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: The Car Free Living group hosted a discussion session on June 22, 2026 at 2 PM. Go to the Handouts and Resources page for the PowerPoint and notes. FILING A METRO ACCESS APPLICATION MetroAccess informed us that it takes 21 days to process a fully completed application. If an applicant has not received a response after 21 days, they may call the MetroAccess Eligibility Office at 202-962-2700 and choose option #5 to speak with an eligibility specialist, who can provide a status update. The contact at MetroAccess reminds residents that applications must include a photo of the front of a valid government-issued ID. |
Travel Info Available at Riderwood
All available options in one file, compiled by Car Free Living members 2026-06: “Transportation Options for Car Free Living at Riderwood” (Newly Updated)
(Click here for Low-Vision document)
Info At-A-Glance (Click Here for Low-Vision Chart)
| If you want to: | How to get information on MyErickson:* | How to sign up: |
|---|---|---|
| Take an RWV bus around campus. Local shuttles (red sign) go to clubhouses, including side doors; Express shuttles (yellow sign) go to clubhouses. | Click on “Transportation,” then “Shuttles,” then “Local & Express Shuttle” | No sign-up; first-come, first-served |
| Take an RWV bus to nearby stores like Giant, Aldi, Kohls, Target, 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 Medical Center | Click on “Transportation,” then “Shuttles,” then “White Oak Medical Center Hospital Shuttle” | 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. |
| Request a help session for Lyft/Uber (download app; practice ride) | N/A | Contact Car Free Living at CarFree@RiderwoodLife.com |
| 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.
Travel Resources Outside Riderwood
- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (MWAT)
includes Rail, Bus, MetroAccess info and more - To learn about the “Flexible Alternative to MetroAccess” called Abilities-Ride, visit this website: https://www.wmata.com/service/accessibility/metro-access/Abilities-Ride.cfm
- Montgomery Country Department of Transportation
includes System map, Ride On routes, schedules, and more - Ride On Flex from Montgomery County Department of Transportation
information about the Flex Zone and updates on Ride On bus pickup - 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-May-28)