Hello friends --

Welcome!

We hope you’re staying cool, hydrated, and maybe even sneaking into a shady spot now and then. The Purple Line corridor has been buzzing these past few weeks -- and not just from cicadas! We’re talking about real, honest‑to‑goodness trains on the move. Live wire testing has now expanded through Silver Spring and Bethesda with trains gliding along portions of the dedicated alignment. It’s one of those moments when you can feel the project shifting from “construction zone” to “future transit line,” and we’re delighted to bring you the latest.

In statewide transit news, we’re also saying a heartfelt goodbye to MTA Administrator Holly Arnold who announced her departure at the end of July, and welcoming her successor, Tony Bridges, who officially steps in on September 1. And our friends at Action Committee for Transit are hiring -- a great opportunity for someone who wants to get involved in the transit advocacy world.

We’ve also got a gentle mid‑summer fundraising update. At our mid‑year board meeting, we were down to about $1,700 in the bank, which is typical for this slow season, but still a reminder of how much your support keeps us going. Summer may be slow for fundraising, but the Purple Line certainly isn’t slowing down.

Thank you, as always, for reading and for being part of this community. The Purple Line is moving forward -- quietly, steadily, and now visibly, with trains on the tracks. We’re thrilled to share the journey with you. If you have questions, ideas, or want to get involved, we’re always here.

Grab a cool drink, settle in, and let’s catch up on what’s new.

Warmly,
Purple Line NOW

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

A Gentle Mid‑Summer Fundraising Appeal

At our quarterly board meeting just last week, our treasurer reported Purple Line NOW had about $1,700 in the bank -- not unusual for July, but certainly lean. Summer is always our slowest fundraising season and we rely on supporters like you to keep our newsletters, forums, and public engagement going.

If you’ve already given this year, thank you! If you haven’t yet, we hope you’ll consider a contribution when it fits your circumstances. Even small gifts help us bridge the quiet months until our late fall campaign heats up.

To donate, just click here or click on the purple DONATE NOW button below. Every contribution truly makes a difference. 

With Gratitude to Our Generous Donors

We are deeply grateful for the support of everyone who helps keep Purple Line NOW strong. Your contributions make our work possible, and we appreciate you more than we can say.

Presenting Donors

The Sanders‑Malloy Family

Featured Donors

Maryland Department of Transportation
Tina, Don, and Jessie Slater

Supporters

Elizabeth Barbehenn

Engineers

Isiah Leggett
Ben Ross
Nancy and Rob Soreng

Conductors

Posey Eitzen
Jodie Kulpa‑Eddy
John Robinson
Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters

Anne Ambler & John Fay
Gus Bauman
Ralph Bennett
Mike DeLong
Peter Gray
Elaine Emling & Michael Jenner
Drs. Troy Jacobs & Kawsar Talaat
Gerrit Knaap
Francine Meyer
Kathy Porter
Tom Quinn
Webb Smedley
John Undeland

Passengers

Louise & Ross Capon
John Carroll
Margaret Chasson
Patrick Dougherty
William & Kay Gilcher
Michael Larkin
Jay Miller
Judith Morenoff
James Riley
Michael Volk
William Young

Maryland Purple Line Live Wire Testing Reaches Silver Spring

Live wire testing officially reached Silver Spring on August 3, marking another major milestone for the Purple Line. LRVs are now operating between Lyttonsville and Bethesda during both overnight and daytime hours, giving residents their first sustained glimpse of energized trains moving through the corridor. If you’ve spotted a train gliding by and wondered whether you imagined it -- you didn’t!

This phase tests braking, acceleration, electrical systems, and communications -- all essential steps before trial running begins in 2027. It’s one of the clearest signs yet that the Purple Line is transitioning from construction to operations.

Read more: Source of the Spring Staff | Aug 3, 2026 | Silver Spring, MD

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

Testing Active on Both Ends of the Alignment

Testing is now underway on both the eastern and western ends of the Purple Line alignment. LRVs are running overnight between New Carrollton and Adelphi Road on the east, while daytime testing continues between Lyttonsville and Bethesda on the west.

This dual‑end testing shows the project moving steadily toward full system integration and gives residents a preview of what regular service will look like once trial running begins. It’s a bit like watching a dress rehearsal -- except the actors weigh 100,000 pounds and run on electricity.

Read more: Popville | Aug 5, 2026 | Petworth, MD

Photo Courtesy of C. Scott

A Fond Farewell to Holly Arnold and a Warm Welcome to Tony Bridges

On July 28, MTA Administrator Holly Arnold announced she will step down effective September 1, 2026 after more than 13 years with the agency. Her leadership helped modernize Maryland’s transit systems and shepherd the Purple Line through challenging years. We extend a hearty thank you to Holly and wish her all the best in her next chapter.

Governor Wes Moore has appointed Tony Bridges -- former Baltimore City Delegate and longtime transportation leader -- as the next MTA Administrator. Bridges brings deep experience, legislative insight, and a clear commitment to Maryland’s future. We look forward to working with him as the Purple Line enters its final phases.

Read more: Maryland Matters | July 29, 2026

Action Committee for Transit Is Hiring -- Program Coordinator Position

Our friends at Action Committee for Transit (ACT) have posted a new opening for a Program Coordinator. This role supports ACT’s advocacy, outreach, and community engagement efforts -- perfect for someone who cares deeply about equitable, sustainable transportation in Montgomery County. If you know someone who lights up at the words “transit equity,” send them this link: Action Committee for Transit - Program Coordinator Opening.

MCDOT Seeks Public Input on Sidewalk Proposal with Key Safety Considerations for Families, Seniors, and Winter Access

MCDOT is seeking public input on sidewalk connectivity proposals around the Purple Line’s Manchester Place Station in Silver Spring. These improvements will shape long‑term access to the station and surrounding neighborhoods and this is one of those moments when community voices really matter.

Why Sidewalk Width Matters

Five‑foot sidewalks are increasingly essential. With kids and teens on scooters (motorized or not), younger children on bikes and trikes, parents pushing strollers, and residents using wheeled walkers or wheelchairs, narrow sidewalks quickly become congested or unsafe. Wider sidewalks:

• Reduce conflicts • Improve visibility • Keep children off the street • Support safe mobility for people with disabilities

Even if you’re not a resident of the immediate area, we encourage anyone submitting comments to include the importance of five‑foot widths. It’s a small design choice with a big impact.

A Community Driven Idea: Student Service Hours for Winter Shoveling

Snow and slush often pile up on narrow sidewalks, making them impassable for seniors, parents, and people with mobility devices. One creative solution: encourage local regional service centers or Montgomery County’s MTA office to sponsor a program allowing Montgomery County students to earn service‑learning hours by helping clear sidewalks near Purple Line stations.

This could improve winter access, build community engagement, provide meaningful service opportunities while reducing the burdens on adjacent property owners. It’s a win‑win -- and worth raising during public comment periods.

How to Submit Comments

MCDOT’s public comment portal is open now. If you live, work, or travel through the Silver Spring area, we strongly encourage you to participate. These decisions will shape daily life for thousands of Purple Line riders.

STAY CONNECTED

Share This Newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter - no permission from us needed! You can always find a link to our newsletter on our Purple Line NOW website which makes it easy to share with your friends, neighbors, constituents, customers, and employees. 

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.

Settle In and Catch Up with Us!

Hello friends,

We hope you’re finding a little time to enjoy these long July days and maybe even a shady spot to escape the heat. There’s plenty happening along the Purple Line corridor right now -- new construction activity, fresh testing updates, a look at Bethesda’s booming development scene, and even a fun drone’s eye view of the entire alignment. We’ve also got a quick summer fundraising update and one last call to help shape our next Purple Line NOW Forum.

As always, thank you for spending a little time with us and staying engaged with all things Purple Line. Your support, your questions, and your enthusiasm keep this work meaningful, especially as we move closer to seeing trains on the tracks and riders on board. We hope the updates in this issue give you a clearer picture of what’s happening along the corridor -- from construction and testing to development and community conversations. Until next time, stay cool, stay curious, and stay connected. We’re grateful to have you with us on this journey.

Grab a cool drink, settle in, and let’s take a look at what’s new this week.

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

A Gentle Mid-Season Ask

As we move through the heart of summer, we want to pause and thank everyone who has supported Purple Line NOW so far this year. Summer is always a quieter time for fundraising -- vacations, family time, and warm evenings tend to pull us away from our inboxes. But your support keeps our advocacy, newsletters, and public forums going strong.

If you value the updates we provide, the questions we ask on your behalf, and the community we help connect, we hope you’ll consider a summer gift. Every donation -- large or small -- helps us keep this work moving, especially during these slower months. Thank you, as always, for keeping us going.

To donate, just click here or click on the purple DONATE NOW button below. Every contribution truly makes a difference. 

With Gratitude to Our Generous Donors

We are deeply grateful for the support of everyone who helps keep Purple Line NOW strong. Your contributions make our work possible, and we appreciate you more than we can say.

Presenting Donors

The Sanders‑Malloy Family

Featured Donors

Maryland Department of Transportation
Tina, Don, and Jessie Slater

Supporters

Elizabeth Barbehenn

Engineers

Isiah Leggett
Ben Ross
Nancy and Rob Soreng

Conductors

Posey Eitzen
Jodie Kulpa‑Eddy
John Robinson
Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters

Anne Ambler & John Fay
Gus Bauman
Ralph Bennett
Glen Bottoms
Mike DeLong
Peter Gray
Elaine Emling & Michael Jenner
Drs. Troy Jacobs & Kawsar Talaat
Gerrit Knaap
Francine Meyer
Kathy Porter
Tom Quinn
Webb Smedley
John Undeland

Passengers

Louise & Ross Capon
John Carroll
Margaret Chasson
Patrick Dougherty
William & Kay Gilcher
Michael Larkin
Jay Miller
Judith Morenoff
James Riley
Michael Volk
William Young

Help Shape Our Next Purple Line NOW Forum: Last Chance to Take Our Survey

We’re making one final, urgent ask for your input. Our survey closes at the end of this week, and if you haven’t had a chance to participate yet, this is truly the last opportunity to weigh in. Click here to take the survey. A big thank you to everyone who has already responded -- your feedback has been incredibly thoughtful and helpful.

To catch you up: we’re putting together our next Purple Line NOW Forum, and this one will focus on Operations. With construction winding down and testing ramping up, we know folks have lots of questions about what riding the Purple Line will actually be like once the doors open. Before we finalize anything, we need your input on what format will best serve our community.

Over the past several years, our virtual forums have drawn strong attendance and made it easy for people from across the corridor to join. At the same time, we know there’s real value in gathering face to face, and if we move forward with an in‑person event, it will likely be held on the University of Maryland campus.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a neighbor along the alignment, or a UMD student who will soon be riding the Purple Line, your voice matters. The survey is short, easy, and genuinely helps us determine which option may work better for most folks.

Here are some of the questions we’re considering for the session:

• Will e‑scooters and bikes be allowed on the trains

• How transfers will work between Metro, MARC, Amtrak, and Ride On

• What’s happening with the Capital Crescent Trail and other bike and pedestrian connections

• How fares will work

• What service frequency might look like

• What riders should know about safety, accessibility, and wayfinding

• What to expect during the testing phase before opening day

We’re still shaping the details, but as soon as we have a date, time, and slate of speakers, you’ll be the first to know. If you haven’t taken the survey yet, please do -- your input really does help us plan something meaningful.

Where the Project Stands: Summer Construction & Testing Update

The Purple Line team continues to make steady progress this month, with several new construction activities and testing operations underway across the corridor.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

According to the latest updates from MDOT MTA’s Purple Line team, here’s where things stand:

System Testing Expands

Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) testing continues in multiple segments, including College Park, Riverdale Park, and the Lyttonsville–Bethesda stretch. Testing includes acceleration, braking, horn and bell use, and signal integration. Please stay outside the project limits and follow posted signage.

Upcoming Work in Silver Spring

Crews are preparing for additional overhead catenary system work near the Silver Spring Transit Center. This may include temporary lane closures or pedestrian detours in the coming weeks. The team notes that this work is part of the final push toward full systems integration.

Bethesda Station Area Activity

Utility work and station finishing tasks continue around the Bethesda Station footprint. Expect periodic sidewalk detours and short‑term closures as crews complete water service upgrades and prepare the station area for future testing.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

College Park Campus Impacts

Overnight testing continues on select nights through early September with brief traffic holds at cross streets. The Purple Line team advises travelers to expect short delays and follow detour signage.

These updates reflect the project’s shift into the intensive testing and systems readiness phase. 

Bethesda’s Building Boom: Purple Line‑Driven Growth

If you haven’t been to Bethesda lately, you’re in for a surprise. The pace of change -- completed projects, active construction, and newly announced plans -- is remarkable, and much of that momentum is tied directly to the coming of the Purple Line. The corridor is seeing a wave of reinvestment as developers position new homes, shops, and community spaces within easy reach of future stations (Bethesda Urban Partnership).

One project that really illustrates this trend is the planned apartment building at 7749 Old Georgetown Road. The site, once home to a small office building, is being reimagined as a modern residential community with more than 300 apartments, ground‑floor retail, and improved streetscape features designed to make the area more walkable and welcoming. The building’s height and design reflect Bethesda’s shift toward transit‑oriented living -- creating homes for people who want to be close to Metro, close to shops, and soon, close to the Purple Line (Bethesda Magazine, 2025).

What’s especially striking is how this project fits into the broader transformation happening all around downtown Bethesda. Blocks that once felt quiet or underused are now filling in with new housing, restaurants, and public spaces. The Purple Line’s promise of reliable east‑west transit is helping fuel that confidence, encouraging long‑term investment and giving the community a more connected future.

A Drone’s Eye View of the Purple Line

If you’re looking for a fun and fascinating way to see the Purple Line’s progress, our longtime friend Dan Reed over at Greater Greater Washington recently highlighted a fantastic new drone video created by Don O’Brien, a YouTuber and devoted railfan who has been documenting the Purple Line from above for years (Greater Greater Washington, 2026). 

Every few months, Don takes to the skies with his drone and traces the entire route from Bethesda to New Carrollton, capturing a smooth, continuous flyover of stations, trackwork, bridges, and all the construction activity happening along the corridor. His latest video, filmed on May 28, is more than an hour long and includes music and captions to help viewers follow along. Don even suggests watching at 2x speed for the full effect.

It’s a wonderful way to see the project’s progress from a completely different angle and Dan’s write‑up includes links to other great rail‑spotting locations around the region if you’re inspired to explore more. You can watch the full video and read Dan’s coverage at Greater Greater Washington.

It’s well worth a look -- and we’re grateful to both Dan and Don for giving the community such a creative window into the Purple Line’s progress.

STAY CONNECTED

Share This Newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter - no permission from us needed! You can always find a link to our newsletter on our Purple Line NOW website which makes it easy to share with your friends, neighbors, constituents, customers, and employees. 

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.

A Warm Welcome

We hope your summer is off to a gentle start and that you’re finding a few moments here and there to enjoy the long evenings. Along the Purple Line corridor, the past few weeks have brought a steady hum of progress. Testing is expanding, wires are going up, and we’re inching closer to that quieter stretch when the focus shifts to the testing phase.

In this issue, we’ve gathered the latest highlights for you, including new live wire testing, overnight catenary work, and a great video from the MDOT MTA team showing a Purple Line train making its way into Montgomery County. It’s a fun one to watch.

But before you dive in, we have one important request. We’re shaping our next Purple Line NOW Forum and we need your help. We’ve put together a short survey regarding location preference, and your input will make a real difference. You’ll find more about that below.

As we watch the Purple Line shift from heavy construction to testing, it feels like we’re entering a new chapter. The trains are coming, the wires are humming, and the finish line is finally coming into view. Thank you for walking this long road with us. We’re getting close now.

Let’s get you caught up!

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

Your Summer Support Goes a Long Way

Summer is always a quieter time for fundraising. Folks are traveling, spending time with family, and generally unplugging a bit. We love that for everyone, but it does mean our donations tend to dip this time of year.

If you value the updates we provide, the questions we ask on your behalf, and the community we help connect, we hope you’ll consider making a summer gift. Every donation helps us keep this work going, especially during these slower months.

Thank you, as always, for your support.

If you don’t yet see your name on our donor list, we hope you’ll consider joining our community of supporters. To donate, just click here or on the purple DONATE NOW button below. Every contribution truly makes a difference. 

With Gratitude to Our Generous Donors

We are deeply grateful for the support of everyone who helps keep Purple Line NOW strong. Your contributions make our work possible, and we appreciate you more than we can say.

Presenting Donors

The Sanders‑Malloy Family

Featured Donors

Maryland Department of Transportation
Tina, Don, and Jessie Slater

Supporters

Elizabeth Barbehenn

Engineers

Isiah Leggett
Ben Ross
Nancy and Rob Soreng

Conductors

Posey Eitzen
Jodie Kulpa‑Eddy
John Robinson
Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters

Anne Ambler & John Fay
Gus Bauman
Ralph Bennett
Glen Bottoms
Peter Gray
Elaine Emling & Michael Jenner
Gerrit Knaap
Francine Meyer
Kathy Porter
Tom Quinn
Webb Smedley
John Undeland

Passengers

Louise & Ross Capon
John Carroll
Margaret Chasson
Mike DeLong
Patrick Dougherty
William & Kay Gilcher
Michael Larkin
Jay Miller
Judith Morenoff
James Riley
Michael Volk

Help Shape Our Next Purple Line NOW Forum: Please Take Our Survey!

We’re putting together our next Purple Line NOW Forum, and this one will focus on Operations. With construction winding down and testing ramping up, we know folks have lots of questions about what riding the Purple Line will actually be like once the doors open.

As we plan our next Purple Line NOW Forum, we’d love your help deciding what format will best serve our community. Over the past several years, our virtual forums have drawn strong attendance and made it easy for people from across the corridor to join. At the same time, we know there’s real value in gathering face to face, and if we move forward with an in‑person event, it will likely be held on the University of Maryland campus.

Before we make any decisions, we want to hear from you!

Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a neighbor along the alignment, or a UMD student who will soon be riding the Purple Line, your voice matters. Here's the link to the survey. Thank you in advance for helping us determine which option may work better for most folks. 

Here are some of the questions we’re considering for the session:

• Will e‑scooters and bikes be allowed on the trains

• How transfers will work between Metro, MARC, Amtrak, and Ride On

• What’s happening with the Capital Crescent Trail and other bike and pedestrian connections

• How fares will work

• What service frequency might look like

• What riders should know about safety, accessibility, and wayfinding

• What to expect during the testing phase before opening day

We’re still shaping the details, but as soon as we have a date, time, and slate of speakers, you'll be the first to know! Please take the survey. It’s short, and it really does help us plan something meaningful.

Construction Progress: Stations, Systems, and Summer Work Zones

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

Crews have begun live wire testing between the Lyttonsville Operations and Maintenance Facility and Bethesda Station. Overnight work is happening from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for about a week, with daytime testing to follow. This is a big milestone and a clear sign that the system is powering up.

Wayne Avenue has seen overnight closures between Dale Drive and Sligo Creek Parkway while crews install overhead catenary wires. The work runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. and includes temporary detours for several Ride On routes.

In the Bethesda and Chevy Chase area, crews continue installing overhead wires along the alignment. Some of this work is happening overnight, but it’s generally quiet and another visible step toward full system readiness.

Latest Update on Spring Street Bridge (Silver Spring)

If you’ve been following the saga of the Spring Street Bridge in Silver Spring, you know it has been one of the more stubborn pieces of the larger construction puzzle. Earlier this year, officials shared that the reopening date had shifted from spring to summer 2026, largely due to the severe winter weather that hit in January. The cold snap and major storm forced multiple work stoppages, especially during the concrete and deck‑related phases, which pushed the schedule beyond the earlier target.

Since then, crews have continued steady progress on the reinforced concrete deck, embankment work, and the roadway approaches. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s essential, and it’s moving forward. The bridge sits in a tight, complicated corridor that overlaps with CSX and MARC operations, plus a tangle of utilities, so even small delays can ripple through the schedule.

Photo Courtesy of Webb Smedley

Photo Courtesy of Webb Smedley

For now, summer 2026 remains the expected reopening window. As always, we’ll keep you posted as soon as a firmer date becomes available. This one has been a long haul, but the finish line is finally coming into view.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

Even as construction winds down in some areas, there are still pockets where activity is picking up. Overnight closures in Silver Spring and ongoing utility work in Bethesda are reminders that the final stretch still requires patience.

To balance the cones and detours, the MDOT MTA team shared a terrific video of a Purple Line train arriving in Montgomery County. It’s short, energizing, and a great reminder of how far we’ve come.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

A quick reminder: This summer, construction continues on the second mezzanine at Bethesda Station, which will provide a direct connection to the Purple Line -- making transfers easier and supporting long‑term ridership growth. During this work, free shuttles are replacing trains between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights.

Learn more by clicking here.

STAY CONNECTED

Share This Newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter - no permission from us needed! You can always find a link to our newsletter on our Purple Line NOW website which makes it easy to share with your friends, neighbors, constituents, customers, and employees. 

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.

Welcome to the Latest Edition of Purple Line NOW News!

We’re so glad you’re here with us! As summer settles in along the corridor, the Purple Line has entered one of its most exciting phases yet -- light rail vehicles are now moving along multiple stretches of track, not just in isolated test zones but in extended runs that look and feel like the real thing. If you’ve been near College Park, Riverdale Park, or the University of Maryland campus recently, you may have caught a glimpse of a train gliding through an intersection or humming past a station canopy. It’s a sight many of us have been waiting years to see.

In this issue, we’ll walk you through:

• Dynamic testing expanding -- Purple Line vehicles are now running longer distances under their own power.
• Construction updates from the latest MDOT MTA reports, including station progress and summer work zones.
• Small business support and corridor‑wide impacts.
• A reminder to be on the lookout for our Forum Format Poll for the fall Purple Line NOW Forum.
• A thank you and gentle reminder about our summer fundraising efforts.
• A look ahead to Maryland’s June primary with links to transit‑focused scorecards and voter guides.

As always, if you want to stay on top of construction notices, detours, and weekly field updates, you should sign up directly for official alerts. It’s the best way to keep track of what’s happening on the ground as the project accelerates toward opening day.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening across the corridor!

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

A Warm Thank You and a Gentle Ask

As always, thank you to everyone who supports Purple Line NOW. Your generosity keeps this newsletter going, helps us host public forums, and ensures we can continue to advocate for a successful, community‑centered Purple Line.

Summer is traditionally a quieter giving season, but our work continues year‑round. If you don’t yet see your name on our donor list, we hope you’ll consider joining our community of supporters. To donate, just click here or on the purple DONATE NOW button below. Every contribution truly makes a difference. 

Thank you to all of our generous supporters!

Presenting Donors

The Sanders-Malloy Family

Featured Donors

Maryland Department of Transportation

Tina, Don, and Jessie Slater

Supporters

Elizabeth Barbehenn

Engineers

Isiah Leggett, Ben Ross, Nancy and Rob Soreng

Conductors

Posey Eitzen, Jodie Kulpa-Eddy, John Robinson, Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters

Anne Ambler & John Fay, Gus Bauman, Ralph Bennett, Glen Bottoms, Peter Gray, Gerrit Knaap, Francine Meyer, Kathy Porter, Tom Quinn, Webb Smedley, John Undeland

Passengers

Louise & Ross Capon, John Carroll, Margaret Chasson, Mike DeLong, Patrick Dougherty, William & Kay Gilcher, Jay Miller, Judith Morenoff, James Riley, Michael Volk

Purple Line Vehicles Now Running Along the Alignment

Over the past three weeks, MDOT MTA has expanded dynamic testing, and Purple Line light rail vehicles (LRVs) are now traveling extended segments of track, including:

• College Park to the University of Maryland campus
• Riverdale Park Station area
• Sections near the Glenridge Operations & Maintenance Facility

These runs include acceleration, braking, signal integration, and interaction with crossing gates -- all essential steps toward full‑system testing. MDOT MTA has emphasized that residents should expect to see trains moving more frequently and in more locations throughout the summer.

This is the first time the public has seen multiple LRVs moving in daylight along completed track segments and it marks a major shift from construction to operations readiness.

To help communities prepare, the outreach team has been hard at work. Residents near testing areas may have already seen door hangers, variable message signs, and school safety presentations. The University of Maryland community has received targeted outreach as well, including signage and coordinated communication with campus partners. A dedicated Testing and Safety page now brings key information together in one place.

The safety message remains simple and essential:

• Always expect a train.
• Use designated crossings.
• Never walk, bike, or park on the tracks.
• Treat all overhead wires as energized -- they carry 1,500 volts DC and are extremely dangerous.

We Need Your Input: Help Shape Our Next Purple Line NOW Forum

As we plan our next Purple Line NOW Forum, we’d love your help deciding what format will best serve our community. Over the past several years, our virtual forums have drawn strong attendance and made it easy for people from across the corridor to join. At the same time, we know there’s real value in gathering face to face, and if we move forward with an in‑person event, it will likely be held on the University of Maryland campus.

Before we make any decisions, we want to hear from you. Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a neighbor along the alignment, or a UMD student who will soon be riding the Purple Line, your voice matters. Keep an eye out for a short survey which will pop into your inbox soon asking for your thoughts on the format of the event -- should we gather in person again, stay virtual, or try a hybrid mix?

We’ll also share the same questions on our social media channels so everyone can weigh in.

Your feedback will help us choose the format that makes it easiest for you to participate and stay engaged with the project as it moves toward opening day.

Construction Progress: Stations, Systems, and Summer Work Zones

MDOT MTA’s late‑May and early‑June updates highlight several construction milestones:

• Station canopies are being installed or completed at Silver Spring, Long Branch, Riverdale Park–Kenilworth, and Beacon Heights–East Pines.
• Elevators and escalators are being tested at Bethesda and Silver Spring.
• Overhead catenary system (OCS) wiring is now energized in multiple new segments, enabling the expanded vehicle testing.
• Trail connections continue to advance, including work on the Capital Crescent Trail near Bethesda and the Georgetown Branch Trail corridor.
• Roadway and traffic pattern shifts are scheduled throughout June in Lyttonsville, University Boulevard, and Riverdale Park.

Overall construction remains near 90% complete, with systems integration now the dominant focus.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA Purple Line

Exciting news for the Bethesda and Chevy Chase communities: this month Purple Line crews will begin Live Wire testing of light rail tracks and systems with a Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) between the Lyttonsville Operations and Maintenance Facility and Bethesda Station. During the first phase of testing, operations will run overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for approximately one week. The majority of future testing will be conducted between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Please continue to remain outside the project limits, as LRVs will periodically travel along the tracks and through the Purple Line work zone. Please note that testing in this section is limited to dedicated Purple Line tracks and does not interact with traffic. View testing map here.

Want to see what all the excitement is about? Thanks to our partners at MDOT MTA, we’re thrilled to share a set of brand‑new videos that show exactly what progress looks like on the Purple Line right now. Eagle‑eyed viewers will spot Purple Line NOW’s own Board Member and Treasurer, Tina Slater, and her husband Don in the first clip!

You’ll also see a glimpse of artist Claudia Fitch’s Turning Point, the Art‑in‑Transit installation taking shape at the future Glenridge Station. Designed to give the station a distinctive visual identity, the piece reflects the surrounding community and enhances the passenger experience. You can learn more about the artwork here: https://ow.ly/gJGz50Z9Z9r.

A quick reminder: This summer, construction continues on the second mezzanine at Bethesda Station, which will provide a direct connection to the Purple Line -- making transfers easier and supporting long‑term ridership growth. During this work, free shuttles are replacing trains between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights.

Learn more by clicking here.

Small Business Support Continues Along the Corridor

MDOT’s Small Business Grant Program awarded $600,000 in new grants this spring to businesses affected by Purple Line construction. You can find a bunch of information on how to apply for your group and a list of the most recent grantees here. Congratulations to all the winners!

Maryland’s June Primary: Transit Scorecards & Voter Guides

Maryland’s primary is coming up on June 23 and several organizations have released transit‑focused voter guides to help residents understand where candidates stand on transportation, land use, and climate issues.

Here are a few resources you may find helpful:

• Action Committee for Transit (ACT) Candidate Scorecards
  ACT regularly publishes questionnaires and scorecards for Montgomery County and state‑level candidates focused on transit, walkability, and sustainable transportation.
• Sierra Club Maryland Chapter 
  Their website offers great information on the upcoming election.
• Greater Greater Washington (GGWash) Voter Guides
  GGWash interviews candidates and publishes transportation‑focused guides for Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.
• Coalition for Smarter Growth Resources to help you know how, where, and when you can cast your vote, and to inform you about candidates’ positions on housing, zoning, and transportation.

For official election information, visit the Maryland State Board of Elections: https://elections.maryland.gov

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