Montgomery County launches Ride On bus campaign for green businesses

Bethesda Green and the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection launched a monthlong Ride On bus campaign in Rockville on Oct. 29 recognizing certified green businesses. Fitzgerald Auto Malls hosted the event as county leaders highlighted the program’s push to make sustainability more visible across Montgomery County.

Why it matters: - The campaign puts certified green businesses in front of thousands of Ride On riders and motorists across Montgomery County. - The effort is meant to make sustainability more visible and encourage more businesses to pursue certification. - Fitzgerald Auto Malls is one of 33 businesses and nonprofits certified through the county program.

What happened: - Bethesda Green and the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection launched the advertising campaign on Montgomery County Ride On buses on Oct. 29. - Fitzgerald Auto Malls hosted the launch at its Rockville Pike dealership. - Jennifer Macedonia of the Department of Environmental Protection led the event. - County Council President Natali Fani-González, Councilmember Kate Stewart, Bethesda Green Executive Director Dave Feldman and Fitzgerald Auto Malls President Rob Smith attended the launch.

The details: - For one month, Ride On buses will display the logos of recently certified businesses. - Each certified business will also appear on the back of its own bus. - Montgomery County’s Green Business Certification Program is voluntary. - The program recognizes businesses and nonprofits for environmentally responsible practices in seven areas: waste reduction and recycling, environmental purchasing, energy efficiency and renewable energy, sustainable landscaping and stormwater management, pollution prevention, transportation and travel, and organizational commitment. - The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection runs the program. - Bethesda Green administers the program. - The program launched in December 2009 and was relaunched in 2023–24. - Certified businesses are listed in the Green Business Directory at bethesdagreen.org. - Fitzgerald Auto Malls was founded by Jack Fitzgerald in 1966. - Fitzgerald Auto Malls is 100% employee-owned. - The company says it pioneered posted-price, no-hassle car buying built on trust and transparency. - Fitzgerald Auto Malls sells 24 brands at dealerships in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Florida. - Bethesda Green operates a green business incubator at 4825 Cordell Ave., Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814. - Bethesda Green’s contact information includes 202-350-0642 and hello@bethesdagreen.org.

Between the lines: - The bus campaign gives the county a public, mobile platform to showcase businesses that have already met environmental standards. - The launch at a car dealership links the program to a consumer-facing business that is using certification as a trust signal. - The program’s relaunch in 2023–24 suggests renewed county and nonprofit emphasis on participation.

What's next: - Montgomery County businesses and nonprofits can apply to join the certified network through Bethesda Green’s “Get On the Bus!” preliminary application at bethesdagreen.org. - Certified businesses will continue to appear on Ride On buses for the next month. - More businesses are expected to be added as the certification network grows.

The bottom line: - Montgomery County is using public transit advertising to turn green certification into a visible badge of credibility for local businesses.