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First, Maryland has been looking at ways to upgrade MARC. The problem with that so far is that they don't own the tracks. Amtrak can't run more trains. They currently staff the Penn Line that runs on their Northeast Corridor tracks. They don't have enough staff to staff more MARC trains. They also don't have more time on the schedule that can accomodate more MARC trains. As for the Brunswick and Camden lines, those rails are both owned by CSX. CSX refuses to give MARC any more time, period. They are concerned about more passenger trains making the freight train schedule untenable. In order for MARC to be upgraded to something more than commuter rail, the state will have to build redundant rails that they own and control all along the routes. That just might cost enough to make heavy rail seem reasonable from a cost standpoint. I personally would like to see a completed Purple Line long before any Green Line extension but that's just me.

I have mixed feelings about Konterra. I give them credit for using a New Urbanist development style. People will live there. It's not going to be just a mall turned inside out. It will reduce auto trips in that people can live in walking distance to jobs and retail. It is not ideal that it's not going to be hooked up to any existing transit. It's sort of a wash on that one.

As far as development on Metros, check out PG Plaza. The county is sort of using that one as their test case. They have redeveloped a couple of parking lots into shops, supermarkets, condos, and a movie theater. It's a start. It's admittedly a slow start. The county is working out plans for the Greenbelt Metro. They are working to see how the multiyear drama regarding the DC United stadium works out. If the team does not get the stadium in Poplar Point, they will talk to PG Co. about sites on PG County Metros. An urban stadium without surface parking that is transit dependent would make an excellent anchor for any new TOD.

So, the picture is not as bleak as it first seems. However, it's far from ideal.

by Cavan on Aug 21, 2008 10:42 am • link • report

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