By PG Proud Staff
A transformative era for regional transit is officially locked into place. Governor Wes Moore recently celebrated a monumental physical milestone for the long-awaited Purple Line project, installing the final segment of rail at the future 16th Street – Woodside Station.
The achievement marks the completion of 193,100 feet of track, physically linking Prince George’s and Montgomery counties across a 16.2-mile corridor from New Carrollton to Bethesda. For Prince George’s County residents, the milestone represents more than just steel and concrete—it is a promise being delivered to connect our communities to faster, more reliable transit, better jobs, and a stronger local economy.
“In Maryland, our people have one very simple question for all of their elected officials: Are you going to do what you say you’re going to do?” said Governor Moore. “People have been asking that question about the Purple Line for over a decade, and today, we are delivering. By completing over 16 miles of track… and putting more than 2,000 people to work, we are keeping our promise, strengthening Maryland’s economic competitiveness, and creating communities that thrive.”
Expanding Mobility and Equity
When the Moore-Miller administration took office in January 2023, the light rail project was just under 50% complete. Today, it stands at nearly 90% completion. Once fully operational, the line will fundamentally reshape how Prince Georgians travel, bridging the gap between the two counties and offering seamless connection points to Metro’s Red, Green, and Orange lines, alongside MARC and Amtrak commuter services.
Local and federal leaders are hailing the physical connection as a massive win for equity and environmental progress.
“The Purple Line is a long-overdue investment that finally connects working families across Prince George’s and Montgomery counties to Metro stations and commuter rail, making daily travel faster, more reliable, and more affordable,” said U.S. Congressman Glenn Ivey. “By easing congestion on our roads, it cuts gridlock, lowers emissions, and delivers real environmental progress for our communities.”
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy echoed the enthusiasm, adding that the project aligns with the county’s vision for sustainable, accessible growth. “Investing in the Purple Line has always been about investing in our economy and community by connecting the places people live, work, learn—and enjoy life. Reliable, affordable, and convenient public transit should always be the norm.”
Keeping Small Businesses Strong
While the structural completion of the tracks is a major step forward, state and local leaders recognized that the years of construction have posed challenges for local corridors. As part of the milestone event, the state reaffirmed its commitment to leaving no neighborhood behind, focusing heavily on small business preservation.
Through the ongoing MDOT Purple Line Small Business Grant program, the state has already distributed $2.6 million to nearly 250 local businesses impacted by the transit construction. Simultaneously with the final rail installation, officials announced a fresh $600,000 round of grants to support 60 additional small businesses. Furthermore, Congressman Ivey highlighted an incoming influx of nearly $1 million in federal aid specifically intended to lift up Prince George’s County residents and small business owners who have weathered the years-long construction corridor.
What’s Next for the Purple Line?
With 100% of the rail laid, the project is officially entering its final phase. Heavy track work will now give way to vehicle testing and systems integration.
Between now and the end of 2026, crews will focus heavily on completing station structural elements, landscaping, installing train and traffic controls, and bringing the “Art in Transit” community installations to life. Passenger service is projected to officially begin in late 2027.
The physical tracks are set, the funding is flowing, and the countdown to a more connected Prince George’s County has officially begun.
