Who we are:
Car Free Living at Riderwood is a group that identifies, encourages and supports more transportation opportunities to off-campus destinations. (Please NOTE: The group does not arrange trips for individual residents.) For more information, please contact CarFree@RiderwoodLife.com.
| News and Updates: MetroAcess is a shared-ride, door-to-door para-transit service designed for individuals who are generally unable to use fixed route public transportation. On Friday, January 16 at 1 PM, in the MST Chesapeake Room, Brigid Doherty, Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, will provide information about eligibility to access the service, where it can take you, the application process, and what to expect in using it. No sign-up is required. Transportation to and from White Oak Medical Center is detailed here, and you can also pick up a calendar at your neighborhood Frontdesk. Please note that the wording on the pickup time on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays have been modified recently. |
Travel Info Available at Riderwood
(Click Here for Low-Vision Chart)
| If you want to: | How to get information on MyErickson:* | How to sign up: |
|---|---|---|
| Take an RWV bus to nearby stores like Giant, Aldi, Kohls, Target, or Amazon Fresh, etc. | Click on “Transportation,” then “Shuttles,” then “Shopping Shuttle” | No sign-up; first-come, first-served |
| Take an RWV bus on a more distant shopping trip, such as Trader Joe’s in Rockville, Columbia Mall, or Wheaton Mall, etc. | Click on “Transportation,” then “Shuttles,” then “Mall Trips” | Call 301-572-8358 |
| Take an RWV bus to the White Oak hospital | Click on “Transportation,” then “Shuttles,” then “White Oak Medical Center Hospital Shuttle” or see details below | No sign-up unless you use a wheelchair or scooter; if you do, call 301-572-8358 24 hours ahead |
| Take an RWV bus to the Glenmont Metro (Fourth Wednesday of the month). Pick up is 9:30 AM at TNC; Pick up from Glenmont is 4:00 PM. | N/A | Call 301-572-8358 |
| Take an RWV bus to an entertainment or cultural venue (an “excursion”) | Click on “Transportation,” then “Local Trips,” then “Local Trips FAQ” and/or the monthly list | Click on “Transportation Sign Up,” then the event of interest, then the “Register” button** |
| An RWV driver to take you to whatever destination you choose | Click on “Transportation,” then “Non-Shuttle Services,” then “Bus, Sedan & Van Services” | Call 301-572-8358 to find out the cost and reserve |
| Sign up for CarFree Living group-email | N/A | Send email to CarFree+subscribe@groups.io . No subject or text is needed. |
| Sign up to participate in Uber or Lyft app workshops | N/A | Announcement and sign-up will be available on this page and through CarFree Living group-email |
| Learn how to use iPhone apps, including Uber and Lyft | N/A | Trudy Downs gives tutoring, mainly on iPhone and iPad, on Tuesdays from 1-2 PM at Town Center classroom; No sign-up is necessary |
* A hard copy of the transportation calendar is available at the front desks.
** An alternative registration form is available on “Transportation, Local Trips,” but the “Transportation Sign Up” is easier and lets you see who has already registered.
Transportation to/from White Oak Medical Center
The White Oak Medical Center (WOMC) trips are scheduled for only Mondays and Wednesdays. No reservation is necessary. You show up at your own neighborhood clubhouse for the 8 AM or 12 PM departure, and let the Frontdesk know. The bus driver will radio each front desk asking if there is anyone there that is going to the hospital. The front desk answers yes or no.
The drop off will be at the main entrance of WOMC. The bus will return to the main entrance to take you back to Riderwwood at 12:30 PM and 4:40 PM.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, you get on the shopping shuttle that runs between 9 AM and 12 PM, and tell the driver that you want to get off at WOMC. You will be dropped off at the main entrance of WMOC. When you are ready to return, you should call the Transportation office (301-572-8358) so that they will radio the driver to pick you up. The last pickup for the shopping shuttle is at 1pm, followed by a last sweep at WOMC at 4:40 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. If you call Transportation for a pickup between 1 pm and 4:40 pm, Transportation will do their best to pick you up, but there is no guarantee before 4:40.
Travel Resources Outside Riderwood
- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (MWAT)
includes Rail, Bus, MetroAccess info and more - Montgomery Country Department of Transportation
includes System map, Ride On routes, schedules, and more - Senior SmarTrip Card Click this link to learn about the discount Metro card for the seniors (where and how to get it and use it)
- Silver Spring Metro Station
includes directions, transit info, events and more - Connect-a-Ride
Free information & referral program of Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) and Montgomery County government for County adults 50+ and adults with disabilities - Affinity Airport Sedan Inc.
Provides rides to the airports and other destinations you desire to go. A flat rate. Costlier than Uber or Lyft, but you don’t need an app to interact with the service provider. Phone number 240-672-1617. (This is a recommendation of an individual member of Car Free Living. There are also other local services.) - GoGo Grandparent (Go directly to the membership plans)
Some residents find it useful because you don’t need an app to use the service.
Handouts and Resources
For questions on or input for Car Free Living, please send email to CarFree@RiderwoodLife.com.
(Updated: 2026-Jan-7)