SS/train.pr              96-244    Contact:  Edward Daniel, 301-217-2976

DUNCAN, WINSTEAD WELCOME NEW
MARC "FLEX-TIME EXPRESS" TRAIN     For Immediate Release:  July 1, 1996


     Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan, Maryland Transportation
Secretary David Winstead and Maryland Mass Transit Administration
Administrator John A. Agro, Jr. today officially welcomed the arrival of the
new "Flex-Time Express" afternoon train on the MARC commuter rail's Brunswick
Line.  They were joined by County Council President Gail Ewing, Rockville
Mayor Rose Krasnow, State legislators and rail commuters as the maiden run of
the new service arrived at the Rockville Station at 3:56 p.m.
     "I am pleased that the state Mass Transit Administration has added this
new train, with service at a time convenient for working parents," said
Duncan.  "It makes transit a more realistic option for flex-time commuters who
leave early from job sites such as Rockville, Bethesda and Silver Spring."
     Secretary Winstead noted, "This new express train exemplifies our
commitment to MARC service.  In addition, initiating this new express service
now is timely because this is the peak season for air pollution alerts in the
Washington region.  By providing a broader range of commuting options, we can
help to reduce both the amount of vehicles on the road and the emissions that
accompany them."
     The new train will enable flex-time workers to conveniently use MARC
service.  The "Flex-Time Express" leaves Union Station at 3:33 p.m., stopping
in Silver Spring, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Metropolitan Grove, Germantown and
Point of Rocks, before arriving in Brunswick at 4:48 p.m.
                                 - more -

NEW "FLEX-TIME EXPRESS" TRAIN SERVICE ADDED                      2-2-2


     The welcoming event was held at the Rockville MARC station, where many
MARC riders transfer to Metro's Red Line to reach job centers in Bethesda and
North Bethesda.  The Rockville station is also connected to nearby job sites
by 15 bus routes.  Holders of MARC weekly or monthly passes can also ride any
Ride-On or Metrobus in Montgomery County without paying an additional fare.
     The new train supplements 16 other MARC trains serving Montgomery County
each weekday.  Trains originate in Martinsburg, West Virginia or Brunswick,
Maryland, and terminate at Union Station.  Brunswick Line trains serve 5,500
passengers per day.
     According to MTA Administrator Agro, the new train is one of a number of
service enhancements taking place as part of the MARC system's summer schedule
changes.  Today also marked the official opening of the MARC Dorsey Station on
the Camden Line.
     Details on train schedules, station locations and fares are available by
calling MARC Rail toll-free at 1-800-325-RAIL.
     MARC commuter rail service is available on three lines, the Brunswick,
Camden and Penn, and serves 20,000 commuters daily.

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