Thursday, April 24, 2008

Commuter Railroads

MARC

MARC runs three lines: Brunswick, Camden and Penn. All three go to Union Station in the District. The Brunswick Line runs to Martinsburg, W.Va.; the Camden Line runs to Camden Station in downtown Baltimore; and the Penn Line runs to Perryville, Md., in Cecil County. MARC trains run weekdays with varying service, from 4:40 a.m. to 11:40 p.m.

For information about stations, schedules, fares and parking, go to http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marc or call 410-539-5000 or 866-RIDE-MTA (743-3682). For comments, complaints or commendations, call 410-333-2354.

VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESS

VRE operates trains weekdays between Union Station in the District and the Broad Run/Airport station on the Manassas line and between Union Station and the Fredericksburg station on the Fredericksburg line.

For information, call 703-684-1001 or go to http://www.vre.org.

For late train information, holiday schedules, comments or suggestions, you can reach the VRE automated phone system anytime at 703-684-0400 or 800-RIDE-VRE (743-3873).

Five ticket options exist:

· Monthly (unlimited rides in a calendar month).

· 10-trip (10 single trips or a week's worth of round trips, but they don't have to be used consecutively).

· Five-day pass (five consecutive VRE service days).

· Single-ride (a single, one-way ride).

· A special Transit Link Card ticket that offers unlimited VRE and Metro use for a calendar month.

Discounts are available for seniors and riders who are disabled or age 21 or younger.

Schedule information is at http://www.vre.org/service/schedule.htm.

To request a pocket schedule by mail, go to http://www.vre.org/feedback/pocketform.php.