The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has confirmed that dynamic testing is underway for the Purple Line’s light rail vehicles.
Testing is taking place on a one-mile track next to the Operations and Maintenance Facility on Veterans Parkway in Glenridge.
Eight vehicles currently on-site are taking part in the tests, which involve running the trains on the track to assess the performance of key systems, including braking, propulsion, electrical equipment, communications, and signalling.
The testing is designed to simulate real-world conditions, although at this stage, trains will only operate on the test track and will not mix with public traffic or pedestrian routes.
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld said:This is a monumental moment for the Purple Line as the project begins systems testing and brings us closer to service. With the project at 76% complete, seeing the light rail vehicles on the tracks is a welcome sight that shows our continued progress. Thank you to the team for their hard work and the public for your continued patience as we move closer to finishing the Purple Line.
The Purple Line is a 16-mile light rail route that will link communities in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, running between Bethesda and New Carrollton in the suburbs of Washington, DC. It is planned to include 21 stations and connect with several other regional services, including the Washington Metro, MARC commuter rail, and Amtrak.
Testing will be carried out both during the day and overnight. Testing of the system will continue through 2026, with passenger service expected to begin in late 2027.
Holly Arnold, Administrator of the MTA said:Another major milestone for the Purple Line means a big step forward for Maryland’s public transit future. As the project transforms from primarily heavy construction into the testing phases, we are closer to our goal of connecting Maryland communities of Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and the region.
The Purple Line project is being delivered through a public-private partnership involving the MTA, Purple Line Transit Partners, Maryland Transit Solutions, and other contractors and agencies.
