Letter to Glenn Litsinger, Maryland Transit Administration: Capito Submits Testimony for MARC Train Public Hearing
Letter
Making a strong case for continued MARC train service in the Eastern Panhandle, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today submitted her testimony to transportation officials in advance of this evening's public hearing regarding proposed changes to commuter train service.
Capito made it clear that she stands firmly opposed to schedule changes that would limit service options to residents of Jefferson and Berkeley County.
"Now is not the time to be cutting train service," she said. "We live in a world where we need more public transportation not less, and to leave so many panhandle commuters confined to such a limited train schedule would do them an enormous disservice."
Capito also noted the significant investments made by West Virginia taxpayers into the maintenance and improvement of MARC facilities based in West Virginia.
"West Virginia tax dollars are at work here and our taxpayers deserve to reap the rewards of their investment," she said.
MARC's proposed changes would eliminate West Virginia service on Train No. 883 at 7:15 PM, forcing all panhandle commuters onto either the 4:55 PM train or the 5:35 PM train out of Washington's Union Station.
Calling Train No. 883 "vital to commuters," Capito also noted her disappointment that given the timing of this evening's hearing, many of the train's regular riders will be unable to attend tonight's hearing.
"Unfortunately, many riders of Train No. 883 won't be here tonight to express their views opposing this plan because they will still be on the train on their way home," she wrote in her prepared testimony.
This evening's hearing begins at 6:00 PM, while Train No. 883 will not leave Washington until 7:15 PM and will not arrive in Martinsburg 9:14 PM this evening, well after the hearing has concluded.
Capito's testimony was submitted to Glenn Litsinger, the Acting Director of the Office of Customer Information at the Maryland Transit Administration, and to John Hovatter, the Director of the Maryland Area Regional Commuter Train Service.
*** Below please find the full text of Rep. Capito's testimony. ***
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November 24, 2008
Mr. Glenn Litsinger
Acting Director
Office of Customer Information
6 St. Paul Street
Maryland Transit Administration
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
John Hovatter
Director of Maryland Area Regional Commuter Train Service
Maryland Transit Administration
1515 Washington Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
Dear Mr. Litsinger and Mr. Hovatter,
Public transportation systems are a critical component of the nation's overall transportation systems. Whether transit is used out of necessity or by choice it offers an essential alternative connecting people to their jobs, schools, services and recreation.
Over the past several years, Maryland Area Regional Commuter Train Service (MARC) has provided a valuable service to Eastern Panhandle commuters traveling into the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Currently, MARC operates two trains each morning that depart from Martinsburg at 5:25 and 6:30am. In the evenings, three trains return from Union Station at 4:55, 5:35 and 7:15pm. An estimated 500 people commute on MARC trains each day from West Virginia. They board in Martinsburg, Duffields, and Harpers Ferry.
Because of this significant passenger base, I am deeply concerned about MARC's recently announced proposal that would have a significant impact on commuters across my district. The service reductions scheduled to take place on or before January 12, 2009 would eliminate MARC ten-trip tickets, modify the Holiday Service schedule, diminish Train No. 871 to the Brunswick station and eliminate service of Train No. 883 in West Virginia.
MARC ten-trip tickets provide commuters the flexibility and independence to commute to their jobs in Washington, DC. Ten-Trip Tickets are good for ten trips, in either direction and are valid for 60 days from the date printed. Many companies allow employees to work compressed and flexible schedules. This allows workers the ability to balance the riggers of a family and career. Eliminating the ten-trip ticket would be a detriment to commuters.
MARC has also proposed serious changes to its Holiday train schedule. Yet, commuters were first notified of the changes to the train schedule on October 16, 2008-just one month before the Holiday Season. In many of their letters, my constituents expressed concern that their work schedules had already been finalized for the Holidays by the time they received MARC's notice. The day after Thanksgiving and the day after Christmas are not federal holidays and many commuters will now have to find alternative transportation to work. MARC should continue to provide train service for the 2008-2009 Holiday season and institute the proposed changes to the schedule in 2009-2010.
In addition to those already using MARC service to commute to work outside the Eastern Panhandle, there has been a substantial increase in ridership due to the high price of gasoline. Now even more West Virginians have come to rely on MARC to provide an affordable alternative transportation solution. MARC's proposal to discontinue Train No. 871 Monday through Thursday and terminate Train No. 883 service in Brunswick, MD rather than in Martinsburg, WV will create an undue burden on commuters across my district.
Again, more than 500 West Virginia residents travel roughly 70 miles to downtown Washington, DC. Train No. 871 is essential to getting these workers home in cases of emergencies and inclement weather. Train No. 883 is also vital to commuters in the Eastern Panhandle. Roughly 8% of West Virginia riders regularly take the 7:15pm train home. Unfortunately, many riders of Train No. 883 won't be here tonight to express their views opposing this plan because they will still be on the train on their way home.
Instead of restricting access to public transportation by eliminating vital services, we should be encouraging it. Public transportation increases basic mobility for millions of Americans, decreases traffic congestion, saves money, limits air pollution, and promotes safe travel. Public transportation provides independence for people who are unable to drive and allows them to become less reliant on others for their everyday transportation needs.
MARC's West Virginia passengers represent about 500 fewer motorists each morning traveling on roadways in and around the Washington, DC metropolitan area. By removing these vehicles, MARC reduces network congestion by a modest but measurable amount. Decrease traffic congestion translates to less wasted time and gas and less need for expensive road and highway expansions. Public transportation also promotes safe travel. Roads that cross from West Virginia into Maryland can be lethal, particularly in the winter. MARC's proposal would simply put more vehicles on the road, converging into an area that is already very busy during the morning and evening rush hours.
The future of MARC train service is of utmost importance to the economy and environment of the Eastern Panhandle and West Virginia. The City of Martinsburg, the National Park Service, and the West Virginia State Rail Authority have made a significant investment in expanding and maintaining MARC services including constructing a layover facility, upgrading the signal system, expanding parking lots, and renovating shelters and platforms. As the lure and population of the Eastern Panhandle continue to grow, we need to ensure that this service continues. MARC's proposal is simply the wrong solution for West Virginia families and businesses. I urge MARC to withdraw their proposal and continue to maintain service to the Eastern Panhandle.
Sincerely,
Shelley Moore Capito
Member of Congress
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