In today's edition of Purple Line NOW News, here's what you'll find:

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Become a Purple Line NOW Donor
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Spring Community Advisory Team (CAT) Meetings Continue
  • Latest Purple Line Progress Video
• Construction Updates
  • The Purple Line: More Than Just a Train!
  • Highlights from the Community Advisory Team Meetings
  • Safety First!
  • Purple Line Officials Update Timeline for Spring Street Bridge Work
    
    

***Happy spring, everyone! Today's newsletter is jam-packed with goodies, so sit down, grab a cool beverage, and have a read! If you live along the alignment, tune into an upcoming CAT meeting. If you want to know why the Purple Line is more than just a train -- scroll down a bit to see many of the benefits the project has to offer! And, if you are wondering about when the Silver Spring bridge will open or how to stay safe as construction continues, keep on reading!***

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. 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

Become a Purple Line NOW Donor

We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support we have received from so many in our community. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our donors—people like you who believe in the power of public transportation to strengthen our communities. We couldn’t do what we do without your contributions which enable us to continue our mission of advocating for a successful Purple Line and a transit-friendly future.

Donations help sustain our efforts to produce our informative newsletters, host free forums, and work diligently to champion transit-friendly policies. These resources also help us support Purple Line-adjacent bills as they make their way through our general assembly and policies on a bi-county level that affect all of us.

If you didn't have an opportunity to give (or it slipped to the bottom of your to do pile!), we are always in need of financial support and appreciate every gift, no matter the season. You can donate by clicking on the purple "DONATE TODAY" link below.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we are making a difference—one step closer to a brighter, better-connected Maryland!

Why Your Support Matters: With your help, Purple Line NOW can continue to advocate for this essential transit project that connects communities, reduces congestion, and promotes sustainable transportation. Your matched donation will directly support:

• Annual Community Forums: Engaging with key Purple Line and community leaders.
• Bi-weekly Newsletters: Keeping you informed with important updates and construction information.
• Community-wide Information Sharing: Through our quarterly board and monthly executive committee meetings.
• Connecting and Problem-Solving: Helping connect residents and workers with the right person on the project to solve problems or bring attention to an issue.

We appreciate the generous support of all of our donors!

HAPPENING ALONG THE PURPLE LINE CORRIDOR

Spring Community Advisory Team (CAT) Meetings Continue

The Spring 2025 Community Advisory Team meetings continue - below are the upcoming meetings left! See below for an update on those that have already occurred. As always, you can find the transcripts of the meetings at the project website.

• Greater Lyttonsville/Woodside CAT Meeting: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 6:00 PM
• Riverdale Park/New Carrollton/Glenridge CAT Meeting: Thursday, May 1, 2025 6:00 PM
• Silver Spring CAT Meeting: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 6:00 PM
• Bethesda/Chevy Chase CAT Meeting: Thursday, May 8, 2025 6:00 PM

Latest Purple Line Progress Video

Maryland Purple Line Senior Project Director Ray Biggs II provides the latest progress update on the Purple Line project for Spring 2025. Construction advances steadily across the 16-mile alignment from New Carrollton in Prince George's County to Bethesda in Montgomery County. Significant milestones are being achieved as development continues.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

The Purple Line: More Than Just a Train!

When you think of the Purple Line, you might picture a sleek light rail zipping through Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, connecting communities and cutting down commute times. But here’s the thing—this project is so much more than just a transit line! It’s a once-in-a-generation overhaul of our region’s infrastructure, and the benefits will ripple through our communities for decades to come, whether you ever step foot on the train or not.

Let’s dive into some of the hidden gems of the Purple Line project:

• Modernized Utility Infrastructure: Did you know that some of our utility systems—water, gas, and electrical lines—are decades old? The Purple Line is replacing these outdated systems with modern ones that meet today’s safety and efficiency standards. This means fewer service disruptions, more reliable utilities for residents and businesses, and a safer environment overall. It’s like giving our community a much-needed tech upgrade!
• Improved Stormwater Management: With climate change bringing more intense storms, managing water has never been more critical. The Purple Line includes upgraded drainage systems designed to prevent flooding and reduce water pollution. These improvements protect property, keep our streets safer, and contribute to a healthier environment. It’s a win-win for everyone.
• Enhanced Public Safety: By bringing utilities up to code, the project minimizes risks like gas leaks and electrical faults. This creates a safer living and working environment for all of us.
• Increased Capacity for Growth: Our region is growing, and modernized utilities are key to supporting that growth. The new systems can handle higher demand, paving the way for future development and making our area more attractive to businesses and residents alike. 
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: The upgraded utility systems are designed to be more energy-efficient, reducing overall energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a step toward a greener, more sustainable future for our community. 
• Economic Boost: The construction and infrastructure upgrades are creating jobs and stimulating local businesses. Plus, the improved utilities make our area more appealing for new investments and development opportunities. 
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Outdated systems are expensive to maintain and prone to breakdowns. The new, up-to-date infrastructure will require less frequent repairs, saving money for utility providers—and ultimately for all of us as residents.

The Purple Line isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B. It’s about building a stronger, safer, and more resilient community. From modernized utility conduits to upgraded stormwater systems and new communication cables, the extensive nature of these improvements is staggering. This project is setting our region up for success, not just for today, but for generations to come.

We all need a reminder that the Purple Line is more than a train—it’s a transformative investment in our community’s future. And that’s something we can all get on board with!

Highlights from the Community Advisory Team Meetings

The College Park, Long Branch, and University Boulevard CAT meetings occurred earlier this month. As always, you can find the video and slide show at the project website. 

If you live or work in one of these areas, we strong encourage you to check out the presentations where you'll find lots of information about the work that has been completed, is ongoing, and coming soon in the next few months. You can also view highlights from the presentation on the slide show. The project is 76% complete (amazing!) and as you may have read, entering into the "dynamic testing" phase. If you drive along Veterans Highway, you may have caught a glimpse of one of the shiny rail cars being tested along the one-mile stretch of testing track!

During the presentations at all the CATS that have occurred so far, the panel from the Purple Line team highlighted what we should expect during this testing phase:

• Initial testing will occur on one mile of dedicated alignment track at the Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) site with no public access.

• LRV testing includes braking and propulsion, vehicle safety systems, emergency communications, signals and switches.

You may notice:

• Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) moving along the test track at varying speeds.
• Periodic horn and bell testing.
• Overhead Catenary System (OCS) Wires which carry 1500 Volts DC. Assume all OCS wires are live and carrying extremely dangerous electric current at all times. 
• The test track is fenced and highly visible "Danger" signs are posted in multiple locations.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

Safety First!

As trains begin testing on tracks and traffic continues to be detoured due to ongoing construction, it is important to be more aware than ever when on foot or bike! 

When crossing Purple Line tracks:

• Use crosswalks.
• Cross at a right angle, perpendicular to the tracks.
• Do not ride parallel in the trackway – tires will get caught.
• Use extra caution when wet or frozen – rail can be slippery.

We'll have more safety tips in future newsletters, but please be careful and exercise caution as you navigate these new surroundings!

Purple Line Officials Update Timeline for Spring Street Bridge Work

A key element of the Purple Line's design, demanding significant collaboration between agencies, is the Spring Street Bridge in Silver Spring. Following a review of the current track installation timeline in this area, the project team now estimates that the bridge will be ready to open by late 2025. Until the completion of this work, the detour previously outlined by the Purple Line Outreach team (accessible through the attached document and available on their website) will remain in effect.

STAY CONNECTED

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.

In today's edition of Purple Line NOW News, here's what you'll find:

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Become a Purple Line NOW Donor
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Spring Community Advisory Team (CAT) Meetings Scheduled
  • Purple Line Equitable Housing Training Series
• Construction Updates
  • Interview with Art-in-Transit Artist
  • See the Purple Line Under Construction
  • Purple Line Officials Update Timeline for Spring Street Bridge Work
  • Purple Line Construction Updates to County Councils
  • Dynamic Testing for Maryland's Purple Line Light Rail Vehicles is Underway!
    
    

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. 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

Become a Purple Line NOW Donor

We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support we have received from so many in our community. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our donors—people like you who believe in the power of public transportation to strengthen our communities. We couldn’t do what we do without your contributions which enable us to continue our mission of advocating for a successful Purple Line and a transit-friendly future.

Donations help sustain our efforts to produce our informative newsletters, host free forums, and work diligently to champion transit-friendly policies. These resources also help us support Purple Line-adjacent bills as they make their way through our general assembly and policies on a bi-county level that affect all of us.

If you didn't have an opportunity to give (or it slipped to the bottom of your to do pile!), we are always in need of financial support and appreciate every gift, no matter the season. You can donate by clicking on the purple "DONATE TODAY" link below.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we are making a difference—one step closer to a brighter, better-connected Maryland!

Why Your Support Matters: With your help, Purple Line NOW can continue to advocate for this essential transit project that connects communities, reduces congestion, and promotes sustainable transportation. Your matched donation will directly support:

• Annual Community Forums: Engaging with key Purple Line and community leaders.
• Bi-weekly Newsletters: Keeping you informed with important updates and construction information.
• Community-wide Information Sharing: Through our quarterly board and monthly executive committee meetings.
• Connecting and Problem-Solving: Helping connect residents and workers with the right person on the project to solve problems or bring attention to an issue.

We Love Our Donors

Featured Donors
The Malloy and Sanders Family
Tina, Don, and Jessie Slater
Purple Line Corridor Coalition

Supporters
Elizabeth Barbehenn
Ben Ross
Eric Talbot

Engineers
Brian and Bee Ditzler
Isiah Leggett
John Robinson
Nancy and Rob Soreng

Conductors
Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters
Anne Ambler & John Fay, Gus Bauman, Marney Bruce, John Carroll, Margaret Chasson, Elaine Emling & Michael Jenner, Margaret Greene, Gerrit Knaap, Jodie Kulpa-Eddy, Francine Meyer, Anita Morrison, Rodolfo Perez, Mark Perlman, Tom Quinn, Jerry Withers

Passengers
Glen Bottoms, M. G. Diamond, Patrick Dougherty, William & Kay Gilcher, Jennifer Judd, Tom Pogue, James Riley

HAPPENING ALONG THE PURPLE LINE CORRIDOR

Spring Community Advisory Team (CAT) Meetings Scheduled

The Spring 2025 Community Advisory Team meetings have been scheduled and are coming up next week!. As always, you can find the transcripts of the meetings at the project website.

• College Park CAT Meeting: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 6:00 PM
• Long Branch CAT Meeting: Thursday, April 24, 2025 6:00 PM
• University Boulevard CAT Meeting: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 6:00 PM
• Greater Lyttonsville/Woodside CAT Meeting: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 6:00 PM
• Riverdale Park/New Carrollton/Glenridge CAT Meeting: Thursday, May 1, 2025 6:00 PM
• Silver Spring CAT Meeting: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 6:00 PM
• Bethesda/Chevy Chase CAT Meeting: Thursday, May 8, 2025 6:00 PM

Purple Line Equitable Housing Training Series

(Passing along an event that may be of interest to some of our readers from our friends at the Purple Line Corridor Coalition)

April 30 | 8:30am - 2:00pm | 
National Center for Smart Growth (Anacostia Building, 1 Physics Ellipse Drive, College Park, MD 20740)

Event hosted by Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers (HAND) and Enterprise Community Partners

With the Purple Line light rail poised to open in late 2027, now is the time to ensure equitable growth for all who live, work, and invest in the Purple Line corridor. The Purple Line will connect multiple communities across Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, and like other large-scale transit investments in our region, raises questions about who will benefit. Renters and homeowners living near the Purple Line already experience rapidly rising costs and displacement pressure. Further investment is needed to allow people living near the Purple Line to thrive.

You can find registration and fee details here.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

An Interview with Artist Lewis Legge's Art-in-Transit Installation at Campus Drive-UMD Purple Line Station

As many of you know, one of the most exciting parts of the ongoing construction is the installation of art designs into each of the Purple Line stations. According to the project website, "The Art-in-Transit program recognizes public art as an integral element of the transit project and further enhances the Purple Line’s high-quality stations, aesthetic treatments and landscape designs. Art will be incorporated into stations and certain other project structures including bridges, fencing and lighting."

Artists for the program were chosen through a multi-stage process designed to promote professional, high-quality art projects. Over 700 artists submitted their qualifications, and the Purple Line Art-In-Transit Selection Committee—comprising representatives from the Purple Line Team, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA), Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP), art professionals, the University of Maryland, the Arts Councils of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, and local community members—selected 80 artists to submit concept proposals.

With canopies going up and art being installed, we are now able to see each respective artist's vision come to life.

One of those artists, Lewis Legge is behind the Campus Drive-UMD art installation. Listen to an interview with Mr. Legge here.

Photo Courtesy of MDOT MTA

See the Purple Line Under Construction

From Greater Greater Washington (D. Reed, April 8 2025) comes a great article on construction progress along the route with awesome photos!

Purple Line Officials Update Timeline for Spring Street Bridge Work

In case you missed it, for those in or around the Silver Spring area, Purple Line officials have indicated that the bridge will remain closed through summer 2025. Read more at Source of the Spring.

Purple Line Construction Updates to Prince George's and Montgomery County Councils

Earlier this year, both county councils were given updates from Purple Line officials, including confirming the Capital Crescent Trail is expected to open during the Spring of 2026. You can watch the briefings for both Prince George's TIEE committee and Montgomery County TE/ECON committees on their respective websites.

Dynamic Testing for Maryland's Purple Line Light Rail Vehicles is Underway!

Photo courtesy of MDOT MTA

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news as we release this newsletter—dynamic testing for the Purple Line light rail vehicles has officially begun!

This milestone has been years in the making and marks a significant step forward for the project. According to a press release issued earlier today, "This phase of testing will take place on a one-mile test track located next to the project’s Operations and Maintenance Facility along Veterans Parkway in Glenridge, Maryland. All eight light rail vehicles currently onsite are ready to begin dynamic testing."

In the most recent Purple Line newsletter, Ray Biggs, II, Senior Project Director for the Maryland Transit Administration, shared that the project is now 76% complete—more than three-quarters of the way to opening day! Currently, 20 stations are under construction, and more than 67,500 of the planned 193,100 feet of track have been laid. Traffic along University Boulevard has also shifted to the final phase of construction, allowing track work to progress in the center of the roadway.

Director Biggs emphasized the progress, noting that eight of the 28 light rail vehicles are already on site, with the remaining 20 prepared to make their way to Maryland. We know that as track construction nears completion and the bulk of the heavy work wraps up, the project will transition to a quieter phase, with mandatory testing becoming the focus. 

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld echoed the excitement, stating: "This is a monumental moment for the Purple Line as the project begins systems testing and brings us closer to service. With the project at 76% complete, seeing the light rail vehicles on the tracks is a welcome sight that shows our continued progress. Thank you to the team for their hard work and the public for your continued patience as we move closer to finishing the Purple Line."

Want to see the progress for yourself? [Watch a video of the testing here.]

This is a tremendous day for the Purple Line project! Let’s take a moment to congratulate the dedicated crews and staff whose hard work is turning this vision into reality!

STAY CONNECTED

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.

In today's edition of Purple Line NOW News, here's what you'll find:

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Purple Line NOW Surpasses Fundraising Goal!
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Spring Community Advisory Team (CAT) Meetings Scheduled
• Construction Updates
  • Dynamic Testing for Maryland's Purple Line Light Rail Vehicles is Underway!
    
    

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. 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

Purple Line NOW Surpasses Fundraising Goal, Thanks to Your Incredible Support!

We are overjoyed to announce the resounding success of our "Show Your Love" February fundraising campaign! Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our supporters, we not only achieved our goal of $6,000, but far surpassed it! Individuals like you contributed an astonishing $4,034 in donations, and every single dollar was matched by a generous donor, bringing our grand total to an incredible $8,068!

We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our donors—people like you who believe in the power of public transportation to strengthen our communities. We couldn’t have done this without your contributions which will enable us to continue our mission of advocating for a successful Purple Line and a transit-friendly future.

The funds raised this winter will sustain our efforts throughout this spring and early summer as we plan an exciting fall forum, continue producing our informative newsletters, and work diligently to champion transit-friendly policies. These resources will also help us support Purple Line-adjacent bills as they make their way through our general assembly.

If you didn't have an opportunity to give (or it slipped to the bottom of your to do pile!), we are always in need of financial support and appreciate every gift, no matter the season. You can donate by clicking on the purple "DONATE TODAY" link below.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we are making a difference—one step closer to a brighter, better-connected Maryland!

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Why Your Support Matters: With your help, Purple Line NOW can continue to advocate for this essential transit project that connects communities, reduces congestion, and promotes sustainable transportation. Your matched donation will directly support:

• Annual Community Forums: Engaging with key Purple Line and community leaders.
• Bi-weekly Newsletters: Keeping you informed with important updates and construction information.
• Community-wide Information Sharing: Through our quarterly board and monthly executive committee meetings.
• Connecting and Problem-Solving: Helping connect residents and workers with the right person on the project to solve problems or bring attention to an issue.

 We Love Our Donors! 

Featured Donors
The Malloy and Sanders Family
Tina, Don, and Jessie Slater
Purple Line Corridor Coalition

Supporters
Elizabeth Barbehenn
Ben Ross
Eric Talbot

Engineers
Brian and Bee Ditzler
Isiah Leggett
John Robinson
Nancy and Rob Soreng

Conductors
Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters
Anne Ambler & John Fay, Gus Bauman, Marney Bruce, John Carroll, Margaret Chasson, Elaine Emling & Michael Jenner, Margaret Greene, Gerrit Knaap, Jodie Kulpa-Eddy, Francine Meyer, Anita Morrison, Rodolfo Perez, Mark Perlman, Tom Quinn, Jerry Withers

Passengers
Glen Bottoms, M. G. Diamond, Patrick Dougherty, William & Kay Gilcher, Jennifer Judd, Tom Pogue, James Riley

HAPPENING ALONG THE PURPLE LINE CORRIDOR

Spring Community Advisory Team (CAT) Meetings Scheduled

The Spring 2025 Community Advisory Team meetings have been scheduled. As always, you can find the transcripts of the meetings at the project website.

Riverdale Park/New Carrollton/Glenridge CAT Meeting #14

Thursday, May 1, 2025 6:00 PM

College Park CAT Meeting #14

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 6:00 PM

University Boulevard CAT Meeting #14

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 6:00 PM

Long Branch CAT Meeting #14

Thursday, April 24, 2025 6:00 PM

Silver Spring CAT Meeting #14

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 6:00 PM

Greater Lyttonsville/Woodside CAT Meeting #14

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 6:00 PM

Bethesda/Chevy Chase CAT Meeting #14

Thursday, May 8, 2025 6:00 PM

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

Dynamic Testing for Maryland's Purple Line Light Rail Vehicles is Underway!

Photo courtesy of MDOT MTA

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news as we release this newsletter—dynamic testing for the Purple Line light rail vehicles has officially begun!

This milestone has been years in the making and marks a significant step forward for the project. According to a press release issued earlier today, "This phase of testing will take place on a one-mile test track located next to the project’s Operations and Maintenance Facility along Veterans Parkway in Glenridge, Maryland. All eight light rail vehicles currently onsite are ready to begin dynamic testing."

In the most recent Purple Line newsletter, Ray Biggs, II, Senior Project Director for the Maryland Transit Administration, shared that the project is now 76% complete—more than three-quarters of the way to opening day! Currently, 20 stations are under construction, and more than 67,500 of the planned 193,100 feet of track have been laid. Traffic along University Boulevard has also shifted to the final phase of construction, allowing track work to progress in the center of the roadway.

Director Biggs emphasized the progress, noting that eight of the 28 light rail vehicles are already on site, with the remaining 20 prepared to make their way to Maryland. We know that as track construction nears completion and the bulk of the heavy work wraps up, the project will transition to a quieter phase, with mandatory testing becoming the focus. 

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld echoed the excitement, stating: "This is a monumental moment for the Purple Line as the project begins systems testing and brings us closer to service. With the project at 76% complete, seeing the light rail vehicles on the tracks is a welcome sight that shows our continued progress. Thank you to the team for their hard work and the public for your continued patience as we move closer to finishing the Purple Line."

Want to see the progress for yourself? [Watch a video of the testing here.]

This is a tremendous day for the Purple Line project! Let’s take a moment to congratulate the dedicated crews and staff whose hard work is turning this vision into reality!

STAY CONNECTED

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.

In today's edition of Purple Line NOW News, here's what you'll find:

• What's Happening at PLN?
  
  • Last Chance! Show Your Love for Purple Line NOW!
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Purple Line NOW Submits Testimony in Support of Transit
• Construction Updates
  • Maryland DOT Launches Grant Program for Small Businesses Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Some Items of Interest from Social Media

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. 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

 Show Your Love for Purple Line NOW 

Important -- please take a moment to read:

All good things must come to an end! For us, that means this is the final week your gift will be matched, dollar-for-dollar. The "I Love Purple Line NOW!" matching campaign will end this Friday (February 28) and we are SO very grateful to all who have jumped in to support us during this matching campaign! Our terrific donors are listed below!

**We didn't reach our target in December, so with the kindness of a donor who has agreed to extend the matching campaign through February, we've relaunched the matching campaign to give you a chance to have your donations doubled! We are rolling closer to our goal -- thank you, thank you!! For every dollar raised, a donor will donate the same amount (up to $2,000) until we reach our goal of $6,000 or until the end of the month, whichever comes first. 

We only have a short time left and if you don't see your name on the list below, we hope you might consider a donation to help us reach our goal. Together, we can make a powerful difference in our community!

 Double the Love, Double Your Impact! 

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Why Your Support Matters: With your help, Purple Line NOW can continue to advocate for this essential transit project that connects communities, reduces congestion, and promotes sustainable transportation. Your matched donation will directly support:

• Annual Community Forums: Engaging with key Purple Line and community leaders.
• Bi-weekly Newsletters: Keeping you informed with important updates and construction information.
• Community-wide Information Sharing: Through our quarterly board and monthly executive committee meetings.
• Connecting and Problem-Solving: Helping connect residents and workers with the right person on the project to solve problems or bring attention to an issue.

How to Participate:

1. Donate Online: Visit our donation page and choose your desired amount (or click the purple "Donate Today" button above!)
2. Matching Gifts: Your donation will be recorded and matched by our generous donor.
3. Share the Love: Encourage friends and family to join our campaign by sharing this newsletter and spreading the word on social media.

 We Love Our Donors! 

Featured Donors
The Malloy and Sanders Family
Tina, Don, and Jessie Slater
Purple Line Corridor Coalition
Purple Line Transit Partners

Supporters
Elizabeth Barbehenn
Ben Ross
Eric Talbot

Engineers
Brian and Bee Ditzler
Isiah Leggett
John Robinson
Nancy and Rob Soreng

Conductors
Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters
Anne Ambler & John Fay
Gus Bauman
Marney Bruce
John Carroll
Margaret Chasson
Elaine Emling & Michael Jenner
Margaret Greene
Gerrit Knaap
Jodie Kulpa-Eddy
Francine Meyer
Anita Morrison
Rodolfo Perez
Tom Quinn
Jerry Withers

Passengers
Glen Bottoms
Patrick Dougherty
William & Kay Gilcher
Tom Pogue
James Riley

Your love and generosity will drive us forward, creating a better and more connected community for everyone. The dollars we raise this month will help us continue our work this spring and summer. Please consider a donation, if you can – and as always, thank you for your continuous support and for making a lasting impact!

HAPPENING ALONG THE PURPLE LINE CORRIDOR

Purple Line NOW Submits Testimony in Support of Transit

Keeping with our theme of love, Purple Line NOW submitted testimony in support of public transit to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee at a budget hearing on February 14. What better way to show our love than supporting funding to improve and expand public transportation across the state?! Here's a copy of our testimony:

SENATE BUDGET AND TAXATION COMMITTEE
Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment Subcommittee - Budget Hearing
By: Christine Scott, Executive Director, Purple Line NOW
Date: February 14, 2025

Re: J00A0104

I appreciate the opportunity to provide written testimony on behalf of Purple Line NOW, an organization dedicated to advocating for the completion and success of the Purple Line, a crucial component of Maryland's public transportation network.

Investing in public transit is essential for the vitality and growth of our communities. The benefits of public transportation are vast and far-reaching, impacting not just individual commuters but also our economy, environment, and overall quality of life.

Economic Benefits Public transit systems, like the Purple Line, are catalysts for economic development. Studies have shown that every dollar invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns. Transit projects create jobs during construction and operation phases, stimulate local businesses, and attract new investments. By improving access to job centers, public transit empowers individuals with better employment opportunities and contributes to a more robust and resilient economy.

Environmental Benefits Public transportation is a powerful tool in our fight against climate change. By reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road, public transit helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The Purple Line, for example, is expected to remove thousands of cars from our congested highways, leading to cleaner air and a healthier environment for all residents. Supporting public transit is a crucial step towards meeting our state’s environmental goals and creating a sustainable future.

Social Equity Benefits Public transit promotes social equity by providing reliable and affordable transportation options to all members of our community, including those who may not have access to a private vehicle. This accessibility is vital for low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities, ensuring they can reach essential services, education, and employment opportunities. By investing in public transit, we are investing in a more inclusive and equitable society.

Quality of Life Benefits Public transit enhances the overall quality of life for residents by reducing traffic congestion, lowering transportation costs, and providing convenient and efficient travel options. The Purple Line, for example, will connect diverse communities, fostering greater social cohesion and a sense of belonging.

Additionally, public transit systems contribute to the development of vibrant, walkable neighborhoods, encouraging healthier lifestyles and reducing the need for extensive parking infrastructure.

In conclusion, the funding and support of public transit projects like the Purple Line are critical for the continued growth and prosperity of Maryland. I urge the legislature to prioritize public transit funding, recognizing the multitude of benefits it brings to our economy, environment, and communities. Together, we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant future for all Maryland residents.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

MDOT Launches Grant Program for Small Businesses Along the Purple Line

Applications are now being accepted by Maryland Department of Transportation for grants up to $50,000 to support small businesses impacted by construction of the Purple Line Light Rail project. According to the MDOT MTA website, "eligible small business applicants must operate a customer-facing business within one-quarter of a mile from the Purple Line alignment and have been open and operational since January 1, 2022."

Small businesses are eligible if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

• 50 or fewer employees
• gross sales averaging $2 million or less
• or are certified in the State of Maryland’s Small Business Reserve Program

"Grant award amounts of up to $50,000 will vary based on location of the business, construction impacts and whether the business is located in areas designated for community and economic development, revitalization and sustainability. Up to three application rounds will take place each year."

Important: The first round of applications are due by March 14, 2025. Program details and the grant application can be found at www.purplelinemd.com.

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