MARC: Penn Line News, December 15 Options

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Meet the Management at Halethorpe

The next Meet the Management session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17 from 445am until 9am. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions.

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Toys for Tots

The Marine Corps reserve will be collecting unwrapped toys and contributions for less fortunate children from 6am until noon on Wednesday at Union Station. Please share the holiday spirit through this worthwhile program.

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Track Work Ends, New Schedules for December 29

Amtrak has completed track work in the Edgewood to Aberdeen area so both tracks will be available for service, which will eliminate a major cause of delays to Perryville trains over the past two weeks. A new Penn Line schedule is being distributed to stations that will take effect on December 29. This schedule will see changes to trains 430/532/434/517 and 433 to reduce delays as a result of Amtrak’s October schedule changes. Amtrak’s next schedule change will take place in early April and we will be working with Amtrak to eliminate some of the worst congestion problems and possibly restore schedules, particularly of the evening rush hour service from Washington, to the present pattern of departures.

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Holiday Schedule and Kids Ride Free

MARC will operate on a holiday schedule on December 26 and January 2. On December 26 only Amtrak ticket offices (Baltimore Penn Station, BWI, New Carrollton and Washington) will be open. Monthly and weekly ticket holders can bring up to 2 children up to age 15 free on December 26 through January 2. Take advantage of this offer to bring your child along to see the holiday sights of the nation’s capital.

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Possible Amtrak Strike

Amtrak unions have won the right to strike against Amtrak to protest inadequate funding for the national rail carrier. Amtrak is appealing this ruling to a higher court. No date for a strike has been set but the unions involved have indicated that no strike will take place over the holidays. If a strike takes place it is expected to be of short duration but it will shut down the Penn Line entirely. In addition the Camden Line may be able to operate only between Camden and Station and Greenbelt. We will attempt to provide some alternate bus transportation from BWI and Odenton if bus availability allows, however we cannot provide alternate transportation for all Penn Line riders. We will update you as information becomes available.

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