Sarah Moyer

COMM331
April 10, 2106
People on the Street Interview
The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved the construction of
the Purple Line in Montgomery and Prince Georges County. The Board,
consisting of the Governor, State Treasurer, and Comptroller, unanimously
agreed after much discussion.
The 16-mile light rail is expected to cost $5.6 billion. This light rail
system will connect the Red, Green, and Orange lines, and will also connect
to MARC, Amtrak, and local busses. The line makes stops in Silver Spring,
Bethesda, College Park, and New Carrollton. It is no surprise that this
construction, running through the University of Maryland, has created much
controversy on campus.
The Maryland Transit Administrations plan for the Purple line reveals
that the light rail will have exclusive lanes, becoming a fast moving means of
transportation. It will serve populated areas, include 21 stations, and travel
east to west.
There are extremely mixed reviews on the construction of the Purple
Line, and many students are unaware of the project. While some agree the
line will be beneficial, most will not be here to see the completion of the
construction.
Students are concerned about their safety with a light rail system in
place. Freshman Noa Klein says, I think it will affect the safety of campus
because it will be a lot easier for complete strangers to come into College
Park without anyone thinking twice about it. Sophomore Avery Rand states,
I could see potential danger and increased crime rates on campus with
anyone being able to enter.
Other students are concerned about the traffic it will create on campus.
Student Kyle Shouldice notes, The Purple Line is not beneficial for UMD
students. It will cause too much traffic, and the school will need to change
road construction as a result. This will only take money from the university,
which means a higher tuition.
However, many believe this station will be very beneficial for UMD
faculty and students. Sophomore Joe Berman agrees, saying, Getting to the
Green Line is such a hassle. This is much more convenient for us, and Jenn

Vento knows that taking the metro is much less expensive than taking an
Uber or paying for gas.
Officials in both Prince Georges and Montgomery County believe that
this project will eventually attract economic growth around the stations that
make up the line. When asked about the changing environment, many
students said that they believe this will not affect the economic development
or demographics of the areas in any way.
Kamjou, who lives in Potomac, says, I would rather just drive. Taking
the metro isnt convenient for me because the closest metro to my house is
still 15 minutes away. If I drive to the metro I might as well drive to my
destination.
Controversy or not, the light rail plan is becoming a reality, and is
expected to be completed by 2022. There is expected to be 69,000 total daily
riders in 2030, and 74,000 by 2040. It is up to future UMD students to
determine the popularity of the Purple Line in College Park.