Maryland commuters are looking to derail MARC’s plans to cut some train service on the Brunswick line.
According to the Washington Post, passenger representatives who are a part of MARC’s Riders Advisory Council have sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley, asking for public hearings before any changes are made.
MARC’s original plan was to take eight trains out of service in Montgomery County. On weekdays, Metropolitan Grove would lose two of nine eastbound trains and one of eight westbound trains. The Barnesville station would lose one of six eastbound trains. Kensington would lose one of six eastbound trains and one of seven westbound trains. And Garrett Park would lose two of six westbound trains.
The goal was to improve reliability and on-time performance by spacing trains out further so they don’t have to slow down. But riders say it will increase travel times and leave commuters with fewer options. The Advisory Council says travel times between Frederick and Union Station could go up by 12-17 minutes.
The changes are set to take place January 30 and MTA spokesman Terry Owens says public hearings aren’t required because the line is not being shutdown, stations aren’t closing and fares aren’t increasing.
“We believe the proposed changes allow MARC to make the best use of its resources, to match the service with the current demand at each station,” Owens told the Post in an email.
MARC is considering public feedback by email or passengers can meet with MARC managers during several meetings planned a different stations. A schedule of those meetings can be found at mta.maryland.gov.
