MTA: Public-Private Partnership Is Best Way to Build Purple Line

Maryland Transit Administration officials say a public-private partnership is the best way to get the Purple Line built.

The MTA's executive director for transit development and delivery Henry Kay told members of Montgomery County Council's Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee that the MTA believes a private company would build the light rail line from Bethesda to New Carrollton for less money than the MTA would, not because a private company would pay workers less money, but because it would structure the work more efficiently.

A private company would have more control over subcontractors, and would be highly motivated to find savings in construction costs, Kay said.

Kay added that the MTA wants Montgomery County and Prince George's County to be involved in deciding who will build the Purple Line, as an investment for the counties' cooperation later on.

Jodie Misiak, innovative finance project manager for the MTA, added that the Purple line would be paid for in installments, as it is built and then over time, once it's in service.

The MTA will set the fares, Kay added.