"Our over-reliance on cars and $4-per-gallon gasoline has led us to dig a really deep hole for ourselves. The Purple Line is the ladder that helps us climb up out of this hole toward the light of rational land use, friendly commutes and a stable climate." Mike Tidwell, director of CCAN


BUILD IT! Newsletter of the Coalition to Build the Inner Purple Line November, 2004
In this issue:

  1. Website up, come visit!
  2. MTA holds five open houses
  3. Residents look for answers on east Silver Spring alignment
  4. Denver votes for transit
  5. Editorial: Reflecting on the Metrorail System
  6. This Newsletter


  1. Website up, come visit!
    The Coalition's website is up and running and we have upgraded this newsletter as well. Check out the site at www.purplelinenow.com

  2. MTA holds five open houses
    MTA's open houses took place in the first two weeks of November. Information obtained will be considered as the agency develops its report on alignment and mode alternatives. Comments can still be submitted to the Project Manager - Mike Madden - check the project website at www.bicountytransitway.com

  3. Denver votes for transit
    The Denver metropolitan area approved a sales tax increase to support development of six light rail and diesel powered commuter rail lines over the next 12 years. The votors approved increasing the sales tax 0.4% to a total of 1%, and is expected to raise $4.7 billion for the program of improvements. Opponents spent an estimated $100,000 to fight the transit funding plan.

  4. Residents look for answers on east Silver Spring alignment.
    Well attended civic association meetings greeted county and state planners with plenty of questions in response to Montgomery County's decision to recommend study of two alignments between downtown Silver Spring Transit and University Boulevard. The Coalition will work with neighborhoods and planners to try to find the best route for this project through the eastern Silver Spring neighborhoods.

  5. Editorial: Reflecting on the Metrorail System
    In the 1950s, a determined and broadly based coalition of groups got behind the planning process that resulted in the regional Metrorail system. The awareness that regional growth must include a strong transit system was widespread. The development of that system was not painless, but few would argue that the region is not better because of it. As our roads and rail transit system become more congested, it is critical that we replicate that success in providing leadership and vision for the next round of transit improvements as well as the maintenance of the existing transit system.

  6. This Newsletter
    This newsletter is published once or twice a month.

      If you do not wish receive it, please send a note to info@purplelinenow.comwith "remove" in the subject line.


      If you want to add someone's name to the mailing list, you may now do so by visiting our website and clicking the subscribe button.


Beltway traffic up 11% from 1999 to 2003 west of New Hampshire Ave (194k to 216,058 vehicles/day). Give commuters an alternative - support the Purple Line!



MTA open houses held - Purple Line alternatives report due Spring '05 - check our website for updates.