After spending the past few weeks encased in what felt like a region‑wide ice cube, we’re finally thawing out! Hopefully, in your neck of the woods, sidewalks are reappearing, cars and bikes are being liberated from their frosty shells, and everyone is remembering what it feels like to walk without doing the “penguin shuffle.” (Shout out to the Silver Spring Rush Hour Penguin Mural!) As we all ease back into motion, this feels like the perfect moment to pause, take a breath, and catch up on what’s happening along the Purple Line corridor.

In this edition, we’re bringing you a few crisp, timely updates. Below, you’ll find quick updates on a few fronts: a snip of an update on the Spring Street Bridge closure and why its timeline has been such a puzzle, a peek at the newly approved protected bike lane coming to 16th Street, and a roundup of answers to the thoughtful questions many of you sent in over the past few months following our December forum.

So as the ice melts and the temperatures inch upward, settle in with this issue. No warm drink required this time! We’re glad you’re here.

Warmly,
Christine and everyone at Purple Line NOW

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

Help Support Our Work

As always, Purple Line NOW continues its work without corporate underwriting, government grants, annual dues, or large institutional funding. We rely entirely on the generosity of individuals and organizations like you who value transparency, community engagement, and reliable information about the project. Your support -- at any time of year -- keeps our forums free, our newsletters consistent, and our advocacy strong.

If you feel inspired to give or renew your support, you can do so at any time. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps sustain this work.

From all of us at Purple Line NOW: thank you for standing with us, for believing in this project, and for helping us carry this momentum into the year ahead.

Spring Street Bridge Update

Residents continue to keep a close eye on the long‑running Spring Street Bridge closure, and the Purple Line team has shared a bit more context about what’s been happening behind the scenes. The bridge is still expected to reopen in Spring 2026. A firm date isn’t available yet, but officials have committed to sharing one as soon as they can.

This stretch of work has proven unusually complicated. Crews are operating in a tight corridor that overlaps with CSX and MARC rail operations and includes infrastructure from seven different utility companies. Because freight and commuter trains move through the active construction zone throughout the day, CSX flaggers must halt work each time a train approaches. Those stop‑and‑start interruptions -- combined with the sheer number of partners involved -- have created delays that were difficult to anticipate.

Even with these challenges, progress continues, and the team emphasizes that they’re pushing toward completion as safely and efficiently as possible. We’ll keep you updated as soon as more specific timing becomes available.

Bike Lane on 16th Street Moves Forward

A long‑planned safety improvement for downtown Silver Spring took a meaningful step forward last week. The Montgomery County Planning Board has endorsed the state’s proposal to add a protected, two‑way bike lane along the northbound side of 16th Street, running just over half a mile from Spring Street to Second Avenue. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will build the 8‑foot‑wide path as part of a broader set of roadway upgrades in the Montgomery Hills corridor.

This stretch of 16th Street sits right next to the future Woodside Purple Line station, making the timing especially important. With Purple Line service expected to begin in late 2027, planners see this bikeway as a key link between neighborhoods like Woodside and Rosemary Hills and the growing network of transit options in the area. The route also connects to nearby Metro and Ride On stops, and it will eventually tie into the planned Capital Crescent Trail extension, which is designed to pass beneath both Spring Street and 16th Street.

SHA staff shared encouraging news at the meeting: the bikeway is fully funded, and construction could begin once Purple Line work at the station wraps up -- potentially later this year. Planners emphasized that the project isn’t just about adding a bike lane; it’s about creating a safer, more intuitive transportation network for everyone moving through this busy corridor.

Members were broadly supportive and noted that county planning staff have recommended several refinements, including lowering the speed limit from 35 to 25 mph and widening the adjacent sidewalk to better align with the county’s Complete Streets guidance. SHA has agreed to consider these suggestions as the design advances.

With strong community backing and funding in place, the project is now well‑positioned to move from planning to construction, bringing long‑awaited safety and connectivity improvements to this important gateway into Silver Spring.

Read the full story here: Bethesda Beat – State Plan for Bike Lane on Silver Spring’s 16th Street Rolls On.

Community Q&A: Your Follow‑Up Questions Answered

After our December forum, many of you reached out with thoughtful follow‑up questions for the Purple Line team. In our last edition of Purple Line NOW News, we reprinted answers to all of those questions.

Since then, we received several more questions and appreciate your engagement and for continuing to keep this community conversation active and constructive. As always, we passed your questions along to the Purple Line team, who provided the expansive and detailed responses below. We’re sharing them here so everyone can benefit from the information. 

If you have additional questions, the Purple Line team remains the best source for technical and project‑specific details. That said, Purple Line NOW is always here to help nudge a question in the right direction or connect you with the appropriate contacts whenever needed.

Testing Timeline

Question:
If construction is expected to be completed in roughly six months (with 87% complete so far), why is an additional 18 months needed before opening? With dynamic testing already underway in Prince George’s County, residents are concerned about seeing trains run but not being able to ride them.

Response:
While construction is nearing completion, the project enters a required testing and commissioning phase. This includes training operators, completing testing on every Light Rail Vehicle (LRV), and ensuring that all train signals and communication systems function correctly as an integrated network. LRVs must also complete 2,000 hours of dynamic testing, which cannot be shortened, and trains must demonstrate reliable performance in various weather conditions.

Although testing is already visible in parts of Prince George’s County, these trains are operating in controlled, non‑passenger environments. This period is essential to ensuring the system meets all safety, reliability, and regulatory standards before opening.

We understand the community’s anticipation, and these additional months are focused on delivering a safe and fully ready system for all riders.

Monthly Updates

Question:
The monthly email updates feel too general (“work continues…”). Is it possible to provide more specific expectations or a rough timeline for when major elements will be finished?

Response:
The Purple Line provides updates in this format due to managing expectations and to be as transparent with the public as possible. Putting a hard date on a task may not always be a viable option due to unforeseen circumstances that could delay the work. Such as the weather. if you have specific questions around certain pieces of infrastructure being built or other projects along the alignment, please let us know, and we will be happy to answer them.

Staging & Laydown Areas

Question:
What will happen to the staging lots at Piney Branch & University and Flower & Arliss once construction is complete?

Responses:

Flower & Arliss
Once construction is complete, this area will be converted into a dry pond as part of the project’s stormwater‑management system. It will be fully landscaped and integrated into the surrounding environment.

Piney Branch & University
Future use of this parcel has not yet been determined. Decisions are pending coordination between the State of Maryland and the respective property owners.

Track Installation Status in Silver Spring

Question:
Only two blocks appear to remain without track -- Wayne Ave (Fenton to Cedar) and Bonifant (Metro to Georgia). Why the delay?

Responses:

Wayne Avenue (between Fenton and Cedar)
This section experienced an elevation and alignment issue that required approximately 25 feet of track to be removed and corrected. The error stemmed from an incorrect rail elevation caused by equipment issues. Corrective work is scheduled and expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

Bonifant Street (from the Metro to Georgia Avenue)
The remaining gap at Bonifant and Dixon involves precast concrete panels, which are the only location on the project where vehicular traffic will cross the tracks using precast panels. These panels cannot be set when rail temperatures are below required thresholds. As a result, installation is planned for spring 2026, when consistent warm temperatures allow proper placement.

Pedestrian Access Near Long Branch

Question:
The temporary sidewalk between the Giant and Flower Branch Apartments is frequently blocked, sometimes by construction and sometimes by drivers moving barriers. This is a heavily used pedestrian area -- what can be done?

Response:
Thank you for making us aware of this situation. We have reported it to our Resident Engineers and construction crews and they are monitoring this area to ensure the barriers are in place. We try our best to make sure that the barriers stay in place. However, as you mentioned, sometimes the public will move the barriers. If this happens and we have not moved them back in place, please feel free to contact us so we can rectify the situation as soon as possible.

Signal Priority

Questions included:
– Under what circumstances the train will receive priority
– When it will not receive priority
– Whether priority is tied to schedule adherence
– How the schedule is determined and whether delays at lights are “built in”

Responses:

When the train will receive priority
If a location is designated as a priority-controlled intersection and is operating under a programmed coordinated time plan, the intelligent interface device (IID) will automatically shift the location to preemption during off-peak free operation. This occurs because priority operation includes adjustable timing parameters that allow the system to prepare for an LRV’s arrival.

When it will not receive priority
This condition applies only when no demand exists from train control system circuits.

Whether priority is tied to schedule adherence
No. Priority is a “lesser preempt” function that places a soft demand for service and may influence signal timing; however, service is not guaranteed and is not hard-coded into the controller logic. This is distinct from preemption, which provides a hard takeover of signal timing to explicitly serve train movements.

How the schedule is determined
The schedule is developed using a fluid, adaptive approach, which is the primary reason the intelligent interface device (IID) was selected for use. The IID integrates highway traffic signal operations with the train control system to minimize disruption to both the traveling public and light rail operations.

Pedestrian Traffic on the UMD Campus

Question:
What measures will help ensure reliable train movement during class changes, when pedestrian volumes on Campus Drive are especially high?

Response:
LRVs are required to stop pedestrians at marked crosswalks within the campus. Pedestrian interactions have been incorporated into the priority and preemption calculations, with particular emphasis on identified potential stopping points west of Regents Drive. However, actual train arrival times will remain variable and are directly influenced by real-time pedestrian behavior, including instances where pedestrians enter the crosswalk or roadway in front of an approaching LRV.

With a boatload (or trainload?) of thanks to the Purple Line Outreach Team for providing these answers -- they are consistently responsive and knowledgeable and well equipped to address project‑specific or time‑sensitive inquiries. We here at PLN are always happy to help point you toward the right contacts, give a gentle nudge if you’re waiting on a reply, or flag information we may already have received that relates to your question. We love hearing from you and are glad to help keep the lines of communication open!

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.

We hope you’re slowly but surely digging out from the mountain of snow and ice Mother Nature just dropped on us. Between the blizzard and these arctic temperatures, it feels like we all deserve a medal simply for taking out the trash (or walking the dog!) A huge, heartfelt thank‑you goes to the incredible crews at MDOT MTA and all the partner agencies who have been out there around the clock -- plowing, repairing, keeping the lights on, and making sure water keeps flowing. (Just this morning, on a drive along the alignment, we saw Purple Line crews testing the signals at Riverdale North station!) Their dedication in this weather is nothing short of heroic. 

In this edition, we’re kicking off the new year with deep gratitude for the donors who powered our end‑of‑year matching campaign, including a full recognition list of the individuals, families, and organizations who make our work possible. We’re also sharing written responses to the thoughtful questions that came in after our December forum -- covering everything from road conditions and station access to community protections, system security, and signage. And because local advocacy never slows down, we’ve included an important update on Montgomery County’s newly released Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget, along with details about upcoming testimony on bus service and Purple Line sidewalk funding and the work that our friends over at Action Committee for Transit are doing.

Grab something warm to sip and settle in -- we’re glad you’re here!

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

With Deep Gratitude to Our Donors!

Thanks to your generosity -- and with the remarkable boost from our anonymous matching donor -- our matching campaign brought in $9,522 (!), a tremendous lift that will help us get the new year off with flying colors! Your support gives us the stability we need to keep doing this work with consistency and heart.

As we step into the new year, we pause to extend our heartfelt thanks to every single person and organization who supported Purple Line NOW this season -- whether through our end‑of‑year matching campaign or through gifts made at other times throughout the year. Your generosity fuels everything we do.

Today, we are honored to recognize the individuals, families, and organizations who have supported us recently. We appreciate their help in keeping our community informed, connected, and engaged as the Purple Line project moves forward.

Featured Donors

• Elizabeth Barbehenn
• Maryland Department of Transportation
• The Sanders‑Malloy Family
• Tina, Don, and Jessie Slater

Supporters

• Eric Talbot

Engineers

• Isiah Leggett
• Ben Ross
• Nancy and Rob Soreng

Conductors

• Jodie Kulpa‑Eddy
• John Robinson
• Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters

Anne Ambler & John Fay, Gus Bauman, Ralph Bennett, Glen Bottoms, Marney Bruce, Margaret Chasson, Peter Gray, Gerrit Knaap, Francine Meyer, Rodolfo Perez, Mark Perlman, Kathy Porter, Tom Quinn, Webb Smedley, John Undeland

Passengers

Louise & Ross Capon, John Carroll, Mike DeLong, M. G. Diamond, Patrick Dougherty, William & Kay Gilcher, Jennifer Judd, Jay Miller, Judith Morenoff, James Riley, Michael Volk

If you don’t see your name on this list and believe it should be included, please reach out -- we want to make sure every supporter is recognized with the gratitude they deserve.

As always, Purple Line NOW continues its work without corporate underwriting, government grants, annual dues, or large institutional funding. We rely entirely on the generosity of individuals and organizations like you who value transparency, community engagement, and reliable information about the project. Your support -- at any time of year -- keeps our forums free, our newsletters consistent, and our advocacy strong.

If you feel inspired to give or renew your support, you can do so at any time. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps sustain this work.

From all of us at Purple Line NOW: thank you for standing with us, for believing in this project, and for helping us carry this momentum into the year ahead.

Warmest wishes,
Christine and the Purple Line NOW Team

Answers to Your Post‑Forum Questions

Our December forum brought together project leaders from MDOT MTA and the Purple Line Transit Partners, as well as councilmembers from both Prince George’s and Montgomery counties for a lively and informative evening. They shared major construction updates, walked through the testing timeline, and answered loads of questions that attendees submitted in advance. If you missed those earlier responses or the forum, you can find the recording here.

As promised, we also collected the questions that came in after the forum wrapped up. MDOT MTA and PLTP have now provided written responses, which we are sharing below exactly as received.

More Questions?

If you have additional questions, we encourage you to send them through the project’s official contact portal [[email protected]], which is the most direct way to reach the team handling day‑to‑day construction and operations. They’ve been consistently responsive and helpful. And if you ever run into hurdles or aren’t sure where your question belongs, Purple Line NOW is always here to assist and make sure it finds the right home.

Road Conditions

When will adjacent roads such as Wayne Ave and Piney Branch be repaved? Current conditions are described as treacherous.

As construction progresses, roads adjacent to the Purple Line, as per the design plan, including Piney Branch Road and Wayne Avenue, are scheduled for repavement in late spring 2026. Please note, the final layer of paving -- known as the “final lift” -- requires a minimum temperature of 50°F for proper application. Unfavorable weather conditions may delay final paving.

Station Access & Safety

How will safe access to stations be ensured, given that tracks are in the center of the road?

Pedestrian safety is a top priority for the Purple Line. All stations located in the center of roadways are accessible by signalized crosswalks at signalized intersections. At these intersections, pedestrian warning devices and safety arms are installed along the alignment. Pedestrians should obey all traffic signal devices. In the event a safety arm is down, pedestrians and motorists must wait until the warning lights stop flashing and the safety arms lift before crossing. It is essential that all pedestrians follow standard safety protocols when crossing tracks.

As testing progresses, the Purple Line team will distribute safety messaging and educational resources throughout the testing phases, in-person and also available on the project website, purplelinemd.com. These resources will continue through all testing phases and into revenue service opening. Operation Lifesaver is another great resource for important rail safety information for motorists and pedestrians of all walks of life: Safety Near Trains | Operation Lifesaver

Community Protections

What measures will be in place to protect residents along the route in Long Branch and Langley Park from gentrification pressures?

The Maryland Transit Administration is responsible for the construction of the Purple Line, a vital transit project being built within the approved scope of work and project right-of-way. The project encourages residents to engage with elected officials and planning agencies about affordability and community preservation issues.

System Security

Other cities have reported copper wire thefts that disrupted service. Without revealing sensitive details, can you share whether our system’s copper is secure?

System safety is a top priority during construction and revenue service., MTA police officers will patrol the alignment and light rail vehicles (LRVs), Additional monitoring of closed-circuit cameras (CCTV) at stations and at the operations and maintenance facilities (OMF) helps ensure safety for riders, operators, and equipment.

Station Signage

At the Silver Spring Library station (and likely others), signage was confusing. Every sign should indicate Eastbound or Westbound, regardless of the next stop. Since streets change direction, ultimate destinations (similar to Metro signage) would be very helpful.

As shown in the photo, static signs and electronic “next train” signs detail the direction of trains at Purple Line stations. Destinations will be displayed on the electronic marquee above the train’s windshield.

Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Budget

Montgomery County released its proposed 6‑year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget on January 15, outlining planned investments in local infrastructure from FY27 through FY32. As part of the public review process, the Action Committee for Transit (ACT) will be testifying at the County Council’s hearing on February 9 at 6:30 pm in Rockville.

ACT plans to highlight two key priorities:

• Better bus service now: ACT is urging the County to improve bus frequency immediately rather than waiting for full build‑out of future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors.
• Fully funding Purple Line sidewalks: ACT will also call for complete funding of all Purple Line–related sidewalks recommended in the Purple Line Bicycle and Pedestrian (BiPPA) program, ensuring safe, connected access to stations when the line opens.

This is an important moment for the Purple Line community. If your organization or members are planning to submit testimony -- especially on the need for complete sidewalk connections -- this hearing is a timely opportunity to make those voices heard.

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.

Happy New Year!

We’re kicking off 2026 with one of our most beloved traditions: our Top Ten Purple Line Stories of 2025! This newsletter is packed with the moments, milestones, surprises, and standout developments that shaped the project over the past year. If you love a good countdown, you’re in the right place.

Our end‑of‑year matching campaign wrapped up with an incredible $9,522 raised! Truly -- what a boost to start the year! We’re so grateful to everyone who pitched in. And if you’d like to see the wonderful folks who helped make that happen, don’t miss our donor list. If you didn’t get a chance to give in December, we’d still be grateful for your support -- every bit helps keep our work going strong.

We also know many of you had follow‑up questions after our December forum. You weren’t shy, and we love that! We’ve already passed your questions along to both the concessionaire and the state, and we’re waiting for their responses. As soon as we hear back, you’ll see the answers in an upcoming newsletter. In the meantime, if you have any urgent construction concerns or new questions, you can also send them directly to the Purple Line team.

So settle in, enjoy the countdown, and thank you -- as always -- for being part of this community. We’re thrilled to start another year with you.

Gratefully,
Christine Scott
Executive Director, Purple Line NOW

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

The Top Ten Purple Line Stories of 2025

Every January, we take a look back at the stories that shaped the Purple Line conversation over the past year. As always, “top” doesn’t necessarily mean “best” -- some of these developments were exciting milestones, others sparked debate or frustration, and many were simply the most talked‑about moments across our corridor communities. Together, they paint a picture of a project that made real, visible strides in 2025 while still facing the challenges of a complex, multi‑jurisdictional build.

Settle in with your coffee -- in no particularly order, here’s what had everyone buzzing this year!

1.  All 28 Light Rail Vehicles Delivered Ahead of Schedule

A huge milestone kicked off the holiday season: Maryland took delivery of the 28th and final Purple Line light rail vehicle in November, completing the full fleet earlier than expected. The arrival of the last train means testing can now expand across the alignment, giving residents their first real glimpse of the system in motion. Read more: Maryland Transit Administration press release

2.  Prince George’s County Trackwork Reaches 100% / Construction Crosses 87% Completion

If you live or work along the corridor, you felt this one. Track installation surged forward, station platforms took shape, and sidewalks -- 17 of 19 miles -- were completed. Prince George’s County hit the major milestone of 100% track laid, a visible sign that the project is moving from heavy construction toward finishing work. Read more: Purple Line MD Newsroom

3.  Dynamic Testing Begins and Expands to 40% of the Alignment

One of the most shared images of the year? A Purple Line train gliding through College Park. Dynamic testing began in early spring and expanded steadily, with trains now running from New Carrollton through College Park and poised to cross the University of Maryland campus. For many, seeing trains on the tracks made the project feel more real than ever. Read more: Dynamic Testing

4.  All Purple Line Stations Under Construction

Every station along the 16‑mile alignment is now officially under construction -- a milestone that’s easy to overlook but incredibly significant. From platform walls to canopies to pedestrian connections, the bones of the future system are now visible in every community the Purple Line will serve. Read more: Purple Line MD construction updates

5.  Bethesda’s Massive Excavation Completed

Years of blasting, drilling, and hauling finally wrapped up in Bethesda, where crews removed 2.5 million pounds of rock to create the future connection between the Purple Line and the Metro Red Line. This was one of the most technically challenging pieces of the entire project, and its completion clears the way for station finishing and passenger circulation design.

6.  Capital Crescent Trail Reconstruction Takes Shape

Trail lovers rejoiced as bridges, underpasses, and landscaping emerged along the long‑awaited rebuilt Capital Crescent Trail. For many residents, 2025 was the first year the trail felt “real” again, no longer just a detour map, but rather a corridor coming back to life. Read more: Purple Line MD updates

7.  Small Business Support Tops $1.5 Million

Construction has been tough on corridor businesses, but the Small Business Grant Program continued to offer meaningful relief. With 150 recipients so far and funding committed through 2028, this program remained a bright spot in an otherwise challenging environment for local shops and restaurants. Read more: MDOT grant announcement

8.  Community Construction Fatigue and Calls for Transparency

Even with visible progress, 2025 brought renewed calls for clearer communication about timelines, risks, and remaining work. Montgomery County Councilmembers and community groups pressed for more transparency, reflecting both excitement for the project and understandable fatigue after years of disruption. Read more: Bethesda Magazine reporting on delays and community concerns

9.  Major Utility and Streetscape Work Wrapped Up

After years of lane closures, detours, and orange barrels, several major utility and roadway reconstruction projects finally wrapped up -- especially along Wayne Avenue, University Boulevard, and Riverdale Road. For many neighborhoods, 2025 felt like the year they “got their streets back.” At least, some of their streets! We expect 2026 to continue that trend with construction wrapping up and testing expanding.

10. Spring Street Bridge Closure Extends Into 2026

The Spring Street Bridge in downtown Silver Spring became one of the year’s most persistent construction headaches. Originally slated to reopen in 2025, the bridge remained closed throughout the year due to complex excavation work, utility relocations, and coordination with Metro, CSX, and MARC rail operations. By December, officials announced the closure would extend into March 2026 which understandably prompted frustration from commuters and nearby residents. Read More: Source of the Spring

Honorable Mentions:

• A Year-End Matching Gift Sparks Community Momentum

We’ll admit this one is a little close to home -- but it was genuinely one of the most talked‑about Purple Line stories in our circles. Purple Line NOW launched a $5,000 year‑end matching challenge and the community responded with enthusiasm! It was a heartening reminder that advocacy, transparency, and public engagement still matter deeply as the project enters its final stretch. Read more: Purple Line NOW Announcement

• Expanded Nighttime Testing Notifications

As testing increased, so did nighttime advisories -- especially in College Park and Riverdale Park. Read more: Testing advisory PDF

If we missed a story that had everyone talking in your corner of the Purple Line corridor, we’d love to hear about it! Every community experiences this project a little differently, and your on‑the‑ground perspective helps us keep these roundups lively, accurate, and connected to real neighborhood conversations. Feel free to send along the headlines, moments, or milestones that stood out where you live or work. We’re always eager to learn what’s buzzing in your neck of the woods!

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.

Happy Holidays!

As we wrap up 2025, we’ve got one last newsletter for you -- and it’s a good one! Inside, you’ll find a recap of our recent forum (with a link to the full video, in case you missed it), plus an update on our matching campaign. Time is ticking, though! Donations made before December 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, but we need your help to unlock the match. Help us close the gap --your gift has double the impact!

Before anything else, we want to thank the hardworking crews we see out every day, in all kinds of weather. Their dedication and grit are what keep this project moving forward, and as we close out the year, we want to applaud them first and foremost!

We also want to take a moment to thank YOU for standing with us this past year. Your support, enthusiasm, and encouragement have kept Purple Line NOW moving forward. Truly, we couldn’t do this without you.

And, while this is our final newsletter of the year, we’ll be back in January with our much-loved Top Ten Purple Line Stories of 2025. Got a favorite contender? Send it our way ([email protected]) -- we love hearing from you!

Until then, enjoy the holidays, stay warm, and don’t forget to check out the forum wrap-up and matching campaign articles below.

From our Purple Line NOW family to yours, may your holiday season be full of connection and momentum -- thank you for riding along with us!

Gratefully,
Christine Scott
Executive Director, Purple Line NOW

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

We're Not There Yet -- But, With Your Help, We Will Be!

We’re still buzzing from one of our most successful Purple Line NOW forums yet -- neighbors, elected officials, project leaders, and advocates all came together for an evening of lively conversation and updates. If you missed it, keep reading for a recap below along with a link to the video so you can catch up!

But today, we want to talk about something equally exciting: our $5,000 Matching Campaign. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, every dollar you give will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000, but only until December 31! That means:

• Your $25 gift becomes $50
• Your $100 gift becomes $200
• Every gift is doubled until we reach our $5,000 goal!

Now, here’s the honest scoop: We have a ways to go before we unlock the full match, but that’s why this moment matters so much -- your gift right now has twice the power to keep Purple Line NOW moving forward.

We are deeply grateful for every single gift -- whether it’s $25, $100, or more. Each one fuels our work and keeps our forums and newsletters accessible to all. And to those of you who have supported us year after year, through thick and thin: you are the heartbeat of Purple Line NOW. Truly, we couldn’t do this without you.

Why Your Support Matters

Your contributions make possible:

• Hosting public forums that keep our community informed and connected
• Publishing newsletters with timely updates straight to your inbox
• Ensuring transparency and accountability as the Purple Line project moves forward
• Celebrating milestones and keeping the excitement alive as opening day approaches

We don’t rely on corporate underwriting, government grants, annual membership dues, or splashy gala events (though we do throw a pretty lively forum!) Instead, each year, we simply ask and each year, you make it possible.

Meet Our Fantastic Donors

We invite you to check out our amazing supporters on our Donor Recognition Page. Their generosity inspires us every day, and we hope you’ll consider joining them during this campaign.

We know this has been a challenging year for many in our community, especially with the government shutdown, and we understand that giving may not be possible for everyone right now. But if you are able, we would be deeply grateful for your consideration -- every gift will be doubled, helping to fuel Purple Line NOW into the new year. Thank you, thank you!

Recap of Purple Line NOW’s December 9 Forum: The Trains Are Rolling -- What Should We Know?

On December 9, Purple Line NOW hosted its latest forum bringing together project leaders, elected officials, and community advocates for an evening of updates, milestones, and discussion. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of our distinguished presenters for sharing their time, expertise, and vision with our community.

• Ray Biggs II, Senior Project Director, Maryland Transit Administration
• Doran Bosso, CEO, Purple Line Transit Partners
• Kate Stewart, Montgomery County Council Member
• Eric C. Olson, Prince George’s County Council Member
• Maricela Cordova, MCDOT Special Assistant to the Director, Strategic Projects
• Victor Weissberg, Major Projects Manager, Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation

Missed the forum? You can watch the full recording now on our Purple Line NOW YouTube channel.

The forum was brimming with exciting updates, clear explanations, and plans for the years ahead, so much that it’s hard to condense into a simple list. Here’s just a small taste of what was shared, but we encourage you to watch the full video so you can hear all the information firsthand.

1. All 28 Light Rail Vehicles Delivered
   Yes, you read that right! All 28 trains have arrived in Maryland ahead of schedule! After years of anticipation, it’s almost surreal to see them lined up and ready. Each vehicle can carry over 400 passengers, with space for bikes and wheelchairs, and features low floors and wide doors for easy boarding.
2. Construction Progress Nears Completion
   The project is 84% complete, with 76% of track installed (all of Prince George’s County finished), 17 of 19 miles of sidewalks built, and 16 station canopies in place. All 21 stations are under construction, with platforms completed.
3. Dynamic Testing Underway
   Testing began in March and has already advanced across 40% of the alignment. Trains are now running from New Carrollton through College Park, with the next section planned to cross the University of Maryland campus.
4. Major Infrastructure Milestones
   Bethesda crews completed blasting and excavation this summer, removing 2.5 million pounds of rock to connect the Purple Line station to the Metro Red Line. Overhead catenary poles and wires are being installed across the alignment.
5. Trails and Bike Lanes Expanding
   The Purple Line includes completion of the Capital Crescent Trail between Bethesda and Silver Spring, with new bridges, underpasses, and landscaping. Additional bike paths will connect through the University of Maryland campus and along Wayne Avenue.
6. Support for Small Businesses
   MDOT’s Small Business Grant Program has already awarded $1.5 million to 150 businesses impacted by construction, with funding continuing through 2028.
7. Partnership and Community Engagement
   Speakers emphasized the strength of collaboration among state agencies, counties, contractors, and community groups. Twice-yearly Community Advisory Team meetings and outreach events ensure residents remain informed and involved.
8. A Matching Gift Opportunity
   Purple Line NOW announced that an anonymous donor will match all contributions up to $5,000 through year’s end. This is a chance for supporters to double their impact and help sustain Purple Line NOW’s advocacy and outreach. See above article for all the details!

As we wrapped up the evening, one theme was clear: transformation is finally taking shape before our eyes. The trains we’ve been waiting so long to see are now stretching their legs on the tracks, and while testing will take time, it signals a welcome shift from years of heavy construction to the excitement of real progress. With updates from our county leaders and project partners, and with safety, reliability, and community partnership guiding every step, the Purple Line is steadily moving from vision to reality. We encourage you to watch the full forum video to catch all the details. Opening day in late 2027 may still be ahead, but the journey there is well underway!

Correction Note

During the forum, a comment was made regarding Montgomery County’s Georgetown Branch Right of Way purchase. To clarify: the County’s purchase of the Georgetown Branch right-of-way from CSX Transportation Inc. occurred on December 7, 1988, encouraged by both transit and trail advocates. This was followed in November 1989 with approval of using the Bethesda-Silver Spring right of way for both a light rail “trolley” and an adjacent trail.

Thank You to Our Sponsor

Purple Line NOW extends a big note of gratitude to our event sponsor, the Maryland Department of Transportation, for making this forum possible.

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