MARC EXPRESS vs MAGLEV
“We already have a service in place capable of achieving the stated [Maglev EIS] objectives... MARC could run additive express service on the Penn Line with existing equipment on existing tracks tomorrow, if it chose to, and the trip time between Baltimore and Washington would be under a half-hour. No new construction needed, and with a ticket price of less than $10.”
The Baltimore-Washington Transportation Research Group - a key partner of HUB West Baltimore - recently submitted comments on the MAGLEV Environmental Impact Study and Draft 4(f) that argued for a MARC Express service as being the “Preferred Alternative” to MAGLEV - for cost, equity and environmental reasons. HUB West Baltimore Community Development Corporation is fully in agreement with these comments. The full submission can be read by clicking here or on the image below.
Read how Baltimore Mayor Scott officially came out against the MAGLEV proposal over concerns about equity and the project’s environmental costs.
Watch a 1-hour “Alternatives to MAGLEV” discussion featuring Delegate Jared Solomon, the Coalition for Smarter Growth, the Sierra Club, the National Parks Conservation Association and the Baltimore-Washington Transportation Research Group’s West Baltimore Project.
SERVICE UPDATE: On Monday August 30th, MARC ran it’s FIRST EVER true express train between Washington and Baltimore. During afternoon rush hour, the train took just 23 minutes to get to its BWI Rail Station station, 30 minutes to hit the West Baltimore Station (but not stop!), and 40 minutes to pull into Baltimore Penn. So the express service has begun! And more, including morning southbound expresses, is being planned. Come on, MTA - make that stop at West Baltimore!