Commuter rail report recommends integrating VRE, MARC under one brand

By JAMES JARVIS / For InsideNoVa Dec 10, 2020 Updated 7 hrs ago

Creating a unified brand and fare policy for the Washington region's commuter rail systems could help reduce travel times and improve economic development opportunities over the next few decades, according to a new report released Thursday.

The Greater Washington Partnership, with support from leaders of Amtrak, state departments of transportation, and existing commuter rail systems, released its “Capital Region Rail Vision” report Thursday, outlining its plan to seamlessly interconnect Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Colombia.

During a virtual news conference, Joe McAndrew, vice president of the partnership, said one of the key issues for the region is adapting the region’s transportation network to its growing size.

{snip}

The key elements of the group's vision for commuter rail service are:

• Bidirectional run-through service, meaning a passenger can travel throughout the region without changing trains.
• Expanded service, including all-day service on MARC and VRE lines and increased frequency of trains.
• Seamless rider experience, with one brand and fare policy across the network.
• Superior operational coordination, with one operationally integrated network.

{snip}