ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland’s Department of Transportation has signed agreements with agencies in Delaware and Virginia to explore expansion of MARC commuter rail service into those states, Gov. Wes Moore announced Thursday.
The agreements are steps toward potential run-through service sought by MARC to Newark, Del., and Alexandria, Va.
Discussions with the Delaware Transit Corp. will seek to determine operational and infrastructure needs to close a gap that would allow MARC to connect with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority system. The agreement with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority aims to eventually allow MARC trains to continue past Washington Union Station on routes currently served by Virginia Railway Express. In the short term, the two systems will seek to improve connections at Union Station.
The Washington Post reports MARC and VRE are also exploring the possibility of honoring each other’s tickets. The Post notes major infrastructure projects — notably the completion of the second Long Bridge across the Potomac — would be needed before MARC trains could continue into Virginia [see “Virginia seeks additional funding for Long Bridge project,” Trains News Wire, April 10, 2023]. Agreements would also need to be negotiated involving CSX Transportation and Amtrak.
“We must take a regional approach to create a fully connected transportation network, and these agreements will help us deliver seamless transit service across state lines,” Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld said in a press release. “Maryland is working to create a transit network that expands opportunities and options for all customers. Collaboration with our partners in Virginia and Delaware is critical in that mission.”
Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Executive Director DJ Stadler said the framework agreement is “an important first step forward for VPRA to further advance the Commonwealth’s goal of reducing congestion on our roads and highways by providing more reliable, consistent, and accessible passenger rail transportation options. We look forward to continued coordination with the Maryland Transit Administration as we work to better connect people and communities across the region.”
The idea of greater connectivity between MARC and VRE is not new; a 2020 report from the Greater Washington Partnership suggested combining the two into a single operation [see “Digest: Report recommends combining VRE, MARC …,” News Wire, Dec. 10, 2020]
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