Welcome to the Purple Line NOW Newsletter

Whether you ride the rails, are living in a construction zone, or just like to stay in the know, this edition has something for you. From timely updates to important information on transit access -- you’re in good hands. So grab your favorite mug, settle in, and join us as we explore what’s new with the Purple Line.

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

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Our Next Forum is in the Works!
  • Become a Purple Line NOW Donor
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Help Us Highlight Businesses Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Bonifant Street: Still Buzzing, Still Open for Business!
  • Grant Opportunities for Small Businesses Along the Purple Line Corridor
• Construction Updates
  • How Will You Access the Nearest Purple Line Station or the CCT Trail?
  • Ride On Detours Due to Purple Line Construction
  • Safety First!

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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

Our Next Forum is in the Works!

Exciting news! We're gearing up for the next Purple Line NOW forum, slated for early fall. This time, we’ll share a broad project update and take a deep dive into station access. We'll also take a look at how and when full track testing is ramping up for the year ahead. Stay tuned as we finalize our expert panel and get ready to share all the details!

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

Help us Highlight Businesses Along the Purple Line Corridor

Many businesses along the corridor are doing their best as we plow through the heavy construction phase of the project, but often could use a little boost by way of a friendly reminder to all of us, residents and workers alike, that they are still open for business and hope you'll remember them as you plan where you'll eat and shop. If you know of a business or area that might need a little boost, send the information our way and we'll be sure to include them in features like this in our Purple Line NOW Newsletter when we can.

One area that has been under significant construction for a good while now is Bonifant Street in Silver Spring. Read below for an update on what's happening in that area.

Bonifant Street: Still Buzzing, Still Open for Business

If you’ve driven down Bonifant over the past few years, you’ve probably noticed it's a hive of construction activity. And while the street has never been closed, traffic continues to run one-way toward Fenton Street -- and will for a little while longer.

Good news, though, shops and restaurants are open and need your business. The builder is working closely with business owners to make sure access is always maintained and any temporary adjustments are handled directly.

We recommend signing up for construction updates if you haven’t already (especially if you live or work along the Purple Line corridor). It’s the best way to stay ahead of any changes to pedestrian routes or short-term disruptions. Just [click here] and follow the sign-up instructions. It’s quick and worth it!

Bonifant is undergoing quite a bit of utility work, but things are moving in the right direction -- literally! Sidewalks are getting an upgrade, starting with the north side, and we’ve heard that by the end of this year, those major construction impacts will finally ease. Even better? Road and sidewalk work is expected to wrap up before the year’s out!

Keep in mind that the Purple Line light rail will run right down Bonifant Street, through the Silver Spring Library (yes, there’s a station there!), and onto Wayne Avenue. That’s a big project in a small footprint, so yes, construction is intense. But the payoff will be worth it.

In the meantime, why not show some extra love to the amazing shops and restaurants on Bonifant? Throw on some sunscreen, grab a friend, take a stroll, and support the local gems that make this street so special.

Grant Opportunities for Small Businesses Along the Purple Line Corridor!

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and we’re thrilled to share news that can help them thrive! The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is offering vital funding opportunities through the Purple Line Small Business Grant Program designed to support businesses and organizations impacted by the transformative Purple Line project.

MDOT recently announced the first round of recipients for the Purple Line Small Business Grant Program, which launched earlier this year to help business owners maintain operations, retain employees, and expand services amid construction disruptions. This initiative saw an overwhelming response, with more than 450 applications submitted. After a rigorous review, over 100 businesses in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties received grants ranging from $1,000 to $40,000, totaling $1 million in funding awarded so far!

The next round of funding opened on Monday, June 2, 2025. If your business wasn’t selected in the first round or hasn’t applied yet, now is your chance! Applications are open until June 27, 2025, and businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.

With $4 million set aside for eligible businesses over the four-year program, this funding could make a meaningful difference for companies that keep our local economy strong. For eligibility requirements, applications details, and access to multilingual support, please visit MDOT's small business grant page.

Spring Community Advisory Team (CAT) Meetings Have Concluded

The Spring 2025 Community Advisory Team meetings have concluded, but all of the information can be found at the project website. Be sure to have a peek to see where construction is headed in your area.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

How Will You Access the Nearest Purple Line Station or the CCT Trail?

We encourage you to get involved! Take a look at these trail connection maps which includes each of the hiker/biker paths as well as community connection to the Capital Crescent Trail. Check out your neighborhood and if you have questions regarding how you get to a station or trail, contact the Purple Line Outreach team or us here at Purple Line NOW and we'll help connect you to the correct entity in order to understand where and how to access stations and the trail.

Ride On Detours Due to Purple Line Construction

Detour Alert! Ride On Routes Adjusted for Purple Line Progress

Heads up, Silver Spring riders! Starting Wednesday, June 18, major construction activity related to the Purple Line project will temporarily close a few key intersections. And yes, that means some Ride On buses may be taking a scenic route.

What to Expect:

Wayne Avenue & Fenton Street: This busy intersection will be temporarily closed through August 2025 to allow for continued construction. The following Ride On routes will be detoured during this time: Routes 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, and 28

Wayne Avenue & Manchester Road: Also beginning June 18, detours will be in place for: Routes 12, 13, and 19. These changes will last until around the end of August 2025.

Eastbound Lane of East Wayne Avenue: From June 18 through August 21, 2025, crews will install light rail tracks between Manchester Road and Manchester Place Station. East Wayne Avenue will become temporarily one-way westbound only, with access maintained for residents, pedestrians, and westbound vehicles coming from Flower Avenue.

Lebanon Street: Additional detours will begin June 18 and affect routes 15, 16, 17, 18, and 25. These changes are expected to remain in place until at least early July 2025.

Please plan ahead and stay informed. Montgomery County DOT has posted detailed detour maps to help you navigate the changes. If you ride any of the affected routes, we highly recommend checking out the detour maps and following Ride On’s Facebook page or signing up for service alerts. 

We know detours can be a hassle, but this is all part of making big moves toward a more connected, sustainable future. Thanks for hanging in there! Remember, every detour today helps pave the way for better transit tomorrow!

Safety First!

In the latest edition of MDOT MTA's Purple Line newsletter, riders received some great updates on accessibility and safety features. Purple Line light rail vehicles (LRVs) are equipped with bike racks and have low floors to easily facilitate “rolling on” with a bike. The LRVs are level with the platform, minimizing steps or gaps and making it easier to board, especially for passengers with bicycles. MDOT also highlighted the Purple Line’s Ride Safe campaign, reminding everyone to “Be particular. Ride perpendicular!” when crossing tracks to avoid accidents.

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!

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.