Transit officials in Maryland and Virginia are studying a possible expansion of rail service that would permit commuter trains from each state to cross each other's borders, simplifying the trip for a growing number of passengers who live in one state and work in the other.
Although the idea has been debated for years, it is getting a closer look because of growing traffic congestion and air-quality problems. A 1999 feasibility study sponsored by the Greater Washington Board of Trade estimated that about 5,000 more riders would take commuter rail daily if "run-through" service was available.
The majority of those benefiting would be Maryland commuters, since they represent the largest share of commuters into Washington, according to the board.
"The whole idea is to provide single-seat service, so people don't have to get off and transfer to another mode of transportation," said Bob Grow of the Board of Trade. "It makes for a more seamless system."
Instead of getting off the train at Union Station in Washington, for example, Maryland commuters might continue to L'Enfant Plaza in southwest Washington and Crystal City or Alexandria in Virginia. Riders from Virginia might go on to Maryland stops in New Carrollton, Silver Spring and Rockville.
The idea is being studied as part of long-range plans for Maryland Rail Commuter service (MARC). A similar study by Virginia Railway Express (VRE) will begin next month.
"Regionally, it makes sense for both railroads to go into the business districts and employment centers of the respective states," said Peter Skaalnik Jr., VRE's chief operating officer.
Skaalnik said the additional convenience would lure more commuters from their cars to the trains.
"There's a recognition that something needs to be done," he said. "We're running out of highways."
Henry Kay, director of planning for the Maryland Transit Administration, said that although he has no firm projections, the idea has merit.
"From an intuitive standpoint, it's got to be good," said Kay.
The majority of MARC riders transfer to subway or another type of transportation at Union Station, he said.
"We always have as our goal increasing ridership and improving the quality of service, which includes getting riders to their destination with fewer transfers," Kay said. "It has real possibilities from that standpoint."
The concept also has real complications.
The Board of Trade's 1999 feasibility study said the electric locomotives on MARC's Penn Line trains would be incompatible with the Virginia tracks, and the high platforms on MARC's Penn Line would not accommodate VRE's bilevel cars.
Improvements needed
Substantial track and station improvements would be necessary, costing an estimated $65.5 million, according to the study.
In addition, track owner CSX would have to agree to additional passenger service on lines that make much more money carrying freight.
However, the study also estimated that an additional 5,000 riders would be drawn to commuter rail daily by 2020, plus potential for many more recreational riders between the two states.
About 38,500 people ride the two systems daily.
Both rail services would benefit from cost savings and operating efficiency by sharing equipment and some repair and storage yards, according to the study.
Overall, it predicted a "significant improvement" in transportation options in the Washington-Baltimore area if the service was offered.
Costs undetermined
Whether the benefits outweigh the costs hasn't been determined, said Kay.
"For MARC in particular, we have a lot on our plate to benefit riders ahead of this," he said. Those projects include increasing the number of trains and adding weekend service.
"But if there is a favorable cost-benefit ratio, I think we'd like to consider it," he said.