"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


Finish the Trail, Build Light Rail
updated: November 10, 2007


We say "Finish The Trail/Build Light Rail" because transit and pedestrian-oriented development go hand in hand. The Georgetown Branch railroad right of way is a precious and valuable public property. It is unfortunate that opponents of the Purple Line choose to ignore the growing problems associated with traffic congestion in their campaign against sharing this right of way for transit and a trail. It is disappointing that some politicians have failed to set the record straight. As former Montgomery County Council member Bruce Adams put it:
"Public officials have the opportunity to show real courage by voting in the face of this disinformation campaign for the much needed Inner Purple Line."

We are actively working to develop a plan to preserve and extend the Capital Crescent Trail(CCT). Extension of the trail into downtown Silver Spring will connect it with the proposed 8 mile long Metropolitan Branch Trail, which will connect Silver Spring to Union Station in Washington, D.C. Segments of this trail are now open, with more are in planning and design. The CCT/MBT will go a long way towards creation of a bicycle beltway for the national capital region. This will be an inspiration to pedestrian and bicycle activists across the United States. If the Purple Line extends through the Ripley District of Silver Spring, the project will be coordinated with the proposed section of the Met-Branch Trail and with the redevelopment of the district.

The Columbia Country Club has long provided substantial funding against any reasonable compromise for the Georgetown Branch. The Club is joined in this effort by several Bethesda/Chevy Chase neighborhood groups. The truth is that:

  1. The Georgetown Branch right of way (ROW) was purchased by Montgomery County with $10 million of our tax dollars, for the specific purpose of using the Bethesda to Silver Spring segment for recreation and transit. The right of way was used for trains decades before the Columbia Country Club was established alongside it.

  2. The interim trail is fenced off from most of the 100' right of way through the Club, which is therefore using Montgomery County property rent-free while perpetuating the misconception that this right of way is not big enough for a 25' transitway and 10' hiker-biker trail. Do the Math! That leaves 65' for landscaping and buffering!

  3. There is no viable or cost effective alternative to a trolley-trail project plan to complete the Capital Crescent Trail into Silver Spring.

  4. The Capital Crescent Trail between Bethesda and Georgetown will not be altered by the Purple Line. Neither the State, County or Purple Line Now! propose using that section of the Georgetown Branch right of way for transit.


The simple truth is that the 4 mile Georgetown Branch segment between Bethesda and Silver Spring is a precious public corridor that can be shared by walkers, bikers and transit users. As the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) put it:

"A public right-of-way such as the Georgetown Branch is a community asset that should be designed to serve the broadest population possible. It will take commitment and creativity to make sure that this valuable transportation corridor will serve everyone: transit users, cyclists, and pedestrians. WABA is committed to making that happen."
Washington Area Bicyclist Association

PLN agrees that the CCT/MBT should meet or exceed national standards for hiker-biker trails. For more on the issue of trails with rails, please click on any of the links below:

  1. Trails with Rails, A Proven Idea
  2. It will improve the Capital Crescent Trail
  3. Safety Comparisons with the Georgetown Branch Trail
  4. It's good for Pedestrians!
  5. Environmental groups weigh in
  6. Feb, 2007 Response to Pam Browning


For additional information, and to see how the Capital Crescent Trail will function in harmony with the Inner Purple Line, we also encourage you to visit Silver Spring Trails.


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