Tomorrow I join my colleagues, Council President Roger Berliner and Councilmember Tom Hucker at a Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment (T&E) Committee meeting for a Purple Line Project update from officials at the Maryland Transportation Administration (MTA), and the Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP). Here's the press release:
ROCKVILLE, Md., September 27, 2017—The Montgomery County Council’s
Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment (T&E) Committee will
meet at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 28 to receive an update from Purple
Line Transit Partners (PLTP) and the Metro Transit Authority (MTA). PLTP and
MTA will answer questions gathered by Council staff from civic groups and
residents who live along the Purple Line right-of-way.
The T&E Committee, which is chaired by Council President Berliner and
includes Councilmembers Floreen and Hucker, will meet in the Third Floor
Council Hearing Room.
The main purpose of the meeting is to enable MTA and PLTP, the consortium
responsible for designing, building, operating and maintaining the Purple Line,
to respond to the many questions raised by community organizations, the
Planning Board, and Council staff, as well as any brought up by Councilmembers.
Council President Berliner, who also chairs the T&E Committee, asked the
MTA and PLTP to introduce the key individuals who will direct the
implementation of the Purple Line and related projects including the Capital
Crescent Trail, the Silver Spring Green Trail, and the Bethesda Metro Station
Southern Entrance. The T&E Committee also invited individuals with whom the
public can be in direct communication during the construction period.
The Purple Line is a 16-mile light rail line that will extend from Bethesda
to New Carrollton. It will provide a direct connection to the Metrorail Red,
Green and Orange Lines at Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park and New
Carrollton. Twenty-one Purple Line stations are planned. The Purple Line will
also connect to MARC, Amtrak and local bus services.
The staff report can be viewed at:
http://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=169&event_id=7419&meta_id=143545
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Council's T&E Committee Receives Purple Line Update Tomorrow, Thursday, September 28 at 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Take the Transportation Survey
The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board is working on a new kind of long-range transportation plan for the region, and they are calling it Visualize 2045. The plan will will highlight hundreds of regionally significant highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects being planned throughout the region in the coming decades. It also will serve as a tool for visualizing the future—to help us understand where today’s planning and funding decisions will get us. Learn more about Visualize 2045 or take the public input survey.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Telework at the Library for Metro Surge
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is a resource for telecommuters who are impacted by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Surge 10. MCPL has multiple options for telecommuters who are looking for alternative work sites or resources during the surge. The WMATA Surge 10 will affect the Red Line October 29 through November 22. This surge is expected to cause delays on the entire Red Line -- the Metrorail system’s busiest line.
MCPL library card holders have access for the following telecommuting resources available in branches:
- Wireless internet access and public computers
- Collaboration rooms and quiet study rooms
- Large meeting rooms, rented from Community Use of Public Facilities, 240 777-0311
- Printers and photocopiers
- Free, secure charging stations for your phone or tablet
- Laptops for use at the Kensington Park, Long Branch, Silver Spring, and Twinbrook branches
- Business information, industry research, and access to articles from business magazines and journals through our website and apps
- E-books, audiobooks, and magazine downloads
- Music downloads
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
SafeTrak Surge 10 Oct. 29 - Nov. 22
Here's the full press release:
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Surge 10 will affect the Red Line October 29 through November 22. This surge is expected to cause delays on the entire Red Line -- the Metrorail system’s busiest line. Metro is urging commuters to find alternatives, particularly during weekday, peak travel hours. Surge 10 is the last surge that will directly affect Montgomery County.
Summary of SafeTrack Surge 10:
- Red Line trains will run in two segments -- Shady Grove to NoMa-Gallaudet U every six minutes and Glenmont to Fort Totten every ten minutes.
- Metrorail stations at Brookland-CUA and Rhode Island Ave. will be closed.
- Metro will run free shuttle buses to replace trains between NoMa-Gallaudet U and Fort Totten.
- Ride On will run free shuttle buses between the Silver Spring, Takoma and Fort Totten Metrorail stations during extended rush hours.
- The Green/Yellow Line provides a good alternative between Fort Totten and Gallery Place.
- Other alternatives include the MARC train; additional Metrobuses along key north-south routes; and Park and Ride lots at Green/Yellow Line Metrorail stations.
- For those riding other sections of the Red Line, there will be fewer trains arriving less often.
- Overall, Red Line customers are urged to consider telecommuting, off-peak travel, bus, MARC and other alternatives. Commuters should expect trains to be extremely crowded.
What is Montgomery County Doing to Help Travelers?
Montgomery County, including the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), is assisting travelers during SafeTrack Surge 10, as outlined below.
For Riders:
To encourage commuters to travel outside of peak hours, provide free Ride On “Red Line Shuttles” between the Silver Spring, Takoma and Fort Totten Metrorail stations weekdays every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. MCDOT is extending peak-hour service to 4 ½ hours in both the morning and afternoon.
- Distribute free round-trip MARC Train tickets prior to the start of Surge 10 at the Silver Spring and Rockville Metrorail stations to encourage commuters to try this alternative. Tickets will be distributed, while they last, on Tuesday, October 25 from 7 to 9 a.m. and Thursday, October 27 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Sell MARC Train tickets at the MCDOT TRiPS store in Silver Spring, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Provide commuter services assistance, including telework, alternate work schedules, carpooling, vanpooling and use of car-sharing.
- Post bike route “SafeTrack Detour” signs at station entrances to connect West Hyattsville on the Green/Yellow Line with the Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont stations.
- Co-sponsor a “Learn the Route” free, guided bike ride on Saturday, October 29 at 10 a.m. to aid bike commuting.
- Encourage commuters to use MCDOT’s recently created interactive map of Park and Ride Lot options.
- Coordinate with Montgomery County Police to provide traffic control to improve bus operations at the Silver Spring Transit Center and other key locations.
- Offer free Bikeshare memberships, training and helmets to qualified, low income residents through the MC Liberty program.
- Monitor traffic and adjust traffic signals in areas most affected by SafeTrack to improve bus operations and traffic flow.
- Suspend MCDOT road repair projects along key commuter routes affected by surges.
- Request that the Maryland State Highway Administration restrict lane closures and construction projects along key routes affected by surges.
- Prohibit metered parking on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. along the MD 97 and US 29 corridors in Silver Spring to improve bus operations and traffic flow.
- Extend MC311 Call Center hours during Surge 10 to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, between October 31 and November 22. People can call 311 from within the County, 240-777-0311 from outside the County or use Maryland Relay Services.
- Provide Ride On staff at affected Metro stations to assist passengers, direct them to shuttles and distribute information.
- Hold “pop-up” events at Metrorail stations to educate passengers.
- Post interior and exterior Ride On bus and bus shelter ads.
- Display informational posters at all transit centers.
- Use social and traditional media to communicate with customers and the public.
- Promote the Fare Share commuter benefits matching program in Transportation Management Districts and to major employers that allows them to buy down the cost of transit or vanpooling for their employees. Employers may contact Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 or by email.
- Transportation Alternatives
Take a free Ride On “Red Line Shuttle” between Silver Spring, Takoma and the Fort Totten Metrorail stations weekdays every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Connect to the Green/Yellow Line at Fort Totten. Look for Ride On shuttles at the following locations:
- Silver Spring (southbound only): Colesville Road (between Wayne Avenue and the Metrorail entrance)
- Takoma (northbound and southbound): Bus Bay A
- Fort Totten (northbound only): Bus Bay C
- Route 80 weekday rush hour service connecting downtown DC and Fort Totten
- Route P6 weekday rush hour service connecting downtown DC and Rhode Island Station
- Route L2 weekday rush hour service connecting downtown DC with Chevy Chase Circle
- MetroExtra S9 limited stop service, midday and rush hour, between Silver Spring and McPherson Square
- Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.
- Ride On
- Metrobus, such as Route 70 between Silver Spring, Gallery Place and Archives.
- Use the Greenbelt, College Park or West Hyattsville stations (in addition to Fort Totten).
- Drive, park and ride from a Green/Yellow Line station. Check typical parking availability on this map.
- Try the Brunswick Line, which has stations in Rockville, Metropolitan Grove, Garrett Park, Kensington, Silver Spring and Union Station (limited parking available near Garrett Park and Kensington stations).
- Connect with Ride On at many MARC stations. Enter station name here to view transit options.
- Buy MARC train tickets at the station or in advance: In Person: Quik-Trak ticket vending machines at some stations; On the platform from MARC staff at Rockville and Silver Spring during peak travel times; Onboard with cash only; $20 denominations or less. (Note: MARC charges a $5 surcharge for onboard purchases); Online http://www.mta.commuterdirect.com (Note: When purchasing a ticket, use “Washington, DC” for Union Station.); Silver Spring TRiPS store at the Silver Spring Transit Center, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- View Montgomery County’s telework video and webinar or receive free, expert consulting services from Montgomery County Commuter Services. Call 240-777-8380 or email.
- Consider allowing employees to flex their time.
- Consider signing up for the County’s FareShare program for employers that allows them to buy-down the cost of transit or vanpooling for their employees. Contact Montgomery County Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 or email.
- Ride to the West Hyattsville Green/Yellow Line station: Look for MCDOT’s bike route “SafeTrack Detour” signs that begin at station entrances at the Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont stations; Route distances along the Sligo Creek Trail, with local street connections, range from about five miles between Takoma and West Hyattsville to 11.6 miles between Glenmont and West Hyattsville; As with any bike route, prepare for the weather and be sure your bike has a headlight.
- Use the Georgetown Branch Trail between Silver Spring, Bethesda and Georgetown. This signed trail combines on-street travel with a gravel and paved path. Route distances are 5.7 miles between Silver Spring and Bethesda and 12.1 miles between Silver Spring and Georgetown.
- Use Capital Bikeshare: Acess Capital Bikeshare in Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Friendship Heights; Bethesda, Chevy Chase Lake, Rockville or Shady Grove. See full station map online; Use a credit card for a $2 single trip fare, good for up to 30 minutes, or an $8 daily fare: Limited income residents can call Montgomery County Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 to learn about eligibility for a free, annual, Bikeshare membership.
- Plan your ride by checking the Montgomery County Planning Department’s Level of Traffic Stress map.
- Join a “Learn the Route” free, guided ride on Saturday, October 29 at 10 a.m., co-sponsored by Montgomery County Commuter Services and led by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Register at waba.org/safetrack.
For those with limited choices, driving may be the best option, but expect more traffic congestion than usual.
- Drive, park and ride. Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.
- Check Commuter Connections for ride-sharing information or contact Montgomery County Commuter Services for assistance at 240-773-8747.
- Use a car share vehicle. Montgomery County offers Zipcars at some parking garages.
The Montgomery County’s 311 Call Center is extending its hours to 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday from October 31 through November 22. Call 311 from within the County, 240-777-0311 from outside the County or use Maryland Relay Services. You can learn more about Surge 10 at www.mc311.com by using the key words “safe track”.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Letter Requesting Delay of Beach Drive Closures until after Surge 10
The Chair of the T&E Committee and I sent this letter to the National Park Service asking for the delay of an upcoming rehabilitation project on Beach Drive in order to to avoid additional difficulties during Metro's Surge 10.
August 2, 2016
Tara D. Morrison, Superintendent
Rock Creek Park
National Park Service
3545 Williamsburg Lane NW
Washington, D.C. 20008-1207
Dear Superintendent Morrison:
We recently learned of the National Park Service’s plan to rehabilitate Beach Drive between the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway and the Montgomery County/District of Columbia boundary. We understand that the project will take three years to complete and will require four sequential closures of segments of Beach Drive, starting shortly after Labor Day. Along with its recreational functions, Beach Drive is an important commuter route for Montgomery County residents reaching their jobs in downtown Washington, and its closures will mean longer commutes for our residents and more congestion on many District streets for the duration of the project.
We understand the need for this project. However, the first phase of the rehabilitation comes at a very inopportune time, coinciding with the upcoming closure of a portion of Metrorail’s Red Line as part of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s SafeTrack Program. Specifically, it would overlap with SafeTrack’s Surge #10, which will shut down the Red Line between the Fort Totten and NoMa Stations for 23 days between October 10 and November 1. Most of the rest of the Red Line will have much reduced service: 70% less between Silver Spring and Fort Totten; and 40% less between Grosvenor and NoMa. WMATA estimates that Surge #10 will impact 108,000 trips every weekday during this period; this is by far the most impactive surge of the 15 WMATA has planned.
Although Montgomery County and Maryland are attempting to mitigate this lack of capacity by running free shuttle buses along the Red Line and are encouraging carpooling, biking, and other alternative modes of commuting, we suspect that a large proportion of the 108,000 weekday trips will be added to the street system, particularly Blair Road/North Capitol Street, Georgia Avenue, 13th Street, 16th Street, Connecticut Avenue, and Wisconsin Avenue. This will slow down our residents’ commute and will further congest streets running through the District’s Wards 1-4. The closure of Beach Drive between Calvert Street and Tilden Street—the first planned closure—will only serve to exacerbate the problem.
We urge you to postpone the first closure until after Surge #10 is completed on November 1. We would like to meet with you very shortly to discuss how this can be accomplished. My staff will be in touch to try to find a time this week.
Sincerely,
Nancy Floreen
President, Montgomery County Council
Roger Berliner
Vice-President, Montgomery County Council
Chair, Transportation Infrastructure Energy and Environment Committee
cc:
The Honorable Benjamin Cardin, U.S. Senate
The Honorable Barbara Mikulski, U.S. Senate
The Honorable Christopher Van Hollen, U.S. House of Representatives
The Honorable Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Executive
The Honorable Muriel Bowser, Mayor, District of Columbia
The Honorable Brianne Nadeau, D.C. Councilmember, Ward 1
The Honorable Jack Evans, D.C. Councilmember, Ward 2
The Honorable Mary Cheh, D.C. Councilmember, Ward 3
The Honorable Brandon Todd, D.C. Councilmember, Ward 4
Al Roshdieh, Director, Montgomery County Department of Transportation
Leif Dormsjo, Director, D.C. Department of Transportation
Montgomery County Councilmembers
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Red Line Metrorail Service Extremely Limited Starting August 1
To help you deal with the disruption to Metro during its safety improvements, here's some excellent information from Montgomery County Commuter Services:
It's Time: Make alternative commuting plans. Metrorail service on the Red Line will be extremely limited and slow during Metro's upcoming "Safety Surges" on these dates:
- August 1-7 (Continuous single tracking between Takoma and Silver Spring)
- August 9-18 (Continuous single tracking between Shady Grove and Twinbrook)
- October 10 - November 1 (Line segment shutdown between Ft. Totten and NoMa)
Choose Alternatives: Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/commute to explore your options.
- Montgomery County Ride On will provide additional bus service on certain routes and free shuttles between affected Metrorail stations. Ride On will also provide on-street ambassadors at affected Metrorail stations to help direct travelers to transit options. (WMATA plans to enhance Metrobus service in surge areas, too.)
- Consider MARC train, if your route aligns with their services.
- Bike sharing and car sharing can help you reach your destination when your nearest transit stop is a bit too far for walking. (Capital Bikeshare offers a special $2 single-trip fare during SafeTrack.)
- Join or form a carpool or vanpool. Call 240-773-TRIPS (8747), fill out the Commuter Connections ridematching form, or email us at mcdot.Trips.ss@montgomerycountymd.gov for ridesharing assistance.
- Download the Commuter Connections mobile app (available for iPhone, Android, Blackberry).
- Telework is a great option for coping with Metro's SafeTrack surges. (See below for info from our recent telework webinar.)
- Email mcdot.CommuterServices@montgomerycountymd.gov to arrange on-site commuter information fairs for your employees.
Monday, July 25, 2016
PARKing Day Makes Lots Fun
The full press release:
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is encouraging artists, planners, businesses, organizations, groups and individuals to participate in International PARK(ing) Day on September 16 by temporarily transforming a metered parking space into a fun, parklike spot. MCDOT has identified parking spaces in Silver Spring, Bethesda, Wheaton and Montgomery Hills for use by participants who are encouraged to creatively reimagine the urban landscape.
“PARK(ing) Day is an annual, global event that gives residents, businesses and organizations an opportunity to temporarily transform metered parking spaces and stimulate conversations about how we use our urban landscape,” said MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh. “We hope PARK(ing) Day will encourage everyone to rethink their transportation choices to support infrastructure that is more transit-oriented, bikeable and walkable.”
PARK(ing) Day participants can choose from 80 different locations (each one comprised of two adjacent parking spaces) in the County’s parking districts. The spots were chosen with safety in mind. The use of parking spaces will be allowed from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including set up and tear down. There is no charge to participate in the event.
Those interested in taking part in PARK(ing) Day can get more information and apply online or by mail. Participants are required to meet certain guidelines that are spelled out in the application.
Get inspiration and see what others have done on past PARK(ing) Days online.
Learn more about International PARK(ing) Day.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Council Meets with Metro's General Manager
Yesterday the Council met with Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority General Manager Paul Wiedefeld to discuss his priorities for Metro, including safety, reliability and fiscal responsibility. We also talked about the Red Line, Metrobus, the agency's partnership with the planned Purple Line and other issues specific to Montgomery County. You can see the video (go to 12:45 p.m. in the index) on demand on the Council's Web site.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Purple Line Presentation and Informational Open House
Here's the flier and the full press release:
The public is invited to attend a presentation by the Maryland Transit
Administration (MTA) regarding recent scope changes to the Purple Line project.
The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 17 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the
Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring. The Purple Line
is a proposed light rail line that will run from Bethesda in Montgomery County
to New Carrollton in Prince George’s County. The presentation by MTA will begin
promptly at 7 p.m. and will be followed by an open house, during which attendees
will have an opportunity to discuss project changes with staff.
Adjustments to the Purple Line scope were made after a thorough review to
identify ways to reduce project costs. As a result, some requirements have been
reduced to provide more flexibility, encourage greater innovation and achieve
cost savings. A detailed list of the scope changes can be found at www.purplelinemd.com. The revised
approach will help deliver a more cost-efficient light rail system while still
providing quality service and honoring commitments made to the Purple Line
communities.
Sign language interpreter services will be provided, upon request, by
emailing Karen.Falcon@montgomerycountymd.gov
no later than September 14.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Metro Plans to Accept Transit Center, Targets Opening Date of September 20
Here's the full press release from Metro:
Metro plans to accept Silver Spring Transit Center from Montgomery County
Targets opening date of Sunday, Sept. 20
This morning, Metro received a formal request from Montgomery County to transfer the Paul S. Sarbanes Silver Spring Transit Center into the regional transit system. While Metro has 10 days to formally accept the facility, no issues are expected, and Metro officials have set a target opening date of Sunday, September 20.
Located adjacent to the Silver Spring Metrorail Station, the three-level multi-modal transit center was built by Montgomery County, and will provide expanded bus facilities and improved connectivity between Metrorail, Metrobus, MARC Rail, Ride On Bus, intercity buses and taxis. With multiple points of entry for pedestrians from three directions, and access from two bike trails, the center is also expected to improve pedestrian and vehicle flow in Downtown Silver Spring.
The transit center is located at 8400 Colesville Road on about half of the area formerly occupied by bus loops and short-term Metrorail parking. The Transit Center’s features include:
- 32 bus bays for WMATA Metrobus, Montgomery County Ride On, Van-Go shuttle, Inter-city Buses, and University of Maryland Shuttle
- Direct access to Metrorail and MARC trains
- 22 Kiss & Ride spaces
- Electronic real-time bus arrival and information displays
- Multi-modal transit store (TRiPS)
Friday, January 30, 2015
Tonight's Hearing on Independent Transit Authority to be Broadcast Live
The county's delegation to the state legislature is holding a public hearing tonight on state bill HB 104 (similar to county delegation bill MC 24-15), which would allow the County to set up an independent transit authority (ITA). If the bill gets passed, the County Council then would have to enact its own legislation it it wanted to create the ITA. The Council has not taken a position on the state bill. The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. in the County Council Third Floor Hearing Room, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville. You can watch the hearing live on County Cable Montgomery.
Monday, November 4, 2013
BRT Session 6
On Tuesday the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee will hold the sixth worksession on the Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan. The agenda for this worksession is:
- Follow-up on North Bethesda Transitway
- Markup of the plan
Monday, October 28, 2013
BRT Session 5
- Corridor 9: US 29
- Corridor 5: New Hampshire Avenue
- Corridor 8: University Boulevard
Thursday, October 24, 2013
BRT Sessions 3 and 4
- Corridor 10: Veirs Mill Road
- Corridor 1: Georgia Avenue North
- Corridor 2: Georgia Avenue South
- Corridor 7: Randolph Road
- Corridor 9: US 29
- Corridor 5: New Hampshire Avenue
- Corridor 8: University Boulevard
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
BRT Session 3 Cancelled
The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee worksession on the Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan scheduled for this Friday is cancelled. Instead, the committee will meet both in the morning and in the afternoon on Friday, October 25.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Bus Rapid Transit Session 2
On Monday the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee will hold the second worksession on the Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan. This agenda for this worksession is:
- Bicycle-Pedestrian Priority Areas
- MARC Brunswick Line
- Corridor 9: US 29
- Corridor 5: New Hampshire Avenue
- Corridor 8: University Boulevard
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
BRT Session 2 Postponed
The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment's worksession on the Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Plan scheduled for this Friday has been postponed. I will let you know as soon as we have established the new date. This meeting was to have covered: review and make recommendations on the east-county routes including US 29 (Corridor 9), New Hampshire Avenue (Corridor 5) and University Boulevard (Corridor 8).
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Survey on Transportation Needs of Seniors and People with Disabilities
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Public Hearings on Transit Corridors Plan
Let us know what you think about Bus Rapid Transit and other
elements proposed in the Planning Board Draft of the Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan. Public hearings are scheduled for September
24 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. Sign up to testify by calling 240-777-7803. If you can’t
make the hearings, you can e-mail your testimony to have it included in
the public record.
The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee will hold worksessions on the Plan on October 11, 14, 18 and 21. These meetings are open to the public. They are also broadcast live and on demand on County Cable Montgomery.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Planning Board to Hold Hearing on Rapid Transit
This is your chance to have your voice heard. Here is the Planning Board's press release:
