Maryland brings in oversight contractor to police Purple Line boondoggle

Maryland's horrifically-behind-schedule-and-overbudget Purple Line light rail project may be getting some adult supervision. Egis, a global engineering and consulting firm, has been selected to serve as the Independent Engineer for the project. In this role, Egis will act as an impartial reviewer, ensuring the project meets standards of quality and safety. The firm will provide independent assessments for both the Concessionaire, Purple Line Transit Partners, and the owner, the Maryland Department of Transportation/Maryland Transit Administration.

Chevy Chase Lake Purple Line
station platform under construction

The 16-mile Purple Line will connect Prince George's and Montgomery counties. "We are thrilled to contribute to this vital infrastructure project, which will transform the daily commutes of thousands of riders," Yann Jaouan, Chief Commercial Officer, Egis in the U.S. said in a statement this morning. "This appointment underscores the trust placed in Egis by the Maryland DOT, MTA, and Purple Line Transit Partners."

Stairs leading up to rider platform at
Chevy Chase Lake Purple Line station

Egis' responsibilities will encompass a range of tasks, including:

• Reviewing technical submissions and drawings
• Conducting on-site inspections
• Supporting the commissioning of the Purple Line LRT

Purple Line station rider platform

A dedicated team of LRT and P3 experts from the U.S., Canada, and Europe will execute the 4-year contract, the cost of which was not announced. Egis has an extensive history of involvement in complex rail projects across the United States, including some that have faced setbacks and troubles like the Purple Line. The firm's experience includes:

• Asset condition assessment of rolling stock for Amtrak
• Implementation of a fully automatic train control system on two New York City subway lines
• Current support for the delivery of the California High-Speed Rail program

View from Chevy Chase Lake Purple Line
station rider platform

The appointment of Egis as Independent Engineer for the Purple Line marks a significant development, as costs continue to spiral out of control, and the launch of the rail line keeps being pushed further into the future. It has become the state-level version of Montgomery County's infamous Silver Spring Transit Center on steroids.