Politics & Government
Federal Shutdown Means a Few MARC Changes
The commuter rail service is adding two special trains, canceling two others and adding cars on the Penn Line to deal with the afternoon rush.
By Tyler Waldman
The federal government shut down on Tuesday, but the MARC train service to Washington is still running on time, with a few changes.
Maryland Transit Administration officials announced Tuesday the MARC Penn Line will operate on its normal schedule, but will run longer train sets starting with the northbound 12:20 p.m. train from Union Station.
On the Brunswick Line, a special midday train will leave Union Station for Martinsburg, WV, at 2 p.m. The northbound train scheduled for 4:25 p.m. will be canceled.
On the Camden Line, a special train will leave Union Station at 2:15 p.m. for Camden Yards. The 5:22 p.m. scheduled departure will be canceled, but the 5:53 p.m. train from Union Station will make stops at Riverdale, College Park, Greenbelt and Jessup to cover the 5:22 train's stops.
In the alert, MTA officials reminded riders that weekly tickets are refundable if sent to the MTA with a postmark by the Friday before they become effective. Monthly tickets can be sent back at any point in the month for a prorated refund.
Most federal employees were furloughed Tuesday after the White House and Senate Democrats could not come to a deal with House Republicans on a continuing resolution to fund the government. Republicans insist that the bill contain language delaying the Affordable Care Act. Despite the shutdown, key parts of that bill, including the individual health marketplace, took effect Tuesday.
Essential employees, including air traffic controllers, military and members of Congress, remain on the job.
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