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Why Light Rail?

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Project Background

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On August 4, 2009, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley announced his support for the Purple Line as light rail for the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). Lt. Governor Brown, U.S. Representative Donna Edwards, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, and Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson were among the public officials on hand to join the governor in pledging to advance the Purple Line as light rail.

Photo courtesy Just Up the Pike

From the governor in his press release:

"The Purple Line will create a lasting legacy by providing more transportation capacity in a way that protects and preserves existing communities. This east-west light rail line will connect with Metro and MARC in a way that will help reduce our dependence on cars by providing a reliable and environmentally friendly transit option to connect people with their places of employment, places of worship, and centers of economic development throughout the region. This is the basis for our Smart, Green, and Growing initiative."

Members of our congressional delegation voiced their support for the governor's decision. U.S. Representative Donna Edwards pledged to seek construction funding in the upcoming transportation appropriations packages moving through Congress. She said she arrived late because of beltway traffic and added "I just wish I had the Purple Line this morning."

Senator Ben Cardin and Representative Chris Van Hollen were not able to be present but pledged their support in the governor's press release:

"Moving forward on a light rail Purple Line is good news for thousands of Marylanders currently wasting time, money and gas in gridlock," said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation Subcommittee.

and

The Purple Line is a critical project for Montgomery and Prince George's counties, and I intend to partner with my Congressional colleagues to ensure that it receives the federal funding it deserves." said Congressman Van Hollen.