ROCKVILLE, MD (February 19, 2015) — The Maryland Public Policy Institute and partners will host a nonpartisan debate on the proposed Purple Line and its alternatives on March 2 in Silver Spring.  Moderated by the Washington Post’s Robert “Dr. Gridlock” Thomson, the debate will examine whether the Purple Line is the best way to reduce road congestion, achieve its ridership goals, and whether it is the most cost effective way to spend transportation dollars. 

Members of the press and the public are encouraged to attend. Learn more at www.marylandpolicyforum.org. 

WHO:             Pete Rahn, Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation – Opening Remarks

                        FOR: Rich Parson, Vice Chair, Suburban Maryland Transportation Alliance

                        AGAINST: Randal O’Toole, senior fellow with the Cato Institute and a visiting fellow with the   Maryland Public Policy Institute

                         Robert Thomson, The Washington Post
                         (Moderator)

 WHAT:        Debate on the future of the Purple Line

 WHEN:        Monday, March 2, 2015

                     6:15 Reception

                     7:00 Program

 WHERE:       AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

                     8633 Colesville Road

                     Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

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About the Maryland Public Policy Institute: Founded in 2001, the Maryland Public Policy Institute is a nonpartisan public policy research and education organization that focuses on state policy issues. The Institute’s mission is to formulate and promote public policies at all levels of government based on principles of free enterprise, limited government, and civil society.  Learn more at www.mdpolicy.org.