MARC Train appreciates your continued patience with the first days of operation of the new Penn Line schedule. While morning service is operating very well, we recognize that there are challenges in the afternoon and are working to address them. MARC Train and Amtrak management are actively engaged and have managers at key stations to monitor service.  

As stated yesterday, we recognize that Train 634 (4:57pm departure from Union Station) is a very crowded train. An additional railcar is now operating on this train, however we cannot add any more cars beyond this extra car. Passengers have asked why this train cannot depart earlier.  The fact is that due to the trackwork, no MARC Penn Line trains can depart Union Station between 4:25pm and 4:57pm.  This is because there is no way for Amtrak Acela Express and Regional trains to pass MARC trains between Washington and Odenton. The gap between Train 440 (5:28pm) and 642 (5:57pm) is for the same reason.

--Passengers on Train 634 traveling from Union Station to Odenton are strongly encouraged and requested to wait 15 minutes for Train 536 (5:12pm departure).  Train 536 arrives at Odenton just 9 minutes after Train 634, operates non-stop from Washington to Odenton, and has ample available seating.  By switching to Train 536, Odenton passengers will provide adequate space on Train 634 for passengers who do not have other options and would have to wait between 45 minutes and an hour for the next train to their station.

--Passengers traveling on Train 634 to BWI, Halethorpe, Penn Station, and Martin Airport are requested to ride in the first four cars at the front of the train (the cars directly behind the locomotive) in order to provide adequate space for passengers traveling to Seabrook and Bowie State University, who must ride in the last three cars of the train (the three cars closest to the station in Washington) due to short platforms.

--Bowie State University passengers should note that Train 438 (the 5:25pm departure) now operates non-stop from Union Station to Bowie. Passengers for BWI and Halethorpe are requested to ride in the first four cars at the front of the train (the cars directly behind the locomotive) in order to accommodate Bowie State University passengers, who must ride in the last three cars of the train due to the short platform.  We understand that there was confusion yesterday on Train 438 and have verified with Amtrak that Bowie State passengers should be in rear of the train.

Again, MARC Train and Amtrak management are actively engaged and will consider further adjustments as needed. We appreciate your patience and understanding and thank you for riding MARC Train.