Hello Friends,

We missed you during our short August break, but we’re back, energized, and excited for all that fall has in store! As we ease out of summer and step into the gentler rhythms of the season, we’re delighted to bring you another issue of the Purple Line NOW News. There’s a lot happening along the corridor right now, and this edition is full of updates, community news, and a few events flagged for your interest.

Before we dive in, we also want to mention that Purple Line NOW is in one of our thinner stretches of the year. Our annual fundraising season begins later this fall, but until then, we’re relying on the generosity of friends like you to help us bridge the gap. If you’re able to lend a hand, even modestly, it truly keeps us going.

Below, you’ll find the full lineup for the Fall 2026 Community Advisory Team meetings, all happening virtually and all designed to keep you informed about construction progress, testing, outreach, and what’s ahead as we move closer to opening day. We’ve also got a look at the Spring Street Bridge work, where things are shaping up for an opening that will make a big difference for walkers, cyclists, and future Purple Line riders.

You’ll read about where live wire and LRV testing is happening right now, plus a combined update on leadership changes at MDOT MTA, including a note on Holly Arnold’s farewell message and a highlight of Tony Bridges’ introduction message, as well.

We’re also flagging an important community event at the University of Maryland focused on affordable and connected communities. If you care about safer walking, biking, rolling, and better access to transit stops, this one is for you.

And finally, we share warm wishes for Councilmember Will Jawando as he recovers from a recent health scare. His office has released a message to the community and we wanted to make sure you saw it and could join us in sending support.

Purple Line NOW is also hard at work planning our next public forum -- this one focused on Operations -- which we expect to host sometime this fall. Stay tuned for details.

So grab a cup of something cozy, settle in, and enjoy this issue. As always, we’re grateful you’re here and grateful for your continued interest in the Purple Line and the communities it connects.

Warmly,
Purple Line NOW

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

A Heartfelt Request for Support Through a Thin Stretch

As many of you know, Purple Line NOW operates on a very lean budget. We do not receive corporate underwriting, government grants, or annual dues. What keeps this work going is you -- neighbors, supporters, and friends who believe in transparency, community engagement, and having a reliable place to turn for Purple Line news.

Later this year, we will head into our fall and winter fundraising season, but right now we are in one of our thinnest stretches of the year. At our late August Executive Committee meeting, our treasurer shared that our balance had dipped below $1,000. That is a tough number when regular expenses like website management, staff time, and outreach tools come due. We always make every dollar count, but this is one of those moments when we truly feel the pinch.

If you are able to help bridge this short period before our annual campaign begins, we would be deeply grateful. Even modest gifts make a real difference in keeping our newsletters consistent, our public forums free, and our advocacy strong. And if now is not the right time for you, please know that we appreciate you just as much. Your engagement and support in all its forms matter.

We are always humbled by the generosity of our donors, listed below, and we never take it for granted. You keep this work moving forward, and we are so thankful.

If you feel inspired to give, you can do so here: https://www.purplelinenow.com/donate or by clicking the donate button below.

Thank you, truly, for helping us stay afloat during this thin stretch and for standing with us as we continue this work for the corridor and the communities we all care about.

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
Nancy and Rob Soreng

Engineers

Isiah Leggett
Ben Ross

Conductors

Anne Ambler & John Fay
Posey Eitzen
Jodie Kulpa‑Eddy
John Robinson
Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters

Gus Bauman
Ralph Bennett
Mike DeLong
Elaine Emling & Michael Jenner
Peter Gray
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

Fall 2026 CAT Meetings Are Just Around the Corner!

As summer winds down and fall starts peeking around the corner, it’s time for the second series of Purple Line Community Advisory Team (CAT) Meetings for 2026. These meetings happen twice a year and are one of the very best ways for neighbors to hear directly from the Purple Line team -- what’s happening now, what’s coming next, and how all the pieces fit together as we inch closer to opening day.

Each CAT focuses on a specific segment of the corridor and the conversations are always lively, informative, and full of great questions. If you’ve ever wondered about construction updates, upcoming work, testing and safety, outreach efforts, or just want to get a sense of how things are progressing in your neck of the woods, this is your moment.

All fall 2026 CAT Meetings will be held virtually from 6:00–7:30 p.m. The links will be posted on the Purple Line events page, so keep an eye out. The Outreach team will also send their usual reminders along with an invitation to pre-submit your questions. (A lifesaver for those of us who think of our best questions at 2 am!)

As always, please feel free to share these dates with your friends, neighbors, colleagues, community groups -- anyone who might be curious about the Purple Line or has questions they’d like answered. The more voices in the room, the better.

Fall 2026 CAT Meeting Schedule

Tuesday, October 13: Lyttonsville / Woodside (MC)
Thursday, October 15: College Park (PG)
Tuesday, October 20: University Boulevard (PG)
Wednesday, October 21: Long Branch (MC)
Thursday, October 22: Silver Spring (MC)
Tuesday, October 27: Riverdale Park / New Carrollton / Glenridge (PG)
Wednesday, October 28: Bethesda / Chevy Chase (MC)

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

Spring Street Bridge: A Peek at What's Ahead

If you’ve driven, walked, or biked anywhere near Spring Street lately, you’ve probably noticed the steady progress on the bridge work. The county and project team have been signaling that the Spring Street Bridge is on track for opening soon, and while they haven’t pinned down a public date yet, the finishing touches are clearly underway.

The bridge is a key connector for downtown Silver Spring -- not just for cars, but for pedestrians and cyclists who will rely on it to reach the future Silver Spring Library and Dale Drive stations. Once it opens, we’ll finally get a sense of how the redesigned intersection and sidewalks will function with Purple Line trains running nearby.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

We’ll keep an eye out for the official opening announcement, but it’s safe to say this one is nearly ready for its close up.

More on Purple Line construction updates: https://purplelinemd.com/construction

Live Wire and LRV Testing Happening Right Now!

Testing continues to be one of the most exciting parts of the Purple Line story -- because it’s the part that looks and feels like a real transit line coming to life.

As of this week, live wire testing and LRV movements are active between the Lyttonsville Operations & Maintenance Facility and Bethesda Station and expanding outward from there. You may see trains gliding through the corridor at odd hours, especially overnight, as crews test braking, acceleration, communications, and power systems.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

Testing has also been reported in portions of Silver Spring, particularly near the future Manchester Place and Silver Spring Library stations. If you’re out and about and spot a train, feel free to send us a photo -- safely, of course -- we love seeing these glimpses of the future. Send photos here: [email protected].

Leadership Transitions at MDOT MTA

The Maryland Transit Administration is entering a new chapter, and we wanted to take a moment to highlight both the thoughtful goodbye message from outgoing Administrator Holly Arnold and the warm welcome message from incoming Administrator Tony Bridges.

Holly shared a reflective and heartfelt note as she stepped down from her role on September 1. She looked back on the challenges of the past five years -- from pandemic recovery to major systemwide improvements -- and expressed deep gratitude for MTA employees and riders. Her message underscored the progress made across every mode of transit and her optimism for the agency’s future.

Hello Transit Rider,

After much reflection, I have made the decision to leave the MTA. My last day will be September 1, 2026. This decision has not been made lightly. Serving as Administrator has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked in public service for the people of Maryland.

When I stepped into this role in June 2021, we were navigating unprecedented challenges resulting from decades of underinvestment and a global pandemic. Together, we faced those challenges head-on and worked tirelessly to strengthen the agency, improve service for our riders, and build a strong foundation for future growth. Every one of our accomplishments over the past five years was made possible by the dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving the residents of Maryland by MTA employees.

As I reflect on my time here, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together:

• We dramatically increased service reliability, with core service missed trips continuing to trend down, and achieved over 93% on-time performance consistently for Mobility.
• We focused on customer service with the creation of our Customer Experience Office and hiring of our Rider Experience Director.
• We launched real-time information across every mode, including Mobility, and improved the information available to our riders.
• We advertised and brought on a new design-build contractor for the Purple Line and advanced the project to over 90% complete.
• We relaunched the Baltimore Red Line and advanced design on this critical east-west connection.
• We secured over $300 million in grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration to support every mode across the agency.
• We partnered with Amtrak to secure over $6 billion in grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration to advance the B&P Tunnel Replacement Program and the Susquehanna River Bridge project.
• We updated our fare tariff for the first time in decades, expanding access to students and low-income riders.
• We launched our new signal system from Metro and put our first nine new railcars into service.
• We began annual service planning for our commuter modes to better align service with rider needs.
• We focused on the needs of our employees and established the Office of Organizational Development and the Office of People and Culture.
• We uplifted our communities by showing up for them
• We focused on the future through the development and publication of the Central Maryland Regional Transportation Plan, the BMORE Bus plan, and the MARC Growth and Transformation Plan.
• We increased ridership to over 70 million in 2025, representing a robust recovery from pandemic-era declines.

Most importantly, I am proud of the culture we have continued to build together on behalf of our riders – one centered on our core values: safety, fairness, respect, customer focused, and continuously improving. Every day, I have been inspired by the passion and resilience of MTA employees, whose work matters and makes a difference in the lives of all Marylanders.

The future of MTA is bright. I am excited to see the MTA move forward and achieve even greater success. As I look ahead, I know the agency is in good hands with the appointment by Governor Moore of Tony Bridges as the next MTA Administrator. I look forward to working with Tony during this transition to MTA's next chapter.

Thank you for your support, your partnership and, above all, for riding public transit. It has truly been a privilege to serve you.

Holly Arnold

Incoming Administrator, Tony Bridges also shared a message with riders as he begins his tenure, emphasizing his commitment to building a transit system that works for Marylanders -- safer, more reliable service, clearer communication, and a customer experience worthy of a world class system. He noted that this work takes time, but improving the rider experience is at the heart of everything the agency does.

A Message to Our Riders,

As the new administrator of the Maryland Transit Administration, I want to introduce myself and share my commitment to you.

I am truly excited and humbled to be back with the Maryland Transit Administration and to once again be part of a team that performs this work every day with distinction, professionalism and pride.

Every day, hundreds or thousands of Marylanders rely on MTA to get to work, school, appointments, and everything in between.  That trust is something I take seriously, and I'm committed to earning it every day.  

My priority is simple: building a transit system that works for you.

That means safer, more reliable service.

Clearer communication when things don’t go as planned.

And a customer experience that reflects the world-class system Maryland deserves. This won’t happen overnight, but I want you to know that improving your experience is at the center of everything we do. I encourage you to share your feedback — your voice will help shape the changes we make. 

Thank you for riding with us, and for your patience as we work to serve you better.

Tony Bridges,
Administrator

Complete Streets: A Critical Conversation -- ACT Meeting Held on September 8

Last night, our friends at the Action Committee for Transit hosted an important conversation that ties directly into the Purple Line’s future: “Have Complete Streets Reached a Dead End?” The event featured Dustin Robertson, Senior Program Manager for Thriving Communities at Smart Growth America.

If you weren’t able to attend, ACT shared that they hope to upload the recording to their YouTube channel. As soon as it’s posted, we’ll pass the link along so everyone can watch the discussion.

The conversation focused on something Montgomery County continues to struggle with: far too many crashes that injure or kill people who are walking, biking, or rolling. Dustin’s work centers on Complete Streets and the intersections of mobility, health, and equity -- exactly the kind of thinking we need as the Purple Line approaches opening. Sidewalks, bikeways, safe crossings -- these aren’t extras. They’re essential pieces of making transit accessible to everyone.

Learn more about ACT: https://www.actfortransit.org/

Affordable Connected Communities 2026: A Timely Conversation at UMD

Even though this event will take place the day after this newsletter arrives in your inbox, we didn’t want you to miss it. The University of Maryland’s National Center for Smart Growth is hosting Affordable Connected Communities 2026, a gathering focused on one of the most important questions facing our region right now: how do we build communities that are both affordable and well connected to the places people need to go?

The conversation will bring together planners, researchers, advocates, and community leaders to talk about housing, transportation, equity, and the kinds of investments that help neighborhoods thrive. These are issues that sit right at the heart of the Purple Line’s mission -- connecting people to opportunity, reducing barriers, and strengthening the fabric of the communities along the corridor.

If you’re able to attend, it promises to be a thoughtful and energizing discussion. And if you can’t make it, keep an eye out for recordings or summaries afterward. Events like this often spark ideas that ripple outward into local policy and community conversations.

Learn more or register here: https://www.umdsmartgrowth.org/affordable-connected-communities-2026/

Warm Wishes for Councilmember Will Jawando

Many of you may have already seen the news from the Office of Councilmember Will Jawando, but we wanted to take a moment to share it here and send our heartfelt support.

Over the weekend, Councilmember Jawando experienced a heart attack during his regular Saturday pickup basketball game. Thanks to the quick actions of friends on the court and the exceptional care at The George Washington University Hospital, doctors were able to place a stent right away, and his medical team is confident in his full recovery. He is resting comfortably and is expected to return home later this week to recover with his wife, Michele, and their children.

His office released the following statement:

“On the morning of Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, Councilmember and Democratic nominee for Montgomery County Executive Will Jawando experienced a heart attack during his regular weekend pickup basketball game. He was immediately taken to The George Washington University Hospital, where doctors successfully placed a stent. His doctors are confident in his full recovery given his strong overall health.

“The Councilmember is resting comfortably and is expected to be discharged later this week to recover at home with his wife, Michele, and their children. Following his doctor's guidance, Councilmember Jawando will adjust office activities in the coming weeks, while his office remains open, available, and ready to help meet the community’s needs.

“Councilmember Jawando and his family are grateful to God for the friends who acted quickly and to the exceptional doctors, nurses, and staff at The George Washington University Hospital. They are deeply thankful for the outpouring of support and prayers from neighbors, colleagues, and supporters from across the county and state.”

Please direct any inquiries to Councilmember Jawando's Chief of Staff, David Kunes, at [email protected] or at 240-350-5104. We’re sending warm wishes for a smooth, steady recovery and look forward to seeing him back on his feet soon.

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.

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.

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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.