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Why Light Rail is the right choice for the
Inner Purple Line
updated December 10, 2007
- The proposed Inner Purple Line passes through some of the highest density communities in Maryland outside of downtown Baltimore. These communities already support extensive bus service. Unfortunately, heavy traffic means slower buses, more diesel pollution and longer commutes. We need a significantly upgraded east-west transit line if we are going to reduce traffic congestion on the Beltway and other east-west roads.
- Because light rail can carry more riders, it will provide greater capacity on transit corridors currently served by buses. A light rail train can consist of up to three cars holding up to 200 riders apiece.
- Factoring in operating costs and system lifespans - light rail transit is more cost-effective. Since each car has twice the capacity of a bus one train operator can handle six times the capacity of a single bus. Rail cars also have a longer lifespan than diesel buses. For both these reasons, operating costs are lower for light rail.
- Rail transit is better for the environment. Salt, chemicals, and oil run-off from buses on paved bus lanes contributes to water and soil pollution. Diesel fumes in congested areas have a negative impact on public health and the quality of the pedestrian environment.
- Light rail is more compatible with the Capital Crescent Trail, which will share the Georgetown Branch right of way for the Bethesda to Silver Spring segment. Trains can run on tracks placed in a grassy rail bed - reducing heat, noise and storm runoff. Additionally, a quiet, electric-powered light rail train will be far more pleasant for nearby trail users than a steady stream of diesel buses.
- Light rail has a far stronger record of promoting compact, pedestrian-oriented revitalization. The economic power of rail over bus is clear. Rail sends a clear and unqualified message to private investors about the permanancy of public commitment to an area. The message to residents and businesses in economically distressed communities such as Long Branch and Langley Park is that private reinvestment is warranted and the communities are on the mend. These economic advantages are in direct contrast to the current system whereby bus lines and associated services are frequently cut back or allowed to deteriorate in economically distressed areas during hard times.
- Modern light rail provides a first class service. It encourages transit ridership, often exceeding ridership estimates, because trips are faster and more pleasant than comparable bus rides. In places like Salt Lake City, St. Louis and Dallas, people who swore they would never use public transportation are riding light rail line to work every day. In fact, 28 cities now have light rail systems with dozens more competing to get systems started. For a list click here: US LRT Cities Map
- The busway alternative evaluated for Bethesda to Silver Spring in the mid-1990's was rejected by M-DOT and citizens. Public opinion on this issue has not shifted: there is little public support for a BRT Purple Line. In fact, not one citizen or business group has come out in support of BRT for the Inner Purple Line, and several have issued statements in opposition to it.
Additional Reading:
- The Purple Line and Our Regional Transit System
- Light Rail Now
- North American Light Rail Information Site
- American Public Transit Association
- Rail Transit In America
- Bus Rapid Transit Analyses
- Light Rail.net
- publictransportation.org
- Light Rail Transit Association(This is a UK-centered organization)
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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
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