Council Member Balcom Advocates for Changes to Metro Rail Map Updates

Montgomery County's Transportation and Environment Committee made significant strides in refining the county's transit plans during their July 21, 2025, worksession. A key focus was the technical updates to the transit map, particularly concerning the Red Line metro expansion and the Mark Brunswick line.

Council member Balcom highlighted the inclusion of a third tracking for the Mark Brunswick line and the proposed extension of the Red Line between Shady Grove and Germantown. However, the discussion revealed that there are several technical errors on the current map that need addressing. Council staff recommended that these issues be corrected as part of a full technical update to be presented to the entire council.

Among the proposed changes is the removal of certain segments of the Maryland 355 North Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, as the Snowden Farm Parkway alignment has been prioritized. Additionally, the North Bethesda BRT will now be represented as a solid line along Old Georgetown Road, reflecting the most viable route moving forward. The committee also suggested removing obsolete corridor numbers from the map's legend.

Despite these updates, there was a consensus that the likelihood of the third Mark Brunswick line materializing, or the Red Line extension occurring, is low. This sentiment was echoed by Randy Clark, the general manager, indicating a cautious outlook on future transit expansions.

The committee's recommendations aim to streamline transit planning and ensure that the county's transportation infrastructure aligns with current realities. As these updates move forward, they will play a crucial role in shaping Montgomery County's transit landscape.