January 31st, 2022 by WCBC Radio

Maryland policymakers and transit advocates are contemplating a bigger and better future for the state’s MARC commuter rail service- and Allegany County officials are lobbying for a Western Maryland connection. With billions of dollars eventually heading the state’s way in new federal infrastructure funding, the hope is that some of their ambitions can be realized in the not-too-distant future. The panel heard from state transportation officials, regular rail riders and a former top transportation planner as part of the discussion on the potential for expanding MARC in the years ahead. A study to expand MARC deeper into Western Maryland is also under way which will look at the possibility of expanding to Hancock or possibly even to Cumberland. The Allegany County Commissioners have sent correspondence to the head of the House Appropriations Committee seeking assistance in securing whatever funding is necessary to bring MARC service to the region. County Administrator Jason Bennett…