Updated October 19, 2008
It is finally decision time for the Purple Line transit/trail project after all of these years of waiting for the CCT in Silver Spring. The wrong decision now could dash hopes of completing the CCT.
The MTA released the Purple Line Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on October 17, 2008. The DEIS is available at www.purplelinemd.com/aadeis.
Four public hearings will be held in November:College Park
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
5-9PM
UMD Ritchie Coliseum
Rossborough Lane & Route 1
Chevy Chase
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
5-9PM
National 4H Conference Center
7100 Connecticut Avenue
New Carrollton
Saturday, November 15, 2008h
11AM-3PM
New Carrollton Municipal Center
6016 Princess Garden Parkway
Silver Spring/Takoma Park
Saturday, November 22, 2008
1-5PM
Montgomery College, Falcon Hall
7600 Takoma Avenue, Takoma Park
Written comments can be submitted for the record anytime until mid-January by letter or email to addresses listed at www.purplelinemd.com/aadeis. The MTA website also provides information on how to pre-register to speak at any of the four public hearings. People will also be able to sign up to speak at the hearing room door, but pre-registered speakers will have priority.
The Governor will select the Purple Line alternative that will go forward this spring.
This is crunch time for the future CCT. Purple Line opponents continue to show no credible plan to complete the CCT. A "no build" decision will mean the CCT will never be completed through Silver Spring neighborhoods to connect to the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
under a Purple Line "No Build" decision.
A decision for a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) option will result in buses running alongside the trail with a high frequency. While the proposed hybrid buses are cleaner than the old diesel buses, they would still emit significant exhaust fumes near trail users. The "low investment" BRT option also will not provide the CCT with a safe crossing of Colesville Road into the Silver Spring Transit Center and to the Metropolitan Branch Trail.
Only a decision for an LRT (Light Rail Transit) "medium investment" or "high investment" option will complete the CCT into Silver Spring as a good off road trail with grade separated crossings at most or all of the busy roadways, and will also have quiet, emission free light rail vehicles running alongside the trail instead of buses.
Please speak out for completing the CCT with Purple Line light rail. Testify at one of the hearings or send in a letter during the public comment period. This is our best opportunity to finish the trail and to build quality transit between Bethesda and Silver Spring.
Join me on the bike the future CCT Nov. 1 ride to investigate and discuss the Purple Line/CCT issues.
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