WASHINGTON
– U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD
), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation Subcommittee, today praised Senate passage of the omnibus appropriations bill that includes $3 million for the Purple Line. The new
light rail line will connect major centers of Bethesda/Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, University of Maryland/College Park, and New Carrolton with residential and business areas in between including Takoma/Langley.
 

“Job creation and economic development rely on critical infrastructure, particularly public transit.
  Federal investment in the
Purple Line also is good news for thousands of Marylanders, particularly federal employees, currently wasting time, money and gas in gridlock. The lack of affordable, convenient transportation choices connecting Maryland communities, along with Metro, MARC and Amtrak, has been frustrating for individuals and businesses throughout our region. But that is now changing,”
said Senator Cardin.

Nearly half of the riders on the new Purple Line are expected to connect to Metrorail and MARC.
 Once completed, the new Purple line rail stops will link major federal facilities in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, and
it is expected to take approximately 19,000 cars off the road each day.