The great unification of D.C.-region rail transit is well underway, thanks to recent agreements between transit planners in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
Maryland is making quick strides with ambitious plans to improve intercity rail service from Delaware to Virginia.
“The Maryland Department of Transportation said Thursday that it has reached an agreement with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority for the potential future expansion of [Maryland Area Rail Commuter] to Alexandria,” according to an article by Luz Lazo for the Washington Post.
“Maryland also said it reached a similar agreement with the Delaware Transit Corp. to close a gap in service between Perryville and Newark, Del. MARC’s Penn Line, which terminates in Perryville, could extend 20 miles to Newark under the plan, providing a service long sought by residents in Maryland’s Cecil County.”
As noted in the article, the state of Virginia is helping to enable the desired “run through” service by expanding the Long Bridge, a 117-year-old, double-track span that connects the District and Arlington. “Virginia is in the process of procuring a contractor that will build a second rail bridge to double capacity for train traffic over the Potomac River by 2030,” writes Lazo.
In 2022, Maryland Legislators overruled a veto by former Governor Larry Hogan to support the expansion of MARC service.
Read the full story: Maryland advances plan for MARC train service to Virginia, Delaware
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