Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley supports light-rail line

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley announced his support in August for a 16-mile light-rail line that would tie together many northern suburbs of Washington, DC. Transit advocates say the proposed Purple Line, which would run from an existing Metrorail station in New Carrollton to another Metrorail station in Bethesda, would take 20,000 cars off the roads and provide 48,000 transit rides a day. “The light rail stations along the Purple Line will promote walkable communities and transit-oriented development,” said a statement issued by supporters, including the Coalition for Smarter Growth. The line’s advocates hope the Obama administration will make funds available so that construction can begin in 2014. They said the transit line could spark revitalization in older suburban communities.