County And State Officials Celebrate Germantown Train Station Improvements And Launch New Double-Decker Rail Cars

Header--Montgomery County, Maryland. Press Releases

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Contact: Ed Daniel, 240-777-7156
Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530

For Immediate Release: March 22, 2000

COUNTY AND STATE OFFICIALS CELEBRATE
GERMANTOWN TRAIN STATION IMPROVEMENTS
AND LAUNCH NEW DOUBLE-DECKER RAIL CARS

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today celebrated improvements to the Germantown rail station to enhance commuter options and the introduction of new high capacity, bi-level rail cars on the Maryland Department of Transportation MARC Brunswick Line serving Montgomery County. Duncan and other officials joined passengers on the ride from Germantown to Rockville.

"Transit is an essential part of Montgomery County's balanced approach to solving our transportation problems and relieving traffic congestion," said Duncan. "As more residents hear about the new, enhanced train service, I hope we'll see even greater numbers of commuters taking advantage of this convenient, relaxing, and even more comfortable way to get to work. Commuting by train has become even more attractive given the steep increases in gas prices we're experiencing."

The new rail cars operating today are amongst the first of 50 to be delivered. The double-decker cars will replace the oldest MARC coaches now in service and provide more capacity to handle future ridership growth. The first bi-level cars began service on the Brunswick Line on March 17.

"This is terrific," said Councilmember Nancy Dacek, who represents the UpCounty. "This 50 percent increase in MARC capacity here is good news for Germantown families, including my own."

At about $1.6 million each, the new cars offer amenities such as increased aisle room, larger seats, more legroom, and two armrests per seat. The rail cars allow passengers to ride two abreast in reclining seats, while enjoying the view from large windows. The new coaches have an automated audio and visual announcement system to keep passengers informed of train stops and other information. And, every car offers accessible seating for passengers with disabilities.

Joining Duncan on the train were Dacek, Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary John Porcari, Germantown community leaders, other officials, and regular MARC commuters.

"Acquiring these new cars are part of the State's continuing effort to provide the highest level of service to our loyal rail commuters," said Porcari. "The cars will also be critical in achieving the governor's goal of doubling transit ridership by the year 2020."

Officials at the event showcased the Germantown MARC train station, a replica of the original 1891 station building reconstructed in 1985. A new addition to the station will soon house the MARC ticket agent so commuters can buy their tickets right at the station.

Making sure transit options were available was an important priority in County planning for Germantown's growth. In addition to rebuilding the train station, the County has added parking at the station and provides Ride-On bus service timed to meet the trains.

For more information, call Ed Daniel at 240-777-7156. MARC train schedule and fare information is available by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-325-RAIL.

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