Maryland Moving Forward with Inter-State Partnerships for ‘Run-Through’ Rail Service

The great unification of D.C.-region rail transit is well underway, thanks to recent agreements between transit planners in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.

1 minute read

April 16, 2023, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Maryland is making quick strides with ambitious plans to improve intercity rail service from Delaware to Virginia.

“The Maryland Department of Transportation said Thursday that it has reached an agreement with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority for the potential future expansion of [Maryland Area Rail Commuter] to Alexandria,” according to an article by Luz Lazo for the Washington Post.

“Maryland also said it reached a similar agreement with the Delaware Transit Corp. to close a gap in service between Perryville and Newark, Del. MARC’s Penn Line, which terminates in Perryville, could extend 20 miles to Newark under the plan, providing a service long sought by residents in Maryland’s Cecil County.”

As noted in the article, the state of Virginia is helping to enable the desired “run through” service by expanding the Long Bridge, a 117-year-old, double-track span that connects the District and Arlington. “Virginia is in the process of procuring a contractor that will build a second rail bridge to double capacity for train traffic over the Potomac River by 2030,” writes Lazo.

In 2022, Maryland Legislators overruled a veto by former Governor Larry Hogan to support the expansion of MARC service.

Thursday, April 13, 2023 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog