Purple Line Benefits
Here are just a few of the ways that building the purple line as light rail will benefit our community.
Shorter Commutes
Traveling at up to 55 miles per hour, the Inner Purple Line will enable commuters to bypass the most congested section of the Beltway. It will stop at the three largest employment centers in suburban Maryland - Bethesda, Silver Spring, and the University of Maryland.
Less Pollution
With code-red days increasing, foul air threatens the health of everyone in the Washington area. Over dependence on the automobile is the major source of our air pollution, and more transit is the solution.
Stronger Communities
Light rail brings people to vibrant mixed-use centers without overwhelming them with cars and parking lots. Every stop on the Inner Purple Line will be accessible on foot, making it possible to preserve the livability of downtown Bethesda and Silver Spring and help to replicate its success in Langley Park, College Park and New Carrollton.
More Jobs
The Inner Purple Line supports Maryland's technology-based economic development strategy by linking the University of Maryland to the economic engines of Bethesda and Silver Spring. Residents near the Purple Line stops will have access to all these key job centers and their many thousands of jobs. Money spent to build and operate the Purple Line will stay close to home and create jobs, instead of going overseas to pay for imported oil.
Higher Property Values
All the significant studies of the economic impact of light rail projects on property values show that property owners and communities view the light rail as an amenity. Light rail's contribution is demonstrated through increased property values for both the commercial and residential property in close proximity to the rail project.
Better Trails
Silver Spring and Bethesda are isolated from each other for thousands of rollers, runners and bikers. The most direct route crosses eight major roadways. Three of these roadways are six-lane state highways. In addition, there are another seven lesser roadway crossings with stop signs. Plans for the Inner Purple Line include a trail. The trail that comes with the Inner Purple Line would eliminate all eight trail crossings of major roadways. It would create a direct 4.4 mile path linking the Silver Spring Transit Center to Bethesda. Trail users would have only one road crossing, at a three way stop sign across a two lane residential street (Talbot Avenue). Eight traffic lights and six stop signs along the trail would be gone.
The trail will never get completed without the Inner Purple Line. Bikers, runners and rollers will always be faced with fighting traffic and losing. Our communities will remain disconnected. There will be no alternative to the roads.