Montgomery County Transforms Flash Buses into 'LoveFlash' for February

Neon heart lights and red frames aim to spread transit love along Route 29 in Silver Spring

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is celebrating Valentine's Day by decorating five of its Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses serving the U.S. 29 route with vibrant neon heart lights and striking red frames. These "LoveFlash" buses are part of a month-long campaign to promote transit and connect the community in Montgomery County.

Why it matters

The LoveFlash buses are an effort by MCDOT to make public transit more welcoming and human, while still providing reliable service. By investing in high-quality transit and making it free to ride, the county aims to build a more accessible and equitable transportation system for all residents.

The details

The LoveFlash buses feature neon heart lights and red frames to create a festive, eye-catching design. MCDOT is encouraging residents to take photos of the decorated buses and share them on social media using the #LoveFlash hashtag for a chance to win a $35 gift card in a weekly drawing. The LoveFlash promotion runs until February 28, 2026.

  • The LoveFlash buses will be in service along Route 29 in Silver Spring throughout the month of February 2026.
  • The #LoveFlash social media contest runs until Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT)

The government agency responsible for managing transportation infrastructure and services in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Marc Elrich

The County Executive of Montgomery County, Maryland.

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What they’re saying

“Flash is a great option for those who travel on Rt. 29 because it's fast, reliable, and easy to use. Adding a little fun during February is a reminder that public transit can be welcoming and human, while still doing serious work connecting people to jobs, schools, and each other. When we invest in high-quality transit and make it free to ride, we're building a County that's more accessible and better for everyone.”

— Marc Elrich, County Executive (blogspot.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This initiative by MCDOT demonstrates how public transit can be made more engaging and community-oriented, while still providing essential transportation services. The LoveFlash buses aim to spread joy and encourage more residents to utilize the county's Flash BRT system.