Arrival of Final Light Rail Vehicle Marks Major MD Purple Line Milestone

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration announces a major milestone in the advancement of the Purple Line project: the arrival of the 28^th and final light rail vehicle (LRV) for the fleet. Arriving ahead of schedule, the vehicle delivery marks a significant step in the overall progress of the project and will enhance the project team’s ability to advance comprehensive testing and commissioning activities across the full alignment.

“This milestone underscores the tremendous progress the Purple Line has made in 2025,” said Purple Line Senior Project Director Ray Biggs II. “Every milestone we reach brings us closer to delivering a more accessible and better-connected region.”

At 142-feet long, the light rail vehicles are one of the longest in the U.S., with capacity for 430 passengers and seating for 80. The LRVs can accommodate up to eight wheelchairs and have eight bike racks to support first- and last-mile connections. The Purple Line LRVs were built by CAF, a Spain-based railcar manufacturer, and assembled in Elmira, NY. Once delivered, each LRV undergoes an extensive commissioning and testing process.

The Purple Line is now 84.6 percent complete, with more than 148,000 of 193,100 feet of track laid overall, bringing rail progress to 76.6 percent. All rail in Prince George’s County is installed.