Maryland begins dynamic testing of Purple Line light-rail vehicles

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration last week announced the start of dynamic testing of the Purple Line light-rail vehicles.

The testing phase will occur on the 1-mile test track located adjacent to the project’s operations and maintenance facility along Veterans Parkway in Glenridge, Maryland. All eight light-rail vehicles onsite are ready to begin dynamic testing, MDOT-MTA officials said in a press release.

Dynamic testing for the vehicles involves running trains on the tracks to evaluate multiple mechanical systems under real-world conditions. As the 142-foot vehicles go back and forth over the 1-mile track, team members overseeing safety, testing, operations and engineering as well as train operators will evaluate various onboard components such as the braking, propulsion, electrical, signaling and communication systems. Testing is initially confined to the test track.

“This is a monumental moment for the Purple Line as the project begins systems testing and brings us closer to service,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld. “With the project at 76% complete, seeing the light rail vehicles on the tracks is a welcome sight that shows our continued progress."

When it opens, the Purple Line will be a 16-mile, 21-station light-rail line that will extend from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George’s County.