| | When Social Distancing's Got You Like...
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| Are We Open? Yes!
Employees of the Bethesda Urban Partnership and Bethesda Transportation Solutions are practicing what we preach and teleworking, aside from a handful of maintenance and ambassador staff who are working to keep Bethesda clean and operating. Teleworking allows us to continue to serve our constituents. If you are interesting in learning more about teleworking, Montgomery County Commuter Services will be holding a telework webinar on Tuesday, April 7. More details are still to come!
We do have the sad task of informing you all that Bike to Work Day, originally scheduled for Friday, May 15 has been canceled this year. The Council of Governments and Commuter Connections are not able to reschedule for another time in 2020.
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| Circulator Service Suspended
The Bethesda Circulator is actually a Ride On route! Unfortunately this means that it has been suspended like many other Ride On Bus routes. We know that to many Bethesda residents, it is an essential service, and we look forward to servicing you again in the hopefully near future.
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| Really, Though: How's it Going?
"Self Care" is a term that gets thrown around like...well, Wilson the volleyball...but when you're in the thick of a lot of stuff happening during the day, what can you do to keep from pulling out your hair?
An article from the Harvard Health Blog advises us on "How to not practice emotional distancing during social distancing."
- Embrace time alone to think about what shared experiences you cherish. Times with loved ones and friends and places you have been, both good and not great.
- Think about who you care about and try to feel that connection, even if you are apart. Remembering that connection can make us feel less isolated and lonely on grey days.
Also, not from the Harvard Health Blog, but something that greatly helps me: meditation. It doesn't have to be fancy and you don't have to say "om" - unless you are driven to do so. But just lying down and breathing deeply. Listening to your breath and the noises around you can really help you connect to the "here and now."
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|  Tom Hanks in the film "Castaway." Unkempt, screaming at objects, answering your kids' 4,324th question of the day. Just me on that one? Okay, then. | |
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| What's Open? What's Closed?
The situation with COVID-19 is changing quickly and its impact on area transit systems, businesses, and government agencies is drastic and fluid. We've been keeping tabs on it and are here to bring you the latest.
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| Metrorail and Metrobus
Metrorail and Metrobuses are running solely to support essential travel for those who need it. Please allow for social distancing on trains and buses.
Metrorail trains are running on all lines and in all open stations. 19 stations are closed, including the Grosvenor Strathmore Station in North Bethesda.
- Red line trains are running every 15 minutes
- Blue, Green, Orange, Silver, and Yellow line trains (or, all other lines) are running every 20 minutes
Metrobuses are running, albeit on a modified Sunday Schedule. Customers are to enter and exit the bus using only the rear doors, unless a wheelchair ramp is needed. Fare collection is suspended at this time.
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| Ride On Buses
Ride On Buses are operating on a reduced Essential Service Plan, meaning that 35 critical Ride On Routes are still operating so residents can make essential trips only during the COVID-19 pandemic. The schedule is the same, seven days a week. Click here to see route schedules.
As with Metrobus, riders are to use the rear doors, however the front doors can still be used by those with disabilities and those with strollers. Fare collection is also suspended at this time.
Ride On extRa buses are not running.
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| Need a Little Help?
During this time of crisis and uncertainty, it's important to ask for help if your business needs it. That's why Montgomery County has compiled available resources into one webpage.
In addition, the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce wants to know how they can help your business. You can let them know by taking a quick online survey! You do not need to be a Chamber member to take the survey.
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| How Can You Help?
On the other side of the coin, times of difficulty can sometimes bring out the best in people, and Montgomery County is no exception.
Montgomery County has created a webpage that outlines all the different ways you can help your neighbors during this challenging time, even if that neighbor lives across the County!
However you can help, please remember to stay safe and healthy, and keep your social distance.
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