For Immediate Release: Friday, July 17, 1998
Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan will serve as master of ceremonies for the new Glenmont Metro Station's grand opening festivities, set for Saturday, July 25 at 11 a.m. The station opening marks the completion of the Metro Red Line and of the last planned Montgomery County station of the regional transit system.
The public is invited to attend the grand opening ceremonies and Metro will be offering free one-way rides from Glenmont to any other station in the Metrorail system from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on opening day.
"July 25 will truly be a 'red letter' day for Montgomery County as we celebrate the completion of Metro's Red Line," said Duncan. "The opening of the Glenmont Station culminates 30 years of constant and persistent support by the people of Montgomery County and their representatives at the County, State and Federal levels. Today, Metrorail carries more than 130,000 riders a day from Montgomery County and its 11 stations, and that is truly a tribute to the foresight of planning in those early years."
Opening day festivities will be held at the station, located at Georgia Avenue and Layhill Road, and speakers will include Maryland Governor Parris N. Glendening, U.S. Senator Paul S. Sarbanes, Congresswoman Constance A. Morella, Congressmen Albert R. Wynn and Steny H. Hoyer, County Council President Isiah Leggett and State Senator Ida G. Ruben. Also, Federal Transit Administrator Gordon Linton, Maryland Secretary of Transportation David L. Winstead, Metro's General Manager Richard A. White and Metro Board Chairman Cleatus E. Barnett.
Ground was broken for the Glenmont Station on August 16, 1993. Built at a cost of $290.9 million, the station is projected to serve approximately 7,000 riders on an average weekday, of which 3,000 will be new trips.
The Glenmont Station features entrances and kiss-and-ride facilities on both sides of Georgia Avenue, six bus bays - served by 16 Metro and Ride On bus routes - and an 1,835-space parking garage on the east side of Georgia Avenue, at its intersection with Glenallan Avenue. Parking will cost only $1 during the first six months of operation, then revert on February 1, 1999, to $2.25, consistent with fees at other stations in the county. Parking will be free on weekends and holidays, as it is at all Metrorail parking facilities.
Additional information and a description of the station can be found on Montgomery County's Ride On web site (http://www.dpwt.com/rideon).
Release ID: 98-221
Media Contact: Steve Simon 301-217-6530, Bonnie Joe Ayers 301-217-6530