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The Future of Rail in Maryland
Kevin B. Quinn, Jr.Administrator
The Future of Rail in Maryland
Rolling Stock
Metro RailcarReplacement
▪ Under the project, MDOT MTA is replacing the metro fleet with 78 modern railcars.
▪ The new railcars are more reliable, more energy efficient, and provide enhanced passenger security and customer service capabilities
▪ Motors with higher reliability and reduced maintenance requirements
▪ Onboard vehicle monitoring system
▪ LED lighting throughout
▪ Passenger information system
▪ Bicycle tie-down areas
▪ On-board video surveillance system
▪ First train will enter service in 2021
Light Rail Vehicle
Overhaul
▪ 53-LRV fleet (19-25 years old) is
undergoing a major overhaul program:
▪ Inspection; Structural integrity validation; Overhaul and upgrades to major systems and sub-systems; and adding new systems
▪ Project addresses the 15-year Overhaul requirement stipulated in the Fleet Management Plan
▪ Comprehensive Safety and Security Certification Program implemented to assure system safety
▪ Improved Amenities
▪ Upgraded Operator’s seat and cab console
▪ GPS triggered (geo-fence) exterior light flashing system
▪ On-board CCTV display in Cab
MARC Bike Car Improvements
▪ Passengers will be able to bring their full-sized bicycles on any MARC train trailer cars during weekday service and on all 3 lines.
▪ Each car has two green indicator lights on each side of the exterior to indicate when bicycle racks are available...if a bicycle rack has a bicycle in it, the green indicator light extinguishes
▪ The service is targeted to begin in summer 2018
MARC III Overhaul ▪ 63 bi-levels are being overhauled by
Bombardier in Kanona, NY
▪ The overhaul replaces end-of-life and obsolete components in the trucks, doors, and HVAC to ensure passenger's continued comfort and safety
▪ First pilot cars to be delivered in January 2018
▪ All cars completed 2020
New Locomotives
▪ Eight new EPA Tier 4 diesel electric locomotives are being built by Siemens in Sacramento, CA EPA Tier 4 is highest (and cleanest) emissions standard in the rail industry.
▪ The Siemens Charger is the first EPA Tier 4 diesel electric locomotive to enter service in the United States
▪ Locomotives are technologically advanced, with fault monitoring and self-diagnosing features to improve reliability and prevent failures
A New Fleet▪ Over $700 Million in Rolling Stock
Investment
▪ Improved Customer Amenities
▪ A More Reliable Fleet
The Future of Rail in Maryland
Service
Closing the Commuter Rail
Gap
▪ Improve access and connections to jobs along the northeast corridor;
▪ Establish ridership in larger markets, thus connecting Maryland to economic growth opportunities;
▪ Restore commuter rail service to the full length of the northeast corridor within Maryland;
▪ Provide an affordable alternative for commuters to get to work; and
▪ Expand service without diminishing the level of safety, efficiency, reliability, and word class customer service.
Closing the Commuter Rail Gap
▪ MARC Penn Line terminates in Perryville, Maryland
▪ SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail Line terminates in Newark, Delaware
▪ Cecil Transit of Cecil County, Maryland connects Newark and Perryville with 2 fixed-route services with a transfer at Elkton
▪ Elkton Train Station is not served by Amtrak or MARC
Existing Connections
Short-Term Solution
▪ MARC Penn Line terminates in Perryville, Maryland
▪ SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail Line terminates in Newark, Delaware
▪ Cecil Transit of Cecil County, Maryland connects Newark, Elkton, Perryville, and Aberdeen with a single-seat ride.
▪ MDOT MTA awarded operating and capital funds to Cecil County
▪ Waiting on bus delivery (18 months)
Long-Term Solution
▪ MARC Penn Line extends to Philadelphia (at 30th Street or further north)
▪ SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail Line extends to Baltimore or D.C.
▪ Alternative/Mid-term: MARC Penn Line extends to Newark with a transfer to SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Line
▪ No funding has been allocated for this solution.
The Purple Line▪ A new 16 mile east-west light rail line
between DC and the I-495 Beltway▪ Operates mostly on the surface with
21 stations▪ One short tunnel▪ Three aerial sections
▪ Connects with: ▪ 4 Metrorail Stations▪ All 3 MARC Commuter Rail Lines▪ Amtrak’s NE Corridor▪ Regional and local buses
▪ $2B cost of design-build work in P3 contract
▪ Economic, Social, and Environmental Benefits
The Purple Line▪ Purple Line is being delivered as a
Public-Private Partnership (P3) to complete design, construction, maintenance and financing.
▪ Maryland Board of Public Works approved P3 Concessionaire contract with Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP) on 4/6/16
▪ Service anticipated to begin Spring 2022 ▪ Construction commenced August 2017
▪ Tree Clearing▪ Construction Staging▪ Utility relocation
The Future of Rail
▪ Continued emphasis on State of Good Repair & Safety
▪ Record Investment in Rolling Stock
▪ Increased Emphasis on the Customer Experience
▪ Innovative Funding Avenues such as P3
▪ Ambitious Service Expansions that will Meet the Needs of our Future Economy