The Montgomery County Transit Task Force presented its recommendations to
County Executive Isiah Leggett for establishing a 160-mile, innovative,
“best-in-class” rapid transit system that creates a comprehensive transit
network. The Task Force is recommending that the system be built in three phases
over the next nine to 20 years to mitigate both construction and affordability
issues. Leggett created the Transit Task Force in February 2011 and appointed
the members of the public/private partnership.
The proposed rapid transit system uses vehicles that will operate like
“light rail on rubber tires.” To the maximum extent possible, the network would
have separate, dedicated lanes, with an emphasis on creating a network with both
north-south and east-west connections. The report states that a rapid transit
network is essential if the County wants to achieve its smart growth vision and
successfully compete for its fair share of the projected job growth in the
region.
Highlights of the Task
Force recommendations, a statement by Leggett and the Task
Force’s full report (click on Final Report) are available online.
