Sound Off On Proposed Metro Improvements On Feb. 21

SILVER SPRING, MD — Montgomery County residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on Metro's new service improvements package at a town hall in Silver Spring next week.

"The Metro system is essential for mobility and economic development in Montgomery County and the region," said District 5 councilmember Tom Hucker. "WMATA General Manager Paul Wiedefeld's service improvements proposal would have a significant impact on riders, and we want to make sure residents have their voice heard."

At the town hall on Feb. 21, WMATA will present the proposed service improvements, which include ending the Silver Spring turnback and doubling rush-hour service for certain Red Line stations.

In December, Metro ended its "Grosvenor Turnback" service pattern and doubled the number of rush-hour trains at Rockville, Shady Grove, White Flint, and Twinbrook.

Hucker — whose district includes Burtonsville, White Oak, and Silver Spring — said it's time for Metro riders on the northwestern end of the Red Line to get the same benefits.

"I was excited that after more than 30 years, Metro recently ended the 'Grosvenor Turnback' on the western end of the Red Line," Hucker said. "But customers traveling to and from Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen, and Silver Spring deserve the same level of service. We want to hear from residents who would be impacted by this proposed change."

In addition to ending the Silver Spring turnback and doubling rush-hour service, WMATA is proposing the following changes:

• Transitioning to eight-car trains on all lines to accommodate rush-hour traffic
• Adding 30 minutes of peak service during the morning rush hour, and an hour and a half during the evening rush hour
• Having a flat rate on the weekend

"On behalf of the 150,000 Montgomery County residents who ride Metrorail or Metrobus each day, I strongly support plans for increasing rush hour service throughout the system while also eliminating disruptive turnbacks at Silver Spring," said at-large councilmember Evan Glass. "Access to good transportation services is important for economic development, social equity and quality of life. It is crucial that Governor Hogan and General Manager Wiedefeld listen to riders and their need for safe, frequent and reliable service."

The town hall will be held in the Silver Spring Civic Building at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21

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