Task Force Says Buses Are Gridlock Solution

ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) -- Members of a Montgomery County transit task force say the best way to deal with gridlock is to add more buses.

Montgomery County Councilmember Marc Elrich says bus rapid transit systems combine the benefits of light rail and bus technology. Buses get their own lanes in the median strips of roads like Route 355 and Connecticut Avenue so they can move faster, and are more flexible and less expensive than light rail systems. County Executive Isiah Leggett created the task force.

Montgomery County Councilmember Roger Berliner, another task force member, says if the county can get 10 to 15 percent more residents out of their cars during rush hour, traffic could be reduced to levels seen only in August, when many people are on vacation.

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