Light rail tracks in The Hague, Netherlands.

From the Washington Post:

The Montgomery County planning board today endorsed a light rail system for the proposed Purple Line, choosing it over a rapid bus system for the suburb-to-suburb transit link.

In its 4 to 1 vote, the panel also backed a route along a popular walking and biking trail that traverses Chevy Chase and a country club before it crosses into Silver Spring and Prince George’s County.

The planning board is the county’s first public agency to officially take a position on the system. Its recommendation is expected to be ratified later this month by the County Council after more than 20 years of debate on the proposed 16-mile rail line. The Prince George’s County Council previously endorsed light rail.

The proposal ultimately will land on the desk of Gov. Martin O’Malley (D), who will have to decide whether to pitch light rail or a rapid bus system to the federal government as he seeks transportation dollars.

Light rail along the Georgetown Branch right-of-way is the right decision. Good work, MoCo. Now let’s see the County Council and Governor keep it up.