In the corridor which is currently in operation, the Flash BRT service has two routes designated as Blue and Orange running along U.S. Route 29 in Maryland, both beginning at the Silver Spring Metro station and extending northeast. Route Blue has 10 total bus stops, ending at the Mall in Columbia. Route Orange has 11 total bus stops, ending at Briggs Chaney Park and Ride.
The two routes designated as Blue and Orange started on October 14, 2020, replacing Ride On route 129 and Metrobus route Z11. All the buses go along the shoulder of US 29 along the northern end of the route, with the remainder of the service using mixed-traffic roadways. The buses receive signal priority at some intersections.
Gillig LF40 diesel busNova Bus LFS articulated bus
The Montgomery Country Department of Transportation purchased 16 Nova Bus LFS articulated buses (46000D–46015D) for the US 29 corridor, which are based out of the Gaithersburg garage. These buses can fit up to 80 passengers and feature level boarding, onboard bike racks, and an automatic wheelchair securement system. The buses are also equipped with a pedestrian sensor, which alerts the driver when people are passing in front of the bus. Each bus has a free Wi-Fi hotspot, digital interior signage, and USB-A charging ports. Passengers can board or exit the buses through any of their three doors.
Flash also uses 3 of Ride On's 2008 40-foot (12m) Gillig Low Floor diesel buses (5737, 5744, and 5746) and 4 of Ride On’s 2026 40-foot (12m) Gillig Low Floor Plus Battery Electric buses (44254E–44257E) that are branded in the FLASH scheme.
During icy weather conditions that prevent the use of the articulated buses, Flash uses the 2017 40-foot (12m) Gillig LF40 BRT Plus diesel buses (44056D–44072D) that are branded in the Ride On extRa scheme.
In January 2025 and on December 5 of that year, Flash used 13 of Ride On's 2008 40-foot (12m) Gillig Low Floor diesel buses (5726, 5728, 5730, 5732–5736, 5738/5739, 5742/5743, and 5745) during the blizzard.
In February 2025, Flash used 8 of Ride On's 2009 40-foot (12m) Gillig Low Floor diesel buses (5747–5750 and 5753–5756) due to snowy weather.
As early as the spring months of 2027, the 2026 New Flyer XHE60s (46016H–46028H) are expected to enter service.
Stations
Four Corners station
There are approximately 49 stations proposed across the entire future network, with 14 stations currently operating on the US 29 routes. Each station includes a canopy, a seating area, a passenger information system that displays when the next bus is coming, and a blue pylon mounted above the canopy that flashes when a bus is about to arrive.
