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