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Don't Delay Bethesda South Metro Entrance

Letter to County Council

March 12, 2013

TThe Bethesda South entrance must not be delayed in the CIP Budget. County Executive Leggett, for a third year in a row has proposed delaying the Bethesda South Metro station entrance in order to make way for other projects in the CIP budget. Action Committee for Transit opposes this delay.

Let us be clear. Regardless of the status of Purple Line funding, the Metrorail station was originally built to accommodate a future southern entrance; the “knock-out” panels are already in place. This entrance, with its bank of six high-speed elevators, has been put on hold for far too long. It will benefit Red Line users the day it opens.

Mr. Leggett says he wants to highlight safety in the CIP budget. The current escalator capacity at the Bethesda station is inadequate in an emergency evacuation situation. Further, in nonemergency situations, the escalators aren’t working much of the time anyway. Bethesda has the second longest escalators in the Metro system, second only to Wheaton. While able-bodied transit riders are able to walk up a stopped escalator, older persons, persons with disabilities and small children cannot. High speed elevators are needed for the safety of all transit users.

Mr. Leggett says he wants to highlight jobs in the CIP budget. Bethesda, one of the biggest economic engines of the county, was brought to life in 1984 because of the opening of the Metro station. The new entrance will make the Red Line easily accessible to much more of Bethesda. The number of residences within just ¼ mile of the station entrance will increase by 68%. Besides the number of new people who will be closer to transit (thereby leaving their cars at home and helping reduce traffic congestion), the increased pedestrian activity benefits retail, thereby supporting jobs.

Keep the County moving with transit.


Sincerely,

Tina Slater
Action Committee for Transit, President