15 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

The Washington Post, 3/25/21

 

New regional rail vision aims to bring D.C., Maryland and Virginia closer together. But can it happen?

 

 

 

A Maryland resident would be able to ride MARC commuter trains to a job in Northern Virginia, and a Virginia resident could catch the Virginia Railway Express on the weekends, then travel to Baltimore in a one-fare, one-seat trip as part of plan that aims to transform the region’s rail network.

 

An alliance of the Washington area’s top chief executives is pushing for Maryland and Virginia commuter trains to cross jurisdictions to provide service that would be more frequent and more interconnected.

 

A commuter train system that operates harmoniously regionwide isn’t wishful thinking, according to the Greater Washington Partnership, which is leading the effort. It could be achieved within a quarter-century,  . . .

 

Continue here.

[KevinKorell]

The Center Square, 4/13/23:

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   Maryland, Delaware and Virginia reach agreement on possible MARC expansion    

 

 

Maryland is advancing discussions on potential plans to expand MARC commuter rail service into Delaware and Virginia – a move officials hope will expand access for transit riders across state lines.  

 

Update

[CNJRoss]

Progressive Railroading, 4/17/23

 

 

Potential expansion of MARC service into Delaware, Virginia advances

 

The Maryland Department of Transportation-Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) signed framework agreements with Delaware Transit Corp. (DART First State) and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) for the potential future expansion of MARC commuter-rail service to Newark, Delaware, and Alexandria, Virginia, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced last week.

 

The agreements outline the next steps to advancing discussions and exploring pilot service opportunities.

 

Creating a seamless continuation of MARC service both north and south of Maryland is a critical component of transforming the agency from a local commuter-rail service provider to a regional rail service provider, Maryland state officials said.

 

 

Continue here. 

[KevinKorell]

Greater Greater Washington,  7/5/23:

 

 

  This mega-map shows how MARC’s extension to Newark links us to a much broader region      

 

 

If you’ve ever thought about taking a train trip from Frederick to Atlantic City but want to avoid Amtrak due to some unspeakable past misdeed (I’d give examples but, well, they’re unspeakable), you might finally have your chance.

 

Article

[KevinKorell]

Another take on extension of MARC into Virginia, this time in reaction to the announced move of FBI HQ to Maryland:

 

 

WJLA-TV, ABC-7 in Washington, DC, 11/9/23:

 

 

     Maryland transportation officials seek input on extending MARC train service a day after FBI HQ announcement  

 

 

Maryland Transportation Officials took to social media seeking input on extending MARC commuter rail service to Alexandria, Virginia.

 

Read

[KevinKorell]

Opinion in Greater Greater Washington,  4/9/24:

 

 

    Run MARC commuter trains into Virginia. It could draw thousands more riders  

 

 

The Washington region has two commuter rail systems funneling riders from Maryland and Virginia into the District. But currently, those systems — MARC in Maryland and VRE in Virginia — both terminate at Union Station, and don’t continue into the other state.

 

Opinion