A Plan for MARC Riders in a Civil Defense Emergency

 Attention MARC Riders:

With heightened security concerns, the MTA is taking action to safeguard the safety of its riders. MARC has implemented new standard operating procedures for public transportation. All crew aboard the trains, including our cleaning and servicing staff, have been instructed to look out for unattended packages and any unusual behavior near trains, stations and tracks. If you observe either unattended packages or unusual behavior, please inform a train crewmember immediately. We have also increased inspection of trains and facilities, and security measures have been increased at Washington’s Union Station and other major stations.

The following information will help MARC riders plan how to get home in the event of a civil defense emergency. These two scenarios represent MARC’s basic emergency service plan. The actual response will depend on the location, time of day, nature and severity of the incident, and the response of operating railroads. MARC will make every effort to provide alternate service for its passengers. 

Click Here for a map of the MARC System with instructions in the event of an emergency, plus additional information.

Additional information can also be found at www.wmata.com online.

If Union Station is open and operational:

MARC will attempt to operate rail service on all three lines - Brunswick Line, Camden Line and Penn Line - as quickly as possible. However, it may take a significant amount of time for trains to leave Washington.

Passengers will not have access to Union Station until security sweeps of the station and the railroad tracks have been completed. It may take authorities up to three hours to open Union Station. All MARC riders should find a safe place to wait until the station and tracks have been secured, and personnel are in place.

Should an evacuation occur during mid-day, it will take time to assemble crews at Union Station and assign them to trains. Based upon previous experience from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the first train departure might take up to three hours before leaving the District. MARC asks that you please be patient.

If Union Station is closed:

MARC riders should take the Metrorail to the appropriate station for transfer onto MARC trains or buses. MARC riders should familiarize themselves with the specific instructions for their individual rail line. But, be ready with alternatives. If there is an emergency on Metrorail, consider alternate modes of public transportation. If no modes are possible, consider hailing a cab, walking or renting a vehicle. Keep your options open and be ready to adapt to changing circumstances.

Brunswick Line Riders:

For destinations to Point of Rocks, Brunswick and West Virginia Stations - take Metrorail to Rockville and board MARC trains. If Metrorail is not operating, MARC will stage trains at the Silver Spring Metrorail Station to conduct shuttle rail service to all stations and Brunswick. MARC will attempt to have buses for passengers traveling to West Virginia stations. If an incident occurs before the first scheduled train to Brunswick departs Union Station, there will be no rail service. MARC will try to arrange shuttle bus service for Brunswick Line passengers.

For destinations in Montgomery County from Germantown South- use Metrorail, Metrobus, and Ride-On bus service to reach your destinations.

For destinations in Monocacy or Frederick- use Metrorail to Shady Grove, then board MTA Commuter Bus service #991

Line Riders -CamdenTake Metrorail to Greenbelt Station. MARC trains will operate between Greenbelt and Camden Station.

Penn Line Riders - Take Metrorail to New Carrollton Station. MARC trains will operate between New Carrollton and Penn Station in Baltimore. Shuttle buses will be available at Penn Station for points north of Baltimore.

In the event of a civil defense emergency, please listen to emergency instructions from police or civil authorities on evacuation. While the natural reaction is to immediately head for home, keep in mind that transit systems and roads will become quickly congested should everybody attempt to leave at once. If authorities urge delaying your departure, please cooperate and everyone will get home faster.

Routes and emergency plans are subject to change without notice. MARC recommends its riders to prepare alternate plans to return home. One option should involve public transportation and another should not be dependant upon on transit services.

MTA Transit Team broadcasts on A.M. and F.M. radio stations will announce all emergency updates. MARC trains comply with all federal requirements to accommodate passengers with disabilities. Please direct all comments and questions, to MARC@mtamaryland.com via e-mail. To sign up for e-mail notification, Click Here.   For MARC rail updates, Click Here.