More Friday rail news:
MARC to suspend operations Jan. 17-20 because of inauguration security
Maryland’s MARC Train commuter rail service will suspend operations on all three of its routes — the Penn, Camden and Brunswick lines — beginning Sunday, Jan. 17, in response to expanded security efforts associated with the upcoming Presidential inauguration, the Maryland Department of Transportation has announced. Service is expected to resume on Jan. 21, but riders are advised to watch the Maryland Transit Administration Twitter feed or MTA Transit app for more information.
Public split on rail-trail proposal prompts delay by Santa Cruz transportation commission
A major divide between two groups of supporters has delayed action by the Santa Cruz County (Calif.) Regional Transportation Commission on the future of a former Southern Pacific branch line. The Santa Cruz Sentinel reports a 3½-hour public meeting Thursday on the final draft of a study on future use of the route showed an ongoing split between those supporting a proposal for electrified commuter rail service on the route, as well as a public trail, and those who prefer a trail only. A large number of groups — including environmental organizations, municipal governments, and the state department of transportation — support the rail-and-trail proposal, while another segment of the population wants only the trail, considering the rail service unnecessary, disruptive, or too expensive. Ultimately, the commission voted to end the public hearing and review the proposal again at its meeting in February.
SEPTA to resume service to Newark, Del.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority will resume Monday-through-Friday service to Newark, Del., on Jan. 25 after halting service to the final two stations on its Wilmington/Newark regional rail line earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic. Delaware Business Now reports service to the Newark and Churchmans Crossing stations will resume under sponsorship by the state of Delaware to provide travel options during an Interstate 95 construction project scheduled to begin in February and continuing through 2023. Schedule information is available here.
