|
         |
|
|
|
The Purple Line and Eastern Silver Spring
Updated December 3, 2007
- PURPLE LINE TAKES GREAT LEAP FORWARD: MTA SHOWS PROJECT IS COMPETITIVE AND WILL ATTRACT HIGH RIDERSHIP:
The Maryland Transit Administration’s ridership forecasts of approximately 45,000 surpass ridership numbers of many existing and proposed light rail projects across the country. The average daily ridership for competing light rail proposals now moving through the Federal approval process is 31,400. In addition, the overall cost effectiveness seems likely to satisfy Federal Transit Administration (FTA) standards. A positive rating from FTA depends on a complex formula considering ridership and other factors including projected cost. Federal funding will not be provided for any project that does not have a positive rating.
- IMPROVED MOBILITY FOR OUR CITIZENS: Light rail is far more popular than buses because it provides a smoother and quieter ride and generates less pollution than diesel buses, improving air quality for transit riders and residents. For residents of East Silver Spring the Purple Line will provide easier access to jobs and education. They will be able to travel west to Bethesda and the Shady Grove Metro Red line or east to the UMD College Park campus in about 15 minutes.
- IMPROVED PROPERTY VALUES: Many people who prefer to reduce both their car dependency and global warming emissions will find eastern Silver Spring to be an attractive place to live precisely for the easy access to transit which can take them east or west, as well as downtown Washington. The Purple Line will encourage reinvestment in neighborhoods in close proximity to the line.
- NEIGHBORHOOD PROTECTION: Purple Line NOW! is committed to working with members of all communities to ensure MTA addresses the concerns of residents. PLN has supported the study of a tunnel through eastern Silver Spring, but also believes that surface operation of the Purple Line would be compatible with high quality residential neighborhoods. There are many examples around the world of surface lines passing through desirable residential neighborhoods. We hope civic associations in eastern Silver Spring will work with MTA and PLN to familiarize their members with the variety of light rail options by viewing videos and taking field trips to cities that have successful transit lines.
- YOU CAN HELP: Purple Line NOW! is made up of volunteers supported by environmental, community, business and labor groups concerned about traffic, sustainability and the quality of life in our communities. You can help us move the Purple Line into construction by writing letters to the editor or elected officials, raising or donating funds, testifying at hearings and many other ways. Sign up to help at: www.PurpleLineNow.com or email purplelinenow@gmail.com
Purple Line Now!
P.O. Box 7074 - Silver Spring, Md. 20907-7074 - www.purplelinenow.com
|
|
|
|
|
68,000 riders each weekday is huge! Counting down to completion of Purple Line DEIS; Latest news: Latest News; How you can help
See: Calendar of Events.
We need you to help keep the Purple Line a state and county priority. Write a letter, make a call or send an e-mail in support of the Purple Line today. See: Contact List
|
|
