On Aug. 20, Metro received a formal request from Montgomery County to transfer the Paul S. Sarbanes Silver Spring Transit Center into the regional transit system. While Metro has 10 days to formally accept the facility, no issues are expected, and Metro officials have set a target opening date of Sunday, September 20.
Located adjacent to the Silver Spring Metrorail Station, the three-level multi-modal transit center was built by Montgomery County, and will provide expanded bus facilities and improved connectivity between Metrorail, Metrobus, MARC Rail, Ride On Bus, intercity buses and taxis. With multiple points of entry for pedestrians from three directions, and bike trail access, the center is also expected to improve pedestrian and vehicle flow in Downtown Silver Spring.
The transit center is located at 8404 Colesville Road on about half of the area formerly occupied by bus loops and short-term Metrorail parking. The Transit Center’s features include:
- 32 bus bays for WMATA Metrobus, Montgomery County Ride On, Van-Go shuttle, Inter-city Buses, and University of Maryland Shuttle
- Direct access to Metrorail and MARC trains
- 22 Kiss & Ride spaces
- Electronic real-time bus arrival and information displays
- Multi-modal transit store (TRiPS)
Over the next four weeks, Metro will complete final preparation of the facility for operations, complete training of bus operators and notify riders of the upcoming opening and associated service changes.
