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MARC Eyes Two-State Expansion Project
April 14, 2023 | Commuter/Regional
MARC Eyes Two-State Expansion Project
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
The Maryland Department of Transportation – Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) on April 13 signed framework agreements with Delaware Transit Corp. and Virginia Passenger Rail Authority for the potential future expansion of MARC (Maryland Area Rail Commuter) Train service to Newark, Del., and Alexandria, Va.
The agreements outline the next steps to advance discussions and explore pilot service opportunities, according to the Office of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, which made the announcement.
Creating seamless MARC Train service both north and south of Maryland “is a critical component to transforming MARC Train from a local, commuter rail to a regional rail provider,” the Office said.
To advance MARC service to Newark, the MTA and Delaware Transit Corp. are slated to engage with regional stakeholders and agencies to help determine operational and infrastructure needs. These efforts are designed to ultimately close the commuter rail gap in Cecil County and provide a seamless connection between MARC and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) system, according to the Governor’s Office.
To provide MARC run-through service enabling a direct, one-seat ride between Maryland and northern Virginia, the MTA will continue to coordinate with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, Virginia Railway Express, Amtrak and host freight railroad CSX, the Office said. It noted that future service is dependent on completion of the Long Bridge project, which includes a new rail bridge spanning the Potomac River from the District of Columbia to Virginia, and other related fourth-track projects in the District and in northern Virginia. In the short term, the Office said, Maryland will coordinate with Virginia Railway Express on improvements to existing connections at Washington Union Station.
{snip}
MARC Eyes Two-State Expansion Project
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
The Maryland Department of Transportation – Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) on April 13 signed framework agreements with Delaware Transit Corp. and Virginia Passenger Rail Authority for the potential future expansion of MARC (Maryland Area Rail Commuter) Train service to Newark, Del., and Alexandria, Va.
The agreements outline the next steps to advance discussions and explore pilot service opportunities, according to the Office of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, which made the announcement.
Creating seamless MARC Train service both north and south of Maryland “is a critical component to transforming MARC Train from a local, commuter rail to a regional rail provider,” the Office said.
To advance MARC service to Newark, the MTA and Delaware Transit Corp. are slated to engage with regional stakeholders and agencies to help determine operational and infrastructure needs. These efforts are designed to ultimately close the commuter rail gap in Cecil County and provide a seamless connection between MARC and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) system, according to the Governor’s Office.
To provide MARC run-through service enabling a direct, one-seat ride between Maryland and northern Virginia, the MTA will continue to coordinate with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, Virginia Railway Express, Amtrak and host freight railroad CSX, the Office said. It noted that future service is dependent on completion of the Long Bridge project, which includes a new rail bridge spanning the Potomac River from the District of Columbia to Virginia, and other related fourth-track projects in the District and in northern Virginia. In the short term, the Office said, Maryland will coordinate with Virginia Railway Express on improvements to existing connections at Washington Union Station.
{snip}