Potomac Phil

Today we watched in anticipation as the groundhog emerged from his burrow. Did you know that right here at Dupont Circle we have the “National Groundhog”, Potomac Phil? His appearance was live streamed this morning.

In case you missed it, I’ll fill you in. We can look forward to 6 more weeks of winter commuting! Let’s try to be as courageous as Phil by venturing out to support our Bethesda businesses and enjoying our amazing features here – the Capital Crescent Trail, public art, and bakeries, of course!

Commuters: Earn Up to $600 a Year with incenTrip App

You deserve to be rewarded for making smart commute choices. Now you can earn valuable points for each commute trip you log using the incenTrip app from Commuter Connections.

Choose Wisely

Smarter commute choices — such as ridesharing, public transportation, or biking/walking — will earn you more than driving alone. Your points can be accumulated and redeemed for $10, $25, or $50 in cash, up to an annual maximum of $600.

Multiple Benefits

incenTrip doesn’t only reward you. It also helps you make better choices.

Identify Multimodal Commute Options: The app makes real-time suggestions for the best travel mode, departure time, and route to save you time, cost, and fuel.

Avoid Traffic Delays: You’ll get alerts and alternative travel options in response to unusual incidents. And the app can predict traffic jams and help you avoid congestion caused by traffic accidents, work zones, special events, and adverse weather.

Monitor Your Impact: incenTrip helps you track and understand the impact of your commute choices, with information about your emissions from driving and personalized tips to help you green your commute.

The incenTrip app works on both Apple and Android smartphones. Just create a Commuter Connections account, then link it to your incenTrip app.
Learn more here.

IRS Increases 2022 Commuter Benefit Pre-Tax Limit

The Internal Revenue Service bumped up the monthly pre-tax “Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit” limitation by $10 as an inflation adjustment for taxable years beginning in 2022, to $280. The pre-tax limit applies to employer-provided benefits for transit passes and vanpools (i.e., commuter highway vehicles in IRS-speak), as well as to qualified parking benefits.

Metro Budget Feedback Requested

The public comment period for Metro's Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget is officially open, and Metro's Board of Directors wants the public’s input. Metro is encouraging the public to share feedback before the comment period ends at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15. Details are here.

New Bethesda Metro Plaza Entrance Stairs

Metro will begin a major capital project to replace the street level entrance escalator at the Bethesda station with a new staircase. The entrance between Wisconsin Ave and the plaza will be closed during construction. Please see details for alternate station access options.

Employers: TDM Plan Annual Reports Due Feb. 28

Employers should have recently received an email from Montgomery County Commuter Services about updating your Employer Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan Annual Report. The updated Annual Report is due by February 28. Employers submit Reports online here. Please email Brandan Stuckey at Bethesda Transportation Solutions with any questions about updating your TDM Plan Annual Report: Bstuckey@bethesda.org.

B-CC High School Traffic Alert

Traffic around Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School has increased in the mornings due to parents dropping off students. Please avoid travel on East-West Highway between Connecticut and Wisconsin Avenues and Montgomery Lane weekday mornings between 7:30am-7:50am. Details are here.

Warm Up to Transit

Save your own vehicle from slippery roads during winter weather by taking public transportation. While COVID unfortunately has led to some decreased service due to driver shortages, a little advance planning will help you navigate changing conditions.

Ride On bus service remains free for all riders until at least July 2, 2022.

Advance Planning

Use the Real Time Ride On trip planning app for up-to-the-minute information on bus arrival times and delays. Visit RideOnBus.com to sign up for email or text updates.

Also use the Metro trip planner here.

Download a virtual SmarTrip Card to pay transit fares with your iOS or Android mobile device.

Health & Safety

Wear a face mask for the entire duration of your transit trip.

Dress appropriately to stay warm while waiting for the bus.

Wear reflective apparel, or at least clothing with highly visible colors, so you’ll be easy to see at the bus stop or walking to your destination.

Bring a flashlight, or use your cell phone’s light, so bus operators can see you at the stop.

Stand clear from the curb. And never stand in the street or run through traffic to catch the bus.

For more transit information go to the RIde On website or visit our website, BethesdaTransit.org.

Cool Commute Contest Deadline: February 21

Submission deadline for the BTS Cool Commute Photo Contest is Monday, February 21, 2022. This Commuter Contest is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Snap a picture of your winter biking or walking to win prizes!

2. Share or send us your photo of your bicycle ride or walk and we will pick 5 winners to receive an e-gift card.

3. Send photos to Brandan Stuckey at BTS –Bstuckey@bethesda.org

Susanna Parker, Bethesda Urban Partnership

www.bethesdatransit.org | (301) 656-0868

Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

7700 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD | 20814 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.