What will be the Purple Line’s operating hours?
The Purple Line plans to operate 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Monday-Friday; 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Please note these hours have not been finalized and are subject to change.
How frequently will Purple Line trains run?
Once opened for service, trains will operate in each direction every 7 1/2 minutes during peak periods, and every 10-12 minutes in off peak hours depending on time of day. Please note, the train frequency is subject to change.
How large is a Purple Line train? How does it compare to a Metro train?
The train itself is a 140-foot-long modular light rail vehicle with five segments as opposed to a single 75-foot Metro train. Additional details about the train can be found here.
How many riders can a Purple Line train carry?
Each train has a maximum total capacity of 431 passengers and a maximum seated capacity of 80 passengers.
Can bikes be brought onto the Purple Line?
Yes, there will be rack space to store 8 bikes; however, if space allows bikes will be permitted to stand on the floor.
What are the noise thresholds that Purple Line trains must operation within?
The average noise levels emanating from the Purple Line light rail vehicle (LRV) shall not exceed the levels indicated below for non-corrugated, tangent track with all auxiliary equipment operating simultaneously. Special wheel profiles, wheel dampers, and/or other noise mitigation measures shall be provided on LRVs to ensure that wheel squeal in curves does not exceed 78 dBA. Noticeable pure tones are not permitted. The table below details the noise limit of the LRV.
Exterior Noise Limits | |
---|---|
Condition | Noise Limit |
LRV Stationary, Full HVAC | 68 dBA |
LRV Moving, Empty, Full HVAC on Horizontal Tangent Track at 40 mph [65 km/h]9:00 am to 7:00 pm | 75 dBA |
In Maximum Dynamic Braking or Maximum Friction Braking from 40 mph [65 km/h] with New Wheels | 75 dBA |
Will the Purple Line operate in snow?
Barring extreme events, such as a blizzard, the Purple Line will operate in snow with snow removal activities.
Will current bus routes and bus stops change when the Purple Line is built?
Any changes to existing bus routes are decisions that would be made by the individual bus operators, including WMATA Metrobus, Prince George’s County TheBus, Montgomery County Ride-On, and the University of Maryland Shuttle. The Purple Line team conducts meetings with the bus operators to coordinate any temporary bus stop relocations and route adjustments that are required during ongoing Purple Line construction.
Will parking facilities be provided at Purple Line stations?
No new parking facilities will be built at Purple Line stations. Parking will only be available at those Purple Line stations which connect to Metrorail, where parking already exists.