Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan gave the go ahead on a “more cost-effective and streamlined” version of Maryland Transit Administrations’s proposed Purple Line LRT, but said the Red Line project would not proceed.
The decision on the Red and Purple Lines was part of a larger announcement that Maryland was making a $1.97 billion investment in its infrastructure.
The Purple Line, as currently envisioned, would be a 16-mile light rail line extending from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George’s County. It would provide a direct connection to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Red, Green and Orange Lines; MARC, Amtrak and local bus services at an estimated capital construction cost of $2.5 billion.
Maryland had originally committed to providing $700 million in funds to the Purple Line, but Gov. Hogan said that would now be reduced to $168 million.
“I have always said this decision was never about whether public transit was worthwhile, but whether it is affordable and makes sense,” said Gov. Hogan. “In reducing costs here, hundreds of millions of dollars will become available for other important projects. The Purple Line is a long-term investment that will be an important economic driver for our state.”
The decision to scale back funding puts more pressure on federal sources, as well as Prince George’s and Montgomery counties to fill in the monetary gap.
The Prince George’s County Council commended Gov. Hogan for moving the Purple Line forward, but expressed concern about the reduced funding.
Council Chairman Mel Franklin (D) – District 9 said, “While we appreciate the Governor’s support for the Purple Line, today’s decision drastically reduces state funding for the project ... and is contingent upon federal government funding and additional funding from Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. This causes concern about the state’s commitment and the future of the project. It is also unfortunate that the governor has chosen not to move forward with the Red Line project, which would have provided better transit options in the Baltimore area.”
The governor said his decision regarding the Red Line was not to be seen as a decision against transportation, but rather against “wasteful boondoggles.”
The Baltimore Red Line would be a 14.1-mile east-west LRT estimated to cost $2.9 billion. Gov. Hogan stated the estimated ridership of the line does not justify the cost.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said she was “disheartened” by the governor’s decision to axe the Red Line, but vowed to find transit options for the city’s residents.
“Although the governor has promised to support economic growth in Baltimore, he cancelled a project that would have expanded economic development, created thousands of jobs, increased access to thousands more and offered residents better health care, childcare and educational opportunities. I remain committed to working with my partners in government, the business community and all our community partners to fight for transit opportunities for Baltimore’s residents,” said May Rawlings-Blake.
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD-8) called Gov. Hogan’s decision “mixed news” for the future of critical transportation projects in the state.
“I’m pleased that the governor has not closed the door to the Purple Line and recognizes the positive impact it will have, but he has asked Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties to shoulder considerable additional burden and opened the door to altering the plans. I’m troubled by these changes and will be reviewing the impact to ensure commitments made to communities along the route are met. I’m deeply disappointed that Governor Hogan is refusing to fund the Red Line, which holds significant economic promise for the Baltimore region at a time when it is sorely needed,” said Rep. Van Hollen.