Could move them from ugly to good.
Bombardier Transportation announced today that it has won a $14 million contract with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) for the refurbishment and overhaul of 34 MARC IIB push-pull commuter cars. Work will cover the car body, trucks, HVAC, brakes, door controls, and other systems and components. The project will also include addition of new bike racks. Work will be carried out at Bombardier's overhaul facilities in Kanona, N.Y. The cars will be returned to service by 2010.
I was just thinking recently how cool it would be if car-less people in DC could take a weekend train to Baltimore for things like Tour Du Port.
Posted by: Ren | October 04, 2007 at 01:34 PM
MARC's "Growth and Investment Plan" says that they're hoping to arrange late-night and weekend service soon, which is the other component needed to make Ren's dream a reality. Check it out at their website: http://mtamaryland.com
Posted by: ohmypolarbear | October 04, 2007 at 02:34 PM
I'm sure many have seen this, and normally I'd not post a link to a video,
but this seems relevant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyz5d3entBw
It is a short documentary from 1955 by the CTC & British Railways, wherein a
bunch of people loaded their club, sports, or what have you onto railway
cars, and headed out from London for a day's tour.
Posted by: Lee Watkins | October 05, 2007 at 06:24 AM
I have to ride Marc several times each month and I HATE it, mainly because I cannot take my bike. This means that I must rely on my car or spotty bus service to get to/from my destination at either end. Seems sensible that public transportation would support other forms of non-car transportation. In addition, being able to have my bike on Marc would greatly increase my ability to deal with the unreliable service Marc currently operates. I have been stuck on Marc many times, just wishing that I had my bike with me so I could get off and continue my ride home.
Posted by: AR | October 10, 2007 at 09:31 AM
I applaud MARC for this progressive move. I only wish that VRE (alas I am a Virginia resident) would be as responsive to the needs of its citizens and the environment.
Wake up VRE and follow the good example of your neighbor!
Posted by: | October 18, 2007 at 10:11 AM
Thank you!N
Posted by: gjg | February 05, 2008 at 03:53 PM