This month, our Partner Spotlight also highlights MARC train as a option for quality transportation needs to the residents of Frederick.
We heard from Katherine Read, Assistant Chief Transportation Officer with MTA and learned about MARC and their services.
Describe basic services you provide to commuters
MARC provides commuters and tourists with reliable and convenient transportation options to and from our Nation's capital. We operate on three lines: the Penn Line from Baltimore and going north to Perryville; the Camden Line from Camden Yards and the Brunswick Line from Frederick, Brunswick and Martinsburg, WV.
Frederick has 3 departures each morning, serving Downtown Frederick and the Monocacy Station off of Urbana Pike as well as 3 return trains in the afternoon and evening. The trains operate on the Brunswick Line serving stops such as Germantown, Rockville and Silver Spring where several large employers are located.
Describe ways that you cater to commuters
MARC understands that commuting takes up a large chunk of our passenger's time and we do our utmost to make it a comfortable experience. In the past few years we have put 64 new multi-level rail cars in to service, which provide additional seating capacity, improved comfort and power outlets at each seat. Each train is equipped with at least one restroom, with longer trains typically providing multiple. On each Brunswick Line train the car located next to the locomotive is the Quiet Commute Car, which is intended to have a library like atmosphere with only quiet conversation , providing riders with an ability to nap or read in peace.
For those commuters that have an additional distance to travel once they arrive at their station, we allow folding bikes on all trains.
Can you share any upcoming events or any news about MARC/MTA and your services?
On May 18th, MARC will be supporting National Bike to Work Day. We will be adding one of our Bike Cars to train 894 (7:10am Frederick departure) and 893 (5:20pm Washington DC departure) to allow riders to bring full sized bikes on the train.
MARC has also recently taken delivery of 8 new Siemens SC-44 Charger locomotives. These new locomotives will provide increased reliability and more horsepower and meet the highest emissions standard currently set for diesel locomotives. Three Chargers have been tested and commissioned thus far, and are currently operating on the Camden Line. Once all 8 have been commissioned we expect to eventually put them into service on all three lines.
Can you provide any interesting local statistics?
Each day MARC transports an average of 300-400 passengers from the two stations in Frederick to jobs in the DC area. The Frederick trains have among the best on time performance in the MARC service, with 96.27% of the trains being on time this year. That's far better performance than you would generally get driving I-270, which takes an average of over 2 hours during rush hour, compared to an hour and 40 minutes on MARC.
Please share logistics about parking, schedules and updates/cancellations and any information to share for someone considering 'ditching' their car in the Frederick area.
Monocacy Station at 7800 Genstar Drive, has ample parking available to commuters at no charge. Frederick station in Downtown Frederick is very convenient for those who walk or bike to the train. There is a free City owned parking lot behind the station as well as a Municipal pay parking garage located across the street on Alll Saints Street.
Train schedules, fare and policy information, as well as any service updates and announcements can be found on our website: https://mta.maryland.gov/marc-train
Paper copies of the schedule are also available at all stations.
Contact MARC/MTA
Maryland Transit Administration
6 St. Paul St.
Baltimore, MD 21202-1614
(410)-539-5000
https://mta.maryland.gov/marc-train