Prince George's County Approves Major Transit Expansion Plan

Prince George's County officials unanimously approved a $2.3 billion transit expansion plan on Tuesday, marking the largest infrastructure investment in the Maryland suburb's history. The 10-year project will add three new Metro stations, 18 miles of bus rapid transit lanes, and pedestrian improvements across the county.

The vote comes after months of heated public debate about traffic congestion and equitable access to transportation. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks called it "a generational opportunity" to transform mobility for the county's 967,000 residents.

Construction will begin in late 2027, prioritizing routes connecting underserved neighborhoods to job centers. The plan specifically targets areas like Suitland, Langley Park, and Oxon Hill that currently lack reliable transit options.

Local business groups praised the decision, while some taxpayers expressed concerns about the 0.25% sales tax increase funding the project. The county plans to offset costs with $800 million in state and federal grants already secured.

The approval comes as neighboring Washington D.C. faces its own transit challenges, creating regional pressure for infrastructure improvements. Recent Census data shows Prince George's County added 42,000 new residents since 2020, straining existing transportation networks.

Community meetings about station designs and construction timelines will begin next month. Officials estimate the completed system will reduce average commute times by 22 minutes for 60% of county workers by 2037.