Transit | Parking | Businesses, Stores, & Restaurants | Volunteering | More Resources
First Thing's First...
From Montgomery County:
"If you think you are ill and need medical care, you should seek medical attention. Call ahead before going so the provider can take precautions when you arrive. Testing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) change frequently. Please visit their site for updates on their guidance about who should be tested.
Your physician or health care provider will assess your symptoms and determine if diagnostic testing for the COVID-19 virus is appropriate. If your health care provider suspects COVID-19, THEY will coordinate testing with a commercial lab or the State's public health laboratory. While some commercial labs have the ability to analyze and report results to the patient or provider who ordered testing, the labs currently only perform the analysis and DO NOT collect specimens directly from patients. If you would like to speak with a nurse please call 240-777-1755."
Ok...Now we can talk about Bethesda
Transit
Please only use transit if absolutely necessary for essential travel.
- Bethesda Circulator: The Bethesda Circulator will be resuming service on Monday, June 8 with new operating hours:
- Monday - Friday: 7am until 11pm
- Saturday: 10am until 11pm
- Click here for more information about the Bethesda Circulator
- Maryland Commuter Buses: Effective Monday June 8, Commuter Buses will return to operating on the published "S" schedule for all routes, except Route 201 which will continue to operate odd number trips listed below:
- Route 201 Weekday - 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33
- Route 201 Weekend - 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29
- Click here for more information about the Commuter Buses.
- MARC TRAIN: Effective Monday June 8, MARC Train will return to operating on the published R schedules with limited supplemental service for the Penn, Camden, and Brunswick Lines.
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- Click here for more details.
- MetroAccess: Open for essential trips only.
- Montgomery County's Call-n-Ride program can now pick up groceries and/or carry-out orders!
- Click here for a list of available Transportation Options for Adults Over 50 and People with Disabilities
- Metrobus: Some buses will run on a modified Sunday schedule and/or ending service at 11pm, and some routes may not be operating at all.
- Click here to see the modified schedule, as well as for a list of routes running Monday - Friday
- Click here to the weekend modified schedule, as well as for a list of routes
- Metrobus customers will enter and exit the bus using the REAR doors only
- Customers who require use of a wheelchair ramp will be able to use the front door.
- Metro is also temporarily suspending fare collection on Metrobus, because all farebox and SmarTrip equipment is located at the front door.
- Metrorail: Metrorail operates from 5am until 9pm.
- Red Line trains operate every 15 minutes, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow and Green line trains operate every 20 minutes. Stations served by multiple lines have more frequent service.
- Ride On and Ride On extRa service will be running on an Essential Plus Service Plan effective Sunday, June 7.
- As of Thursday, April 16, all Ride On passengers must wear face coverings.
- Passengers should board through the rear doors of the bus to limit close contact between passengers and drivers.
- Passengers can board through the front doors if a lift is needed to accommodate a disability or stroller.
Parking
- Curbside: To support local businesses, MCDOT is offering FREE curbside parking near some vital Downtown Bethesda businesses such as restaurants, pharmacies, and food stores to facilitate quick pick ups.
- Garage Parking: In an effort to help residents who must remain at home during this time, MCDOT is offering special free parking in the Auburn/Del Ray Garage (Garage 36) located at 4910 Auburn Avenue.
- Click here to read Montgomery County's latest press release about relaxed parking restrictions.
Restaurants, and Grocery Stores
Restaurants and businesses across the world are reeling with the chaos COVID-19 is having on their ability to pay their employees and function. As stakeholders in Downtown Bethesda, we all know that our Downtown businesses and restaurants are integral in maintaining the vitality of our city.
- Restaurants: Our parent organization, the Bethesda Urban Partnership, has compiled a list of Downtown restaurants offering carry-out and delivery. Ordering from them is a great way to show your support!
- Click here for the complete list of restaurants in Downtown Bethesda.
- Restaurants marked with three asterisks (***) are offering delivery and/or carry out services.
- MoCo Eats from Visit Montgomery is a restaurant directory dedicated to highlighting food and drink establishments' pick up, delivery, and beer and wine offerings to Montgomery County residents.
- Click here for the complete list of restaurants in Downtown Bethesda.
- Grocery Stores: Everyone has to go to the grocery store at some point, so many stores are offering special hours for senior citizens, people who are immunocompromised, and other populations who are vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.
- Resources for Businesses: If you are a business owner and are having difficulty with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can find information about resources such as Small Business Disaster Assistance on this page from Montgomery County.
How Can I Help My Community?
- Volunteers wishing to serve or make donations can find opportunities with local organizations helping residents around Montgomery County by clicking here.
