MARC Rider Brunswick Line: First Time or New Rider?

Welcome to the MARC Brunswick Line

There are a few things new riders should be aware of from us “old timers.” Here are Doreen’s Top FYIs:

· Sign up for E-mail Alerts: Receive email and text message alerts for all MTA service modes” http://www.mtamarylandalerts.com/LoginC.aspx

· Guaranteed Ride Home: “a free commuter insurance program for commuters who use public and alternative modes of transportation within the Baltimore and Washington D.C. Metropolitan Areas. The program Offers up to 4 free rides home per year…” http://www.mwcog.org/commuter2/commuter/grh/index.html

· Display of Tickets: Conductors are required to inspect your ticket. Don’t cause a delay for everyone else by being uncooperative.

· Lost Tickets: Unfortunately, if you lose your ticket, you need to get another one.

· Standing on the Train: While everyone does it, that doesn’t make it right or OK. The conductors are responsible for your safety. If you get hurt because you aren’t obeying the rules, these folks get in trouble and are liable and could lose their jobs. Be fair and square.

· The “Quiet Car”:

· a. Which one: The car closest to the engine is dedicated as a “quiet” car – sometimes they post a sign, sometimes they do not but it’s still in effect.

· b. Rules: No loud anything: talking, phones, pagers, electronic devices, etc. Devices must be kept in silent mode and only minimal whispering.

· Conductor Seats: They have reserved seats for their work area. Please do not disturb it or sit there. If you have a health condition and there are NO other available seats, ask the conductor if you may use his seat. Don’t assume.

· Heat Restrictions/Orders: For passengers on the Brunswick and Camden Lines: If consistent ambient temperatures are > 85 degrees or change by 25 degrees (warmer or colder), CSX limits train speed by 20 mph (but not under 40 mph). Delays can be 15 minutes to over an hour. This is because tracks can warp and cause derailments. [For the Penn line, if the consistent ambient temperatures are > 95 degrees.) See Heat Orders.

· Go-bag: There are times when passengers are on the train for long periods of time, especially during emergencies. Keep a supply of your medicines, non-perishable snacks, something to keep you entertained during the wait, recharger for laptop or cell phone, paper list of Contacts.

· Alternate Transportation when MARC can’t or doesn’t run (Federal holidays). Have a backup plan:

· a. In emergencies, MARC may ask MTA Metro to accept MARC monthly passes. If MARC does not get agreement, then MARC riders must pay.

· b. For rail-related fatalities, delays are a minimum of three hours for police to clear the scene. Sometimes MTA is able to supply buses to get folks to the nearest Metro.

· c. Some passengers will share a cab or have a spouse pick them up. Get to know your fellow riders!

· d. NOTE: Ride-on buses always accept MARC monthly passes – even on weekends.

· CSX Connection: The Brunswick Line is owned and operated by CSX. Its rules are somewhat different than the lines which are not owned by CSX.

· Boarding on the Opposite Track: There will be times when the train does not run on the same side track as normally. Passengers will need to carefully cross over the tracks to the other side.

For complete details see: