 ===
Once complete, this line will begin at Bethesda Station and run along MD 355 through the cities of Rockville and Gaithersburg before terminating at the Clarksburg Outlets shopping mall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ridetheflash.com/md355/|title=Bus Rapid Transit On MD 355 {{!}} Get On Board BRT|date=2019-06-26|website=Ride the FLASH|access-date=2019-08-03|archive-date=2019-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802221607/https://www.ridetheflash.com/md355/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Maryland Route 586 ===
Currently in the preliminary design phase, this line will run from Wheaton station to Rockville station and connect to the MD 355 line. The initial plan includes 11 stations, with a possible future extension to Montgomery College along that portion of the MD 355 line's route.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ridetheflash.com/veirs-mill/|title=FLASH on Veirs Mill|date=2017-08-14|website=Ride the FLASH|access-date=2019-08-03|archive-date=2019-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802221708/https://www.ridetheflash.com/veirs-mill/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Former Z11 route===
Route Z11 operated during the weekday peak-hours between [[Silver Spring station (Maryland)|Silver Spring station]] and Burtonsville Crossing Park & Ride Lot via Briggs Chaney Park & Ride Lot, Castle Boulevard, and Greencastle Park & Ride Lot via [[U.S. Route 29 in Maryland|Columbia Pike]], Castle Boulevard, Colesville Road, Briggs Chaney Road, Ballinger Drive, and Greencastle Road. The Z11 was an express route to supplement routes [[Calverton–Westfarm Line|Z6]] and [[Fairland Line|Z8]] during the weekday peak-hours operating express along Columbia Pike while routes Z6 and Z8 operate in [[Calverton, Maryland|Calverton]] (Z6) and Old Columbia Pike (Z8). The route was suspended during WMATA's reduced service as response to the [[COVID-19]] pandemic on March 18, 2020<ref>{{cite web |title=METRO SERVICE LEVELS & HOURS FURTHER REDUCED TO SUPPORT ESSENTIAL TRIPS ONLY, STARTING WEDNESDAY {{!}} WMATA |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/METRO-SERVICE-FURTHER-REDUCED-TO-SUPPORT-ESSENTIAL-TRIPS-ONLY.cfm |website=www.wmata.com |access-date=15 January 2021}}</ref> and did not return on August 23, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Metrobus Service Changes beginning August 23 {{!}} WMATA |url=https://www.wmata.com/service/status/details/proposed-august-2020-metrobus-service-changes.cfm |website=www.wmata.com |access-date=15 January 2021}}</ref> Route Z11 operated out of Montgomery division prior to the suspension.

Restrictions for route Z11 went as follows:

* '''Southbound:''' Customers may not get on or off between Briggs Chaney Road & Castle Boulevard and Colesville Road & Spring Street except at Oak Leaf Drive and Prelude Drive. AM trips do not stop at University Blvd.
* '''Northbound:''' Customers may not get on or off between Colesville Road & Spring Street and Briggs Chaney Road & Outlet Drive, except at Prelude Drive & Oak Leaf Drive, but can get on and off at University Boulevard.

==Buses==
[[File:Montgomery County Transit Ride On Nova Bus LFAS.jpg|thumb|Flash BRT bus]]
The Montgomery Country Department of Transportation purchased 16 [[Nova Bus LFS]] articulated buses for the U.S. 29 line. These buses can fit up to 80 passengers and feature level boarding, onboard bike racks, and an automatic wheelchair securement system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diegel |first=Mike |date=2020-10-15 |title=County DOT Launches Flash Bus Rapid Transit Service |url=https://www.sourceofthespring.com/montgomery-county/county-dot-launches-flash-bus-rapid-transit-service/ |access-date=2020-10-17 |website=Source of the Spring |location=Silver Spring, MD}}</ref> The buses are also equipped with a pedestrian sensor, which alerts the driver when people are passing in front of the bus. As with other Ride On buses, each bus also features a WiFi hotspot. Passengers can board or exit the bus through any of its three doors.

== Stations ==
[[File:FLASH Four Corners Station.jpg|thumb|Four Corners station]]
There are approximately 45 stations proposed across the network, with 12 stations currently operating. Each station includes a large canopy, a seating area, and a fare payment machine that accepts [[SmarTrip]] cards along with traditional forms of payment.<ref name="Try"/> Stations are also equipped with a [[passenger information system]] to let passengers know when the next bus is coming and a blue pylon mounted above the canopy that flashes when a bus is about to arrive.

=== U.S. Route 29===
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="font-size: 95%;"
|-
! Station Name !! Location !! Connections !! Facilities 
|-
| '''[[Silver Spring station (Maryland)|Silver Spring]]'''|| Bus Bay 229<br/>8400 Colesville Road<br/>[[Silver Spring, Maryland|Silver Spring, MD]] 20910 ||{{WMATA icon|Red|showtext=yes}} '''[[Washington Metro|Washington Metro Red Line]]'''<br/>{{Rint|Baltimore|MARC|size=40}} '''[[MARC Train]]''': [[Brunswick Line]]<br>'''[[Purple Line (Maryland)|Purple Line]]''' (future)<br/>{{bus icon}} [[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]: [[Georgia Avenue-7th Street Line|70]], [[Georgia Avenue Limited Line|79]], [[New Carrollton-Silver Spring Line|F4]], [[Bethesda–Silver Spring Line|J1, J2]], [[College Park-Bethesda MetroExtra Line|J4]], [[Veirs Mill Road Line|Q1, Q2, Q4]], [[16th Street Line|S2]], [[16th Street Limited Line|S9]], [[Georgia Avenue–Maryland Line|Y2, Y7, Y8]], [[Colesville–Ashton Line|Z2]], [[Calverton–Westfarm Line|Z6]], [[Laurel–Burtonsville Express Line|Z7]], [[Fairland Line|Z8]], [[Burtonsville-Greencastle Express Line|Z11]]<br>{{bus icon}} [[Ride On (bus)|Ride On]]: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 28<br>{{bus icon}} [[MTA Maryland Bus]]: 915, 929<br>{{bus icon}} [[Shuttle-UM]]: 111<br>{{bus icon|12px}} [[Peter Pan Bus Lines|Peter Pan Bus]]|| Transit center (existing)<br/>{{bike icon}} [[Capital Bikeshare]]
|-
| '''Fenton Street''' || Colesville Road & Fenton Street<br/>[[Silver Spring, Maryland|Silver Spring, MD]] 20910 || {{bus icon}} '''[[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]''': F4, Z2, Z6, Z7, Z8, Z11<br/>{{bus icon}} '''[[Ride On (bus)|Ride On]]''': 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 28<br>{{bus icon}} '''[[MTA Maryland Bus]]''': 305, 315, 325 || {{bike icon}} [[Capital Bikeshare]]
|-
| '''Four Corners''' || Northbound: Colesville Road & Lanark Way<br/>Southbound: Colesville Road & University Boulevard<br/>[[Silver Spring, Maryland|Silver Spring, MD]] 20901 || {{bus icon}} '''[[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]''': [[Greenbelt-Twinbrook Line|C2, C4]], Z2, Z6, Z8<br/>{{bus icon}} '''[[Ride On (bus)|Ride On]]''': 9, 19, 21||
|-
| '''Burnt Mills''' || Burnt Mills Shopping Center<br/>[[Silver Spring, Maryland|Silver Spring, MD]] 20901 || {{bus icon}} '''[[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]''': Z2, Z6, Z8, Z11<br/>{{bus icon}} '''[[Ride On (bus)|Ride On]]''': 21, 22|| {{bike icon}} [[Capital Bikeshare]]
|-
| '''Oak Leaf Drive''' || Northbound: Lockwood Drive & Northwest Drive<br/>Southbound: Lockwood Drive & Oak Leaf Drive<br/>[[Silver Spring, Maryland|Silver Spring, MD]] 20901 || {{bus icon}} '''[[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]''': Z2, Z6, Z8|| {{bike icon}} [[Capital Bikeshare]]
|-
| '''FDA''' ||Northwest Loop Road<br/>[[White Oak, Maryland|White Oak, MD]] 20903|| {{bus icon}} '''[[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]''': C8, [[New Hampshire Avenue-Maryland Limited Line|K9]]<br/>{{bus icon}} '''[[MTA Maryland bus service|MTA Maryland Bus]]''': 203, 204||
|-
| '''White Oak Transit Center''' || Lockwood Drive north of New Hampshire Avenue<br/>[[White Oak, Maryland|White Oak, MD]] 20904 || {{bus icon}} '''[[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]''': [[College Park-White Flint Line|C8]], [[New Hampshire Avenue-Maryland Line|K6]], Z6, Z8<br/>{{bus icon}} '''[[Ride On (bus)|Ride On]]''': 10 || {{bike icon}} [[Capital Bikeshare]]
|-
| '''April Lane''' || Stewart Lane & April Lane<br/>[[White Oak, Maryland|White Oak, MD]] 20904 || {{bus icon}} '''[[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]''': Z6, Z8<br/>{{bus icon}} '''[[Ride On (bus)|Ride On]]''': 10 || {{bike icon}} [[Capital Bikeshare]]
|-
| '''Tech Road''' || Columbia Pike & Tech Road<br/>[[Silver Spring, Maryland|Silver Spring, MD]] 20904 || {{bus icon}} '''[[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]''': Z6, Z7, Z8<br/>{{bus icon}} '''[[Ride On (bus)|Ride On]]''': 10 || 130 parking spaces
|-
| '''Castle Boulevard''' || Castle Boulevard & Castle Ridge Circle<br/>[[Silver Spring, Maryland|Silver Spring, MD]] 20904 || {{bus icon}} '''[[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]''': Z6, Z8, Z11 || {{bike icon}} [[Capital Bikeshare]]
|-
| '''Briggs Chaney''' || Gateshed Manor Way & Briggs Chaney Road<br/>[[Silver Spring, Maryland|Silver Spring, MD]] 20904 ||  {{bus icon}} '''[[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]''': Z6, Z8, Z11<br/>{{bus icon}} '''[[Ride On (bus)|Ride On]]''': 21, 39|| {{bike icon}} [[Capital Bikeshare]]<br/>240 parking spaces<br/>Public restrooms
|-
| '''Burtonsville''' || National Drive & US 29<br/>[[Burtonsville, Maryland|Burtonsville, MD]] 20866 ||  {{bus icon}} '''[[Metrobus (Washington, D.C.)|Metrobus]]''': Z6, Z7, Z11<br>{{bus icon}} '''[[MTA Maryland Bus]]''': 201, 202, 203, 305, 315|| Bus loop/drop off<br/>500 parking spaces
|}

==History==
The line was created in 1978 when [[Silver Spring station (Maryland)|Silver Spring station]] opened as the '''Greencastle-Briggs Chaney Express Line''' in order to provide express service from Silver Spring to [[Fairland, Maryland|Fairland]]. Routes Z11 and Z13 will operate between Silver Spring and the Greencastle Park & Ride Lot via [[U.S. Route 29 in Maryland|Columbia Pike]], Castle Boulevard, Colesville Road, Briggs Chaney Road,, and Greencastle Road.

Main differences for routes Z11 and Z13 was route Z11 would serve Briggs Chaney Park & Ride, while route Z13 would skip the Briggs Chaney Park & Ride and run along Ballinger Drive, Wexhall Drive, and Greencastle Road while route Z13 skips both the Briggs Chaney Park & Ride and #14000 Castle Boulevard and remains on Ballinger Drive and turn onto Greencastle Road instead.

===2015 Changes===
When the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center at [[Silver Spring station (Maryland)|Silver Spring station]] opened, routes Z11 and Z13 were rerouted from its terminus along Wayne Avenue to the new transit center. The Z11, and Z13 were assigned to Bus Bay 108 on level 1.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Goldchain |first1=Michelle |title=Finally, The Silver Spring Transit Center Makes Its Debut |url=https://dc.curbed.com/2015/9/21/9919280/silver-spring-transit-center |website=Curbed DC |accessdate=27 June 2020 |language=en |date=21 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring |url=https://www.wmata.com/service/status/details/Paul-Sarbanes-Transit-Center.cfm |website=www.wmata.com |accessdate=27 June 2020}}</ref>

===2015 Proposed Changes===
In 2015, WMATA proposed to combine [[Laurel–Burtonsville Express Line|routes Z9]] and Z11 into one route to form a new route Z11. The Z11 would discontinue service along Columbia Pike and instead operate along Old Columbia Pike. Also, the route would be extended to the [[Burtonsville, Maryland|Burtonsville]] Crossing Park & Ride Lot via Columbia Pike. This would simplify the express bus along
Columbia Pike and the route changes were recommended by the Z Line Metrobus Study from 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=Z11, Z13 Greencastle-Briggs Chaney Express Line |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/public-hearings/upload/MD-PDF-Maps-Translations.pdf |website=www.wmata.com |accessdate=27 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Belt |first1=Deb |title=Share Your Thoughts on Metro's Z Line Corridor Services |url=https://patch.com/maryland/silverspring/share-your-thoughts-metros-z-line-corridor-services |website=Silver Spring, MD Patch |accessdate=27 June 2020 |language=en |date=26 August 2014}}</ref>

===2016 Changes===
On March 27, 2016, route Z11 was extended to the [[Burtonsville, Maryland|Burtonsville]] Crossing Park & Ride Lot via Blackburn Road in order to replace routes Z9 and Z29 which were renamed to [[Laurel–Burtonsville Express Line|routes Z7]]. Route Z11 will operate every 10–15 minutes during the weekday peak-hours with the final trips operating every 20–30 minutes. There were no changes to bus stop locations along Columbia Pike between White Oak and Silver Spring. Buses were also reassigned to Bus Bay 115 on the level 1 at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in [[Silver Spring station (Maryland)|Silver Spring station]].<ref name="March 27, 2016">{{cite web|url=https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=6088|title=Metrobus adds Sunday service to Greenbelt, extends Metroway as part of service changes effective March 27|website=www.wmata.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329013740/https://www.wmata.com/about/news/pressreleasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=6088|archive-date=March 29, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=PlanItMetro » Z Line |url=https://planitmetro.com/tag/z-line/ |accessdate=27 June 2020}}</ref>

Route Z13 was also discontinued and replaced by the Z11 as the route became redundant to the Z11. The line was renamed to the '''Burtonsville–Greencastle Express Line''' as a result of the changes.<ref name="March 27, 2016"/>

===2016 Proposed Changes===
In 2016, WMATA proposed to eliminate the Z11 segment between Burtonsville Crossing Park & Ride and Greencastle Park & Ride in order to reduce costs. Service frequency between Greencastle Park & Ride and 1400 Castle Boulevard will be also reduced to operate approximately every 20 minutes. Performance measures goes as follows:<ref>{{cite web |title=MARYLAND Proposed Metrobus Service Changes |url=https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/upload/FY18-MD-Bus-Docket.pdf |accessdate=27 June 2020}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Performance Measures !! Route Z11 !! WMATA Guideline !! Pass/Fail
|-
| Weekday Daily Riders || 903 || >432 || Pass
|-
| Cost Recovery || 19.2% || >16.6% || Pass
|-
| Subsidy/Rider || $4.74 || <$4.81 || Pass
|-
| Riders per Rev Trip || 25.8 || >10.7 || Pass
|-
| Riders per Rev Mile || 0.6 || >1.3 || Pass
|}
* The segment of Route Z11 proposed for elimination has a total of 2 boardings northbound (0.15 per trip) and 32 boardings southbound (2.65 per trip) according to automatic passenger counter data, which are both below the WMATA standard of 10.7. The segment proposed for elimination has a total of 49 offs northbound (3.03 per trip) and 2 offs southbound (0.15) automatic passenger counter data, which are both below the WMATA standard of 10.7.
* The segment of the Route Z11 proposed for reduced frequency has a total of 18 boardings northbound (1.13 per trip) and 178 boardings southbound (9.37) automatic passenger counter data; which are both below the WMATA standard of 10.7. The segment proposed for reduced frequency has a total of 83 offs northbound (5.17 per trip) and 9 offs southbound (0.46 per trip) automatic passenger counter data, which are both below the WMATA standard of 10.7.

===Proposed Elimination===
In 2019, WMATA proposed to eliminate the Z11 in preparation for the new [[Ride On (bus)|Ride On]] Flash BRT service which is expected to be in service in 2020. The Z11 averages 35 trips per day and averages 24 riders per trip.<ref>{{cite web |title=Balancing the Next Metro Budget to Reflect Your Priorities {{!}} WMATA |url=https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/ |website=www.wmata.com |accessdate=27 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MARYLAND Proposed Metrobus Service Changes |url=https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/upload/FY21-MD-Metrobus-Changes.pdf |website=www.wmata.com |accessdate=27 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Max |title=Metro considers larger fare hike, major bus changes |url=https://wtop.com/tracking-metro-24-7/2019/12/metro-considers-larger-fare-hike-major-bus-changes/ |website=WTOP |accessdate=27 June 2020 |language=en |date=9 December 2019}}</ref>

====Controversy====
Montgomery County expressed concerns over the proposed Montgomery County route changes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Canales |first1=Veronica |title=Montgomery County Residents Voice Concerns Over Metrobus Route Cuts |url=https://www.mymcmedia.org/montgomery-county-residents-voice-concerns-over-metrobus-route-cuts/ |website=Montgomery Community Media |accessdate=27 June 2020 |date=4 March 2020}}</ref> According to Council Vice President [[Tom Hucker]], residents impact 65,000 residents of the Maryland county.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Uliano |first1=Dick |title=Montgomery Co. battles to preserve Metrobus service |url=https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2020/03/people-speak-out-to-save-montgomery-county-bus-routes/ |website=WTOP |accessdate=27 June 2020 |language=en |date=3 March 2020}}</ref> Residents urged WMATA to not cut service as it will cause a lack of transportation towards the residents.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grunberger |first1=Alessia |title=Montgomery Lawmakers Urge Metro Not To Cut Bus Line Service |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/montgomery-lawmakers-urge-metro-not-to-cut-bus-line-service/ar-BB10cBVa |accessdate=27 June 2020}}</ref>

At least 30 Montgomery County leaders called on WMATA not to cut Metrobus routes in the region, saying it will "disproportionately affect" students, seniors, and service workers with no other source of transportation. The letter's signatories include state senators [[Craig Zucker]], [[Susan C. Lee|Susan Lee]], and [[Cheryl Kagan]], Maryland State Delegates [[Marc Korman]], [[Sara N. Love|Sara Love]], and [[Julie Palakovich Carr]] and all nine members of the county council. In a letter to Metro Chairman Paul Smedberg, members of the Montgomery County Council and state delegation said they opposed the cuts, which are part of WMATA's proposed FY 2021 operating budget, and urged the agency to prioritize "maintaining frequent and reliable service." They also quote;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Grunberger |first1=Alessia |title=Bus Service Shouldn't Be Cut, Montgomery Lawmakers Tell Metro |url=https://patch.com/maryland/silverspring/montgomery-lawmakers-urge-metro-not-cut-bus-line-service |website=Silver Spring, MD Patch |accessdate=27 June 2020 |language=en |date=20 February 2020}}</ref>

''The Metrobus routes currently recommended for service reductions, including the Q, J, L and Z bus lines, provide transportation for many of our most transit-dependent residents," the lawmakers wrote. "Service reductions will disproportionately affect students commuting to Montgomery College, seniors running daily errands and service workers accessing jobs. Roughly 65,000 Montgomery riders use Metrobus on a daily basis, and for many these bus routes are their only source of transportation.''

The 35 lawmakers ended the letter by saying cuts to Metrobus service for Montgomery County would counter their "regional goals of reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions."

On April 2, 2020, the FY2021 budget was released for WMATA. In about 133 votes from customer feedback for the Z11 changes, 73% of votes were against the changes for Z11 with 15% of votes in favor with the remaining 12% uncertain. Many residents were concern over transfers and travel time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Approval of the FY2021 Budget and FY2021-2026 CIP |url=https://www.wmata.com/about/board/meetings/board-pdfs/upload/3A-FY2021-Budget-Approval-TO-Post.pdf |website=www.wmata.com |accessdate=3 May 2020}}</ref> As of the revised proposal released in late March 2020, WMATA still has the Z11 elimination under consideration.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barthel |first1=Margaret |title=Metro Scales Back Plans For Major Bus Cuts |url=https://dcist.com/story/20/04/01/metro-scales-back-plans-for-major-bus-cuts/ |website=DCist |accessdate=27 June 2020 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617104403/https://dcist.com/story/20/04/01/metro-scales-back-plans-for-major-bus-cuts/ |archive-date=17 June 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The proposal was brought back up again with the opening of Flash BRT in October 2020 and Metro's reduced service since August 2020. Route Z11 has not operated since March 18, 2020 due to Metro's response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Washington, D.C.|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Proposed Service Adjustments by Jurisdiction |url=https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/upload/proposed-service-adjustments-by-jurisdiction.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2yAnFIhNZRyVMm07dbgmkZO9jhR5aZWUeuhd1dWN2Y3RrXVvi0LHrqTLY |accessdate=27 September 2020}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Transit In DC}}
{{Template:USBRT}}

[[Category:Bus rapid transit in Maryland]]
[[Category:Proposed bus rapid transit in the United States]]
[[Category:Proposed public transportation in Maryland]]
[[Category:Transportation in Montgomery County, Maryland]]
[[Category:2020 establishments in Maryland]]
[[Category:Transport infrastructure completed in 2020]]