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New regional rail vision aims to bring D.C., Maryland and Virginia closer together. Can it happen?
Hat tip, Greater Greater Washington
Breakfast links: Details emerge about the plan to create a unified regional rail network
By Latisha Johnson (Contributor) March 25, 2021
By Latisha Johnson (Contributor) March 25, 2021
Transportation
New regional rail vision aims to bring D.C., Maryland and Virginia closer together. But can it happen?
By Luz Lazo
March 25, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. EDT
A Maryland resident would be able to ride MARC commuter trains to a job in Northern Virginia, and a Virginia resident could catch the Virginia Railway Express on the weekends, then travel to Baltimore in a one-fare, one-seat trip as part of plan that aims to transform the region’s rail network.
An alliance of the Washington area’s top chief executives is pushing for Maryland and Virginia commuter trains to cross jurisdictions to provide service that would be more frequent and more interconnected.
A commuter train system that operates harmoniously regionwide isn’t wishful thinking, according to the Greater Washington Partnership, which is leading the effort. It could be achieved within a quarter-century, said the group, which has rallied support from transit advocates, the region’s passenger railroads and public- and private-sector groups.
A pledge by Virginia to prioritize rail travel and a measure in Maryland to pursue train service into Virginia set the stage for the regional vision. Backed by the chiefs of transportation in both states and the District, the proposal emerges as planners and elected leaders seek transit solutions to reduce congestion and meet environmental goals.
{snip}
Luz Lazo
Luz Lazo is a transportation reporter at The Washington Post covering passenger and freight transportation, buses, taxis and ride-sharing services. She also writes about traffic, road infrastructure and air travel in the Washington region and beyond. She joined The Post in 2011. Follow https://twitter.com/luzcita
New regional rail vision aims to bring D.C., Maryland and Virginia closer together. But can it happen?
By Luz Lazo
March 25, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. EDT
A Maryland resident would be able to ride MARC commuter trains to a job in Northern Virginia, and a Virginia resident could catch the Virginia Railway Express on the weekends, then travel to Baltimore in a one-fare, one-seat trip as part of plan that aims to transform the region’s rail network.
An alliance of the Washington area’s top chief executives is pushing for Maryland and Virginia commuter trains to cross jurisdictions to provide service that would be more frequent and more interconnected.
A commuter train system that operates harmoniously regionwide isn’t wishful thinking, according to the Greater Washington Partnership, which is leading the effort. It could be achieved within a quarter-century, said the group, which has rallied support from transit advocates, the region’s passenger railroads and public- and private-sector groups.
A pledge by Virginia to prioritize rail travel and a measure in Maryland to pursue train service into Virginia set the stage for the regional vision. Backed by the chiefs of transportation in both states and the District, the proposal emerges as planners and elected leaders seek transit solutions to reduce congestion and meet environmental goals.
{snip}
Luz Lazo
Luz Lazo is a transportation reporter at The Washington Post covering passenger and freight transportation, buses, taxis and ride-sharing services. She also writes about traffic, road infrastructure and air travel in the Washington region and beyond. She joined The Post in 2011. Follow https://twitter.com/luzcita