MARC and Virginia Railway Express officials were in D.C. on August 8, 2024, to announce a new program allowing ticket holders on both systems to transfer to the other with no additional charge. (7News)
WASHINGTON (7News) — Ticket holders on the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) or Maryland's MARC train systems starting Thursday can transfer across both with their current pass, as long as the pass goes to Union Station, officials announced.
According to a statement, passengers with a weekly, monthly, or 10-trip ticket purchased on the MARC or VRE system can utilize that ticket to transfer to the other for free; this means passengers can go from Marc to VRE and vice versa.
The agreement, or cross-honor program was announced at Union Station, with officials promoting it as a seamless transfer between both systems on one ticket.
"This agreement represents a significant step forward in regional transit integration," said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold in a statement. "We are not only fostering a more connected and efficient transportation network across our states but fueling economic growth by facilitating easier movement of people, supporting tourism and attracting business to the National Capital Region.”
“It lays the groundwork for future efforts to better align MARC and VRE operations, which is consistent with our long-range plan to grow VRE from a peak-period, commuter-focused rail service to an all-day, bi-directional transit system that can better meet the transportation needs of a growing region," said VRE CEO Rich Dalton in a statement.
Officials said passengers would now have easier access to connections between major urban areas, employment centers, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and tourism and cultural options throughout the D.C. region.