MTA Completes Purple Line Light Rail Fleet Delivery in Maryland

Maryland’s MTA receives the final light-rail vehicle for the Purple Line. This milestone boosts the 85% completed project, enhancing public transit across the region.

December 1, 2025 7:01 pm

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has received the 28th and final light-rail vehicle, completing the order for the highly anticipated Purple Line. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the 85% completed project, which promises to revolutionize public transportation across Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.

Key Entity	Critical Detail
Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)	Received 28th and final light-rail vehicle for the Purple Line.
Purple Line Project	85% completed; final vehicle delivery on November 19.
Light-rail Vehicles	28 vehicles in total, 142 feet long, capacity for 430 passengers, seating for 80.
Operational Area	New Carrollton to Bethesda, Maryland, serving 21 stations.

Main Body:

The delivery of the 28th and final light-rail vehicle on November 19 signifies the completion of the full order for the new Purple Line, a project poised to enhance regional connectivity. These state-of-the-art light-rail trains, manufactured by a leading rail-car producer, are among the longest in the United States, measuring an impressive 142 feet. Each vehicle boasts a substantial capacity of 430 passengers, with dedicated seating for 80 individuals, according to official statements from the MTA.

Strategic Impact

The Purple Line, now 85% complete, is set to bridge a critical gap in the transit infrastructure of Maryland, extending light-rail service from New Carrollton to Bethesda. Upon its opening, the line will feature 21 stations, strategically positioned to serve communities across Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. This expansion is crucial for improving mobility and reducing reliance on personal vehicles in a rapidly growing metropolitan area, offering seamless integration with existing transit networks.

Operational Details

Following their arrival, the light-rail vehicles, assembled in Elmira, New York, will undergo a rigorous commissioning and testing phase. This comprehensive process ensures that each train meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance before entering public service. The MTA’s commitment to a thorough vetting of these new assets underscores the importance of operational excellence for the new line.

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Industry Context

The successful delivery and impending launch of the Purple Line’s light-rail fleet represent a significant investment in modern public transit solutions. This development highlights the ongoing trend towards expanding light-rail networks as a sustainable and efficient mode of urban transportation. For industry leaders, the Purple Line serves as a compelling case study in large-scale transit infrastructure development, demonstrating the potential for enhanced passenger experience and economic development through strategic rail investments. Furthermore, the direct connections to WMATA’s Metrorail, Amtrak, MARC commuter rail, and bus networks underscore the growing emphasis on multimodal transportation hubs and integrated regional mobility.