Latest Updates
The University of Maryland is accepting public comments on the experimental closing of Campus Drive. If you have been on campus this past summer, please fill out their survey and tell them you are in favor of closing Campus Drive to private automobiles but against closing it to buses.
A state proposal to build the Purple Line, including a double track rail line between Bethesda and Langley Park, is now officially part of Montgomery County's master plan after a unanimous vote by the County Council on July 27, according to the Washington Post
The Montgomery County Council held a public hearing on the Purple Line Master Plan on June 29. Tina Slater, ACT Vice President, gave testimony on why the Purple Line should have a stop at Dale Dr. and Wayne Ave.The Baltimore Sun reported that Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert Ehrlich has taken a "hard-line stand against proposed light rail projects in Baltimore and the Washington suburbs." They think it may hurt him with business leaders in Montgomery County.
What is the Purple Line?
The Purple Line is a proposed light rail Metro line that will run parallel to the Capital Beltway to provide a missing cross-suburban mass transit link. It will connect suburban communities and job centers, providing a quality alternative to driving on the congested Beltway. The line would serve the town centers of Bethesda, Silver Spring, Langley Park, College Park and New Carrollton, with two stops on the University of Maryland campus. It will tie together four Metro lines and three MARC commuter lines. |
Light Rail Approved
| Governor Martin O'Malley has approved the light rail version of the Purple Line. View a video of his press conference on August 4, 2009 on the left. You can also read the press release on his web page and then thank him via his contact page. |
Recent History of Purple Line Progress
The Maryland Transit Administration now favors a Purple Line stop at Dale Drive and has asked the county to endorse adding this additional stop.
In a victory for Purple Line supporters, the University of Maryland compromised on the closing of Campus Drive. There will be a four week test this summer with cars excluded and buses allowed, and four weeks with both cars and buses excluded.
The Montgomery County Planning Board has approved a final draft of the Purple Line Master Plan at its April 8, 2010 meeting that incorporated all the changes approved at its earlier meeting. See the Silver Spring Trails blog for background.
Read the Washington Post's report that the area Transportation Planning Board signed off on the Purple Line on June 17, 2009.
The Montgomery County Planning Board voted 5-0 on Jan. 15, 2009 to endorse the route alongside the trail on the Georgetown Branch right of way, and 4-1 for light rail rather than bus. The Montgomery County County Council voted unanimously for these choices on Jan 27. Prince George's County Council had previously voted 9-0 to endorse light rail.
Read the latest revelations about the money spent by Purple Line opponents.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Purple Line was released on Friday, Oct 17, 2008. Read ACT's comments.
Leaked letter from Columbia Country Club shows their role in opposition to the Purple Line. Read all about it.