Politics & Government
Embattled Silver Spring Transit Center Sets Opening Date
Metro officials say they plan to accept the center from Montgomery County nearly four years behind schedule.

The embattled Paul S. Sarbanes Silver Spring Transit Center -- nearly four years behind schedule and over budget -- will likely open on Sept. 20, authorities said Thursday.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which will operate the center, received a formal request from Montgomery County to transfer the transit center into the regional transit system. While Metro has 10 days to formally accept the facility, no issues are expected, the agency said in a news release, and Metro officials set a target opening date of Sunday, Sept. 20.
Located adjacent to the Silver Spring Metrorail Station, the three-level multi-modal transit center was built by Montgomery County, and will provide expanded bus facilities and improved connectivity between Metrorail, Metrobus, MARC Rail, Ride On Bus, intercity buses and taxis. With multiple points of entry for pedestrians from three directions, and bike trail access, the center is also expected to improve pedestrian and vehicle flow in Downtown Silver Spring.
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Last winter, The Washington Post reported the project was four years behind schedule and carries a $141 million pricetag, more than $50 million higher than initial estimates.
A memo from Montgomery County officials this summer said work is needed to strengthen beams, girders, pillars and cracked concrete for the center, News4Washington reports.
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Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett has repeatedly said the county will file suit against the contractors to recoup the additional costs.
The transit center is located at 8404 Colesville Road on about half of the area formerly occupied by bus loops and short-term Metrorail parking. The Transit Center’s features include:
- 32 bus bays for WMATA Metrobus, Montgomery County Ride On, Van-Go shuttle, Inter-city Buses, and University of Maryland Shuttle
- Direct access to Metrorail and MARC trains
- 22 Kiss & Ride spaces
- Electronic real-time bus arrival and information displays
- Multi-modal transit store (TRiPS)
Over the next four weeks, Metro will complete final preparation of the facility for operations, complete training of bus operators and notify riders of the upcoming opening and associated service changes.
»Photo of Silver Spring Transit Center courtesy of Montgomery County
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