"The Inner Purple Line is not just about Smart Growth. It is about economic justice. The new line will make it easier for thousands of poor and working-class people to get to jobs." Peter Shapiro, former Chair, Prince George's County Council


Project Background
updated November 10, 2007

  1. Before the Purple Line there was the Georgetown Branch: History of the Georgetown Branch

  2. The Georgetown Branch planning process culminated with recommendations included in the Approved 1989 Georgetown Branch Master Plan: Georgetown Branch Recommendations

  3. Purple Line discussions began in 1993: Purple Line background

  4. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) renamed the Purple Line the "Bi-County Transitway" and issued a revised project schedule in July, 2003. The schedule has slipped somewhat as shown:
  • Winter 2004: Approval of Purpose and Need statement
  • Summer, 2004: Approval of Alternatives Retained for Detailed Study (ARDS)
  • Winter, 2006-07: Release of draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Project renamed back to the Purple Line
  • Winter, 2007-08: Approval of final EIS. This has been delayed until Spring 2008.
For updates, please See MTA's website:
  • www.purplelinemd.com



    • Counting down to completion of Purple Line EIS; all the 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