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.

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.