MTA announces release of the MARC Growth and Transformation Plan!
Overview
The MARC Growth and Transformation Plan updates and expands upon the MARC Cornerstone Plan, last published in 2019, which provided strategic priorities for the system and the capital investment needed to achieve those initiatives. This long-range plan synthesizes MTA plans, policies, and reports with performance data, local and national trends, and public and stakeholder input. MTA comprehensively analyzed this information to create targeted recommendations for growth and investment that coordinate with the needs of the transit system overall.
The MARC Growth and Transformation Plan identifies a vision and strategies for MARC that reflects:
- Current commuter travel patterns (post-COVID)
- MARC’s critical infrastructure needs
- MARC’s long-term service objectives based on market analysis and public input
- Improvements needed for service that meets the needs of all Marylanders
The MARC Growth and Transformation Plan analysis shapes a refreshed vision and objectives, findings from market analysis, recommendations for necessary capital improvements, and implementation strategies for MARC. It also incorporates requirements of the 2022 Maryland Regional Rail Transformation Act (House Bill 778/ Senate Bill 524). The Plan encompasses the existing MARC system and extensions in Delaware, Virginia, and Western Maryland.
The Plan
- Read the MARC Growth and Transformation Plan (PDF)
- Read the Appendices
- Read Appendix A Market Assessment (PDF)
- Read Appendix B Expected Future Developments (PDF)
- Read Appendix C Capital Projects and Estimated Costs (PDF)
- Read Appendix D Capital Cost Methodology (PDF)
- Read Appendix E Operating Cost Methodology (PDF)
- Read Appendix F Scenarios Considered (PDF)
- Read Appendix G Metrics (PDF)
- Read Appendix H Key Projects (PDF)
- Read Appendix I Future Connecting Services (PDF)
- Read Appendix J Projected Federal Formula Funding (PDF)
Plan Objectives
The following objectives and priorities set the course for developing an actionable service improvement plan:
- Offer a Seamless Network
- Attract a Wide Range of Trip Purposes
- Balance Service Levels with Market Demand
- Offer Competitive Travel Times
- Spur Economic Growth and Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
Each objective was evaluated using one or more metrics to inform decision-making within the service scenario evaluation process.
Study Timeline
The MARC Growth and Transformation Plan process kicked off in Fall 2023, with a public survey, market analysis, development of service objectives, and capital planning occurring between Winter 2023/2024 and Summer 2024. In Fall 2024, implementation strategies were developed and a virtual public meeting was held in December 2024. In early 2025, we worked to finalize the plan while taking into consideration feedback received from stakeholders.
Public Engagement
An online public survey was conducted in Fall 2023 to collect input on a vision for future MARC service. The survey closed on December 18, 2023 with nearly 4,700 responses.
- The top priorities for improvements were expanded weekend service, improved frequency, and expanded service to new destinations
- Current MARC riders (70% of survey respondents) told us that reduced stress, environmental benefits, and time savings are their top reasons for riding
- Non-riders (30% of respondents) told us that they do not or cannot ride MARC because of inconvenient train times, lack of frequency, long travel times, and lack of destinations served by MARC
- When presented with different types of service improvement options, respondents…
- Preferred the idea of consistent service frequencies spread evenly throughout the day, rather than frequency concentrated during morning and evening rush hour
- Slightly preferred the idea of more express trains with fewer stops to get between major stations faster, rather than more local trains that stop at all stations
- Preferred the idea of equal levels of service on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) compared to weekdays, rather than more service on weekdays (Monday to Friday)
A virtual public meeting was held on December 12, 2024 with over 160 attendees. Plans for future MARC service and next steps were discussed including more frequent, all-day service (including weekends) across the system to serve changing and new travel markets. Improved system connectivity between MARC lines, other MTA services, Amtrak, WMATA, VRE, and SEPTA was also discussed along with expansions into Virginia, Delaware, and Western Maryland. A recording of the virtual public meeting is embedded below. Thank you to those who were able to participate.
- Download slides from the public meeting (PDF)
- Watch a recording of the virtual public meeting below:
About MARC
MARC Train Service is a commuter rail system comprised of the Brunswick Line, Camden Line and Penn Line. These three routes provide direct access to Washington, D.C. along with connections to Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport, inter-city bus services via Penn Station in Baltimore, and several direct connections to Amtrak’s inter-city services. The Camden and Brunswick Lines operate on weekdays, while the Penn Line operates seven days a week.
Contact Us
Email us at marcplanning@mdot.maryland.gov with any questions or comments for the study team.
For media inquiries, please contact Paul Shepard or Courtney Mims.
