Smart Line + MARC Express
vs
MAGLEV
The Baltimore-Washington Transportation Research Group submitted comments last year on the MAGLEV Environmental Impact Study and Draft 4(f) that we would like to echo here, as they speak to the key advantages Smart Line could bring to a Baltimore-DC commute. Those comments argued for a MARC Express service as being the “Preferred Alternative” to MAGLEV - for cost, equity and environmental reasons. The full submission can be read by clicking here or on the image below.
“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.”
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 for November. Come on, MTA - make that stop at West Baltimore!
