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.

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