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SEARCHThe first phase of testing for Maryland Transit Administration's Purple Line vehicles is underway, with the full testing process planned to run throughout 2026 to prepare for the line's launch in 2027.
Tests of the Purple Line vehicles will be held both during the day and at night to ensure they are safe to operate in all conditions.
Photo: Maryland Transit Administration
The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Maryland Transit Administration recently announced the start of dynamic testing of the Purple Line light rail vehicles.
The one-mile test track is located adjacent to the project’s Operations and Maintenance Facility along Veterans Parkway in Glenridge, Maryland and all eight vehicles currently onsite are ready to begin testing.
“This is a monumental moment for the Purple Line as the project begins systems testing and brings us closer to service,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “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.”
Dynamic testing for light rail vehicles involves running trains on the tracks to evaluate multiple mechanical systems under real-world conditions. The 142-foot light rail vehicles will go back and forth over the one-mile track, allowing team members overseeing safety, testing, operations, and engineering and train operators to evaluate various onboard components.
The tests will look at breaking, propulsion, electrical, signaling, and communication systems. The initial testing will be confined to the test track, and Purple Line trains will not yet operate on any public roadways or interact with other vehicles or pedestrians.
“Another major milestone for the Purple Line means a big step forward for Maryland’s public transit future,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “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.”
Purple Line Transit Operators will conduct tests during daytime and nighttime hours to effectively test the trains. Once testing on the test track is complete, future phases of light rail vehicle testing will involve trains running on longer sections of the mainline track.
Dynamic testing is expected to continue throughout 2026 as new light rail vehicles are received, and is critical to beginning passenger service in late 2027.
“Moving into the dynamic testing phase is a testament to the extraordinary collaboration of the Maryland Transit Administration, Purple Line Transit Partners, Maryland Transit Solutions and Purple Line Transit Operators along with support from our local and state elected officials,” said Ray Biggs, II, MTA senior project director for the Purple Line.
The Purple Line is a 16-mile, 21-station light rail line that will extend from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George’s County. The project will connect to Metrorail’s Red, Green, and Orange Lines at Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park, and New Carrollton. MARC, Amtrak, and local bus services will also connect with the Purple Line.
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