It hasn’t garnered the controversy of the proposed Purple Line, nor the attention of the Dulles Rail line currently under construction.
But the Corridor Cities Transitway could be moving forward as Maryland officials solicit comments from residents this week on the proposed transit line connecting the Shady Grove Metro station to Clarksburg.
The idea has been considered for more than two decades but gained traction in 2002 with preliminary studies of the Interstate 270 and U.S. 15 corridors. Now state officials are looking at six concepts for the area, including improvements to 31 miles of highway and a 14-mile public transit line in the form of light rail or bus rapid transit.
The idea for the transitway has widespread support from Montgomery County, Gaithersburg and Clarksburg officials.
“Everyone will tell you they are for it, but no one has really gotten into the nitty-gritty,” said Ben Ross, of the Montgomery County’s Action Committee for Transit.
His group prefers a light rail line but is concerned about the alignment of the route, arguing that it wouldn’t get people in Germantown to the Shady Grove station.
“We support the concept, but we are concerned that it really provide transit value,” Ross said. “The numbers aren’t really good enough to make it compete for federal funding.”
The funding hasn’t been worked out. The projected costs of the most extensive option are $4.7 billion.
“Our problem for all transportation improvements is that it involves more money, for which there are no resources at this time,” said Montgomery County Councilwoman Nancy Floreen.
But she said the I-270 corridor has been the area’s top transportation problem and needs a solution.
