METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

FTA, Maryland Transit Administration appeal judge's Purple Line decision

Ruling called for an additional environmental study of the light rail line, despite the fact the project had already been studied and signed-off on by the feds. 

July 17, 2017
FTA, Maryland Transit Administration appeal judge's Purple Line decision

CHOSEN

 

1 min to read


CHOSEN

WASHINGTON,D.C. — The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) joined the Maryland Transit Administration to appeal a judge’s ruling requiring a new environmental study of the Purple Line light rail project, WTOP reports.

Despite the FTA’s sign off on the project, plaintiffs against the Purple Line had successfully argued a more comprehensive environmental review is necessary, as the latest environmental impact study reportedly didn’t fully address issues of cost and ridership and is missing information about how the agency’s “decline in ridership and safety and reliability would affect the Purple Line, which would depend on it.”

Ad Loading...

The State of Maryland has already invested $800 million in the project but it cannot access promised federal dollars to move forward while the case is in court. For the full story, click here.

More Rail

Managementby StaffMay 27, 2026

North Carolina's Metropolitan Transit Commission Concludes Decades of Leadership

To commemorate the occasion, current members of the MTC were presented with a custom painting of the Charlotte Transportation Center in Uptown.

Read More →
HDR's Brian Buchanan
Managementby Alex RomanMay 27, 2026

The Evolving Role of Program Management in Transit Delivery

Brian Buchanan, HDR’s transit program management lead, discusses how agencies can strengthen governance, anticipate risk and deliver large-scale projects more effectively.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with text reading "New Bill to Invest in America's High-Speed Rail System."
Railby Staff and News ReportsMay 27, 2026

High-Speed Rail Proposal Aims to Transform U.S. Passenger Rail Investment

The legislation pairs rail expansion with housing, safety, and economic development goals designed to reshape how regions grow around transit.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
WMATA 7000-series railcars at Navy Yard
Railby StaffMay 27, 2026

FTA Invests $166M to Modernize America’s Passenger Rail Infrastructure 

The Administration said the funding will support capital projects to replace outdated rail rolling stock, including passenger railcars and propulsion vehicles used in public transportation service.

Read More →
Emily DeVito and her children
Managementby Alex RomanMay 26, 2026

Rays the Mark Foundation to Honor CDTA’s Emily DeVito at October Fundraiser

Event at Chicago-area Ravisloe Country Club will support DeVito, a transit employee and mother of twins battling kidney failure and awaiting a transplant.

Read More →
MTA Metro-North Railroad railcar up close
Railby StaffMay 22, 2026

New York MTA Issues RFP for 252 Metro-North Passenger Cars

The competitive RFP includes an option to purchase an additional 377 cars, reserved for future expansions of the Metro-North service area. 

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Tri-Rail Train
Railby StaffMay 22, 2026

SFRTA Partners on “Are You OK?” Mental Health Awareness Campaign

Supported by a $56,500 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration, the program will combine targeted public education campaigns with specialized training for SFRTA employees, contractors, and regional partners.

Read More →
The inside of a rail car with passengers, and a surveillance camera fixed to the ceiling.
RailMay 22, 2026

Major Rail Projects Don’t Have to Mean Major Security Gaps

Crowded platforms. Temporary routes. New risks. Discover why video tech is critical during rail upgrades.

Read More →
An Amtrak Acela train at New York Penn Station
Railby StaffMay 21, 2026

Penn Transformation Partners Named as Master Developer Team for New York Penn Station Renovation

The team of Halmar and Skanska will build a brand-new station that will provide daily commuters and tourists with a more seamless travel experience through a vibrant gateway into America’s largest city, said Amtrak.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A man stands at a podium in front of a large crowd.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMay 21, 2026

REM West Island Extension Opens, Expanding Montreal Automated Rail Network

The expansion adds four stations and extends Montreal’s automated REM network deeper into the region with a new all-electric transit service.

Read More →