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Total Categories: 6
The Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) system primarily serves to connect the Baltimore metropolitan area with Philadelphia.
Answer: False
The MARC system primarily connects the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area, not Philadelphia. Its function is to serve commuters and passengers within this region.
Amtrak is responsible for the direct administration of the MARC commuter rail service.
Answer: False
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is directly responsible for the administration of the MARC commuter rail service, although Amtrak operates some of its trains.
Both Alstom and Amtrak operate MARC trains under contract with the Maryland Transit Administration.
Answer: True
The Maryland Transit Administration contracts with both Alstom and Amtrak for the operation of MARC trains.
Bombardier Transportation was awarded the contract to operate the Camden and Brunswick Lines in 2012.
Answer: True
In 2012, Bombardier Transportation was awarded the contract to operate and maintain the Camden and Brunswick Lines, succeeding CSX Transportation.
The reporting mark for the Maryland Area Rail Commuter system is 'MDOT'.
Answer: False
The reporting mark for the MARC system is 'MARC', not 'MDOT'. MDOT refers to the Maryland Department of Transportation.
What is the primary purpose of the Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) system?
Answer: To connect the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area for daily commuters and passengers.
The primary function of the MARC system is to serve as a commuter rail service, connecting the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area for daily commuters and passengers.
Which government agency is responsible for administering the MARC commuter rail system?
Answer: Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is the government agency directly responsible for administering the MARC commuter rail system.
Which entities are contracted to operate MARC trains?
Answer: Alstom and Amtrak
MARC trains are operated under contract by Alstom and Amtrak, managed by the Maryland Transit Administration.
Who was awarded the contract in 2012 to operate and maintain the Camden and Brunswick Lines, succeeding CSX Transportation?
Answer: Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation was awarded the contract in 2012 to operate and maintain the Camden and Brunswick Lines, taking over from CSX Transportation.
Which company is the current operator for the Camden and Brunswick Lines, having taken over in 2021?
Answer: Alstom
Alstom is the current operator for the Camden and Brunswick Lines, having taken over from Bombardier Transportation in 2021.
What significant event related to historical disclosures was required of Keolis and SNCF before they could bid on the MARC contract?
Answer: Keolis' owner, SNCF, had to disclose its role during World War II.
Before Keolis could bid on the MARC contract, its majority owner, SNCF, was required by Maryland law to disclose its role in transporting Jews to concentration camps during World War II.
The MARC Penn Line is recognized as the fastest commuter rail line in North America due to its top speed capability.
Answer: True
The Penn Line is distinguished as the fastest commuter rail line in North America, capable of reaching speeds up to 125 miles per hour (201 km/h).
The MARC system consists of four distinct lines, including the Baltimore Line and the Washington Line.
Answer: False
The MARC system comprises three distinct lines: the Penn Line, the Camden Line, and the Brunswick Line. There is no 'Baltimore Line' or 'Washington Line' as distinct entities within the MARC system.
The Camden Line is the only MARC line that offers service on weekends.
Answer: False
The Penn Line is the only MARC line that operates weekend service; the Camden Line does not offer weekend service.
The Penn Line stretches approximately 77 miles, connecting major hubs within the MARC service area.
Answer: True
The Penn Line is approximately 77 miles (124 km) long and is the busiest MARC line, connecting major hubs within the service area.
The Camden Line is significantly longer than the Brunswick Line, measuring 63 miles.
Answer: False
The Camden Line is 39 miles (63 km) long, while the Brunswick Line is 74 miles (119 km) long. Therefore, the Camden Line is shorter, not significantly longer, than the Brunswick Line.
The Brunswick Line extends eastward from Washington, D.C., to Martinsburg, West Virginia, and includes a branch to Frederick, Maryland.
Answer: True
The Brunswick Line operates between Washington, D.C., and Martinsburg, West Virginia, and features a branch line extending to Frederick, Maryland.
Which characteristic makes the MARC Penn Line unique among North American commuter rail lines?
Answer: It is the fastest commuter rail line, reaching speeds up to 125 mph.
The Penn Line is unique among North American commuter rail lines as it is the fastest, capable of reaching speeds up to 125 mph.
How many lines make up the MARC system, and what are their names?
Answer: Three lines: Penn, Camden, and Brunswick.
The MARC system consists of three primary lines: the Penn Line, the Camden Line, and the Brunswick Line.
Which MARC line is the sole provider of weekend service?
Answer: Penn Line
The Penn Line is the only MARC line that operates service on weekends.
What is the approximate length of the MARC Camden Line?
Answer: 39 miles (63 km)
The MARC Camden Line is approximately 39 miles (63 km) in length.
Which MARC line runs between Washington, D.C., and Martinsburg, West Virginia?
Answer: Brunswick Line
The Brunswick Line operates between Washington, D.C., and Martinsburg, West Virginia.
What is the western terminus of the Brunswick Line?
Answer: Martinsburg, West Virginia
The western terminus of the Brunswick Line is Martinsburg, West Virginia.
MARC trains exclusively operate on tracks owned by the Maryland Transit Administration.
Answer: False
MARC trains operate on tracks owned by both CSX Transportation and Amtrak, not exclusively by the Maryland Transit Administration.
All MARC trains utilize a push-pull configuration for operational efficiency.
Answer: True
All MARC trains operate in a push-pull configuration, allowing for operational efficiency by enabling control from either the locomotive or a cab car at the opposite end of the train.
When diesel locomotives are used on MARC trains heading towards Union Station, they are always placed at the front of the train.
Answer: False
When diesel locomotives are used on MARC trains heading towards Union Station, the cab car is typically positioned at the end closest to Union Station to manage exhaust fumes, meaning the locomotive is often at the rear.
The Penn Line primarily uses tracks owned by CSX Transportation and does not share infrastructure with Amtrak.
Answer: False
The Penn Line runs along a portion of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and shares infrastructure with Amtrak, although it also uses tracks owned by CSX Transportation.
MARC currently uses Siemens Charger SC-44 locomotives, which are a newer addition to the fleet.
Answer: True
The Siemens Charger SC-44 locomotives are indeed a newer addition to the MARC fleet, alongside other models currently in use.
MARC has retired all EMD GP40WH-2 locomotives from service, including non-revenue duties.
Answer: False
While most EMD GP40WH-2 locomotives have been retired from passenger service, some units are still utilized for non-revenue duties.
MARC currently operates passenger cars manufactured by Kawasaki and Nippon Sharyo.
Answer: True
MARC's current passenger car fleet includes models manufactured by Kawasaki (MARC III) and Nippon Sharyo (MARC IIA and IIB).
MARC formerly operated Budd RDC cars and Pullman Standard Gallery cars.
Answer: True
The MARC system formerly operated Budd RDC cars and Pullman Standard Gallery cars, among other models.
MARC trains operate on broad gauge track, wider than standard gauge.
Answer: False
MARC trains operate on standard gauge track, which measures 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm), not broad gauge.
The Penn Line uses a 25 kV AC overhead electrification system.
Answer: False
The Penn Line utilizes an overhead electrification system operating at 12 kV AC at 25 Hz, not 25 kV AC.
MARC trains operate on tracks owned by which two major railroad companies?
Answer: CSX Transportation and Amtrak
MARC operates on tracks owned by two major railroad companies: CSX Transportation and Amtrak.
What operational configuration is standard for all MARC trains?
Answer: Push-pull configuration, allowing control from either end.
All MARC trains utilize a push-pull configuration, which allows for operational efficiency by enabling control from either the locomotive or a cab car at the opposite end.
For diesel-powered MARC trains heading towards Union Station, what is the typical placement of the cab car?
Answer: At the end closest to Union Station to manage exhaust fumes.
On diesel-powered MARC trains heading towards Union Station, the cab car is typically positioned at the end closest to the station to direct exhaust fumes away from the platform area.
Which of the following is a type of locomotive currently used by MARC?
Answer: Siemens Charger SC-44
The Siemens Charger SC-44 is one of the types of locomotives currently in use by MARC.
Which type of passenger cars did MARC formerly operate, according to the source?
Answer: Budd RDC cars
MARC formerly operated Budd RDC cars, along with other models like MARC I coaches and Pullman Standard Gallery cars.
What is the standard track gauge used by MARC trains?
Answer: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
MARC trains operate on standard gauge track, which measures 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in).
The electrification system used on the MARC Penn Line operates at what voltage and frequency?
Answer: 12 kV AC at 25 Hz
The Penn Line is electrified using an overhead system that operates at 12 kV AC with a frequency of 25 Hz.
The Camden Line's service routes originated from the Pennsylvania Railroad's historical operations.
Answer: False
The Camden Line is descended from routes operated by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), not the Pennsylvania Railroad.
MARC has never operated special excursion services beyond its regular routes.
Answer: False
MARC has operated special weekend trips, such as those to Cumberland, Maryland, for residents and for tourist excursions.
The Penn Line's route is primarily based on historical operations of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
Answer: False
The Penn Line is descended from routes operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad, not the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
A significant collision involving a MARC train and an Amtrak train occurred near Silver Spring in 1996, resulting in fatalities.
Answer: True
On February 16, 1996, a MARC train collided with the Amtrak Capitol Limited near Silver Spring, Maryland, resulting in fatalities on the MARC train.
The NTSB determined that the 1996 Silver Spring collision was primarily caused by excessive speed.
Answer: False
The NTSB concluded that the primary cause of the 1996 Silver Spring collision was that the MARC crew likely forgot the approach signal aspect after making a stop.
The completion of the B&O's Metropolitan Branch in 1873 established the route for the Penn Line.
Answer: False
The completion of the B&O's Metropolitan Branch in 1873 established the route for the Brunswick Line, not the Penn Line. The Penn Line's route is based on Pennsylvania Railroad operations.
Amtrak took over most U.S. intercity passenger service in 1971.
Answer: True
Amtrak was established and took over the majority of U.S. intercity passenger rail services on May 1, 1971.
The first state-sponsored commuter rail service to Washington, D.C., was initiated by Maryland in 1974, subsidizing B&O services.
Answer: True
Maryland initiated the first state-sponsored commuter rail service to Washington, D.C., in 1974 by subsidizing Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) services.
The Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 enabled Conrail to take over commuter rail operations from public operators.
Answer: False
The Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981 allowed Conrail to shed its commuter rail operations, enabling public operators to take over these services, rather than the other way around.
The Camden Line traces its origins back to which historical railroad company?
Answer: Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O)
The Camden Line's routes originated from the historical operations of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O).
In what year was the MARC system introduced under its current name?
Answer: 1984
The MARC system was introduced in 1984, initially as Maryland Rail Commuter, and later modified to Maryland Area Rail Commuter.
The routes that form the basis of the MARC Brunswick Line originated from which railroad?
Answer: Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O)
The routes forming the basis of the MARC Brunswick Line originated from the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O).
What was the primary cause of the 1996 Silver Spring collision, according to the NTSB?
Answer: The MARC crew likely forgot the approach signal aspect after a stop.
According to the NTSB, the primary cause of the 1996 Silver Spring collision was the MARC crew likely forgetting the approach signal aspect after making a stop.
Which historical railroad's Metropolitan Branch completion in 1873 was significant for the route that became the Brunswick Line?
Answer: Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O)
The completion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's (B&O) Metropolitan Branch in 1873 was significant for establishing the route that became the MARC Brunswick Line.
In 2024, the MARC system transported over 5 million passengers annually.
Answer: False
In 2024, the MARC system recorded an annual ridership of 4,187,100 passengers, which is below 5 million.
Weekday ridership on the MARC system in the second quarter of 2025 has surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
Answer: False
Weekday ridership in the second quarter of 2025 is approximately 19,300, which is significantly lower than the pre-pandemic level of 40,000.
A proposal in the 2007 MARC plan included extending service beyond Perryville to connect with SEPTA trains in Delaware.
Answer: True
The 2007 MARC Growth & Investment Plan proposed extending service beyond Perryville, Maryland, to connect with SEPTA commuter trains in Delaware.
In 2023, MDOT announced agreements for potential MARC expansion into Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Answer: False
In April 2023, MDOT announced agreements for potential MARC expansion into Virginia and Delaware, not Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Replacing the Long Bridge over the Potomac River is identified as a necessary infrastructure improvement for MARC expansion into Northern Virginia.
Answer: True
Replacing the Long Bridge over the Potomac River is a critical infrastructure improvement identified as necessary for potential MARC service expansion into Northern Virginia.
The MARC Growth and Transformation Plan aims to decrease service frequency over the next 15 years.
Answer: False
The MARC Growth and Transformation Plan aims to expand service and frequency, not decrease it, over the next 15 years and beyond.
What was the approximate annual ridership for the MARC system in 2024?
Answer: Approximately 4.19 million passengers
In 2024, the MARC system recorded an annual ridership of 4,187,100 passengers, which is approximately 4.19 million.
How does MARC's weekday ridership in the second quarter of 2025 compare to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels?
Answer: It is substantially lower than the pre-pandemic level of 40,000.
Weekday ridership in the second quarter of 2025 (approximately 19,300) is substantially lower than the pre-COVID-19 pandemic level of 40,000.
What key proposal from the 2007 MARC Growth & Investment Plan was implemented starting in December 2013?
Answer: Introducing weekend service on the Penn Line.
The 2007 MARC Growth & Investment Plan proposed introducing weekend service on the Penn Line, which was implemented starting in December 2013.
What is the purpose of the MARC Growth and Transformation Plan announced in June 2025?
Answer: To outline phased improvements for expanding service and frequency.
The MARC Growth and Transformation Plan, announced in June 2025, outlines phased improvements aimed at expanding service and frequency over various timeframes.
What infrastructure challenge must be addressed for MARC to potentially extend service into Northern Virginia?
Answer: Replacing the Long Bridge over the Potomac River.
Replacing the Long Bridge over the Potomac River is a critical infrastructure challenge that must be addressed for MARC to potentially extend service into Northern Virginia.
Most MARC stations provide direct connections to intercity bus services but rarely connect with local transit.
Answer: False
Nearly all MARC stations offer connections to local bus services or Metrobus, and many also connect to the Washington Metro or Baltimore Light RailLink, rather than primarily intercity bus services.
Rockville station is one of the MARC stations offering a direct connection to the Washington Metro system.
Answer: True
Rockville station is listed among the MARC stations that provide direct connections to the Washington Metro system.
Only stations served by Amtrak's Northeast Corridor lines are shared with MARC service.
Answer: False
While many MARC stations are shared with Amtrak's Northeast Corridor service, other stations like Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg are also shared, and not all MARC stations are on the Northeast Corridor.
How do most MARC stations facilitate connections with other transportation services?
Answer: They offer connections to local bus services and often light rail or metro systems.
Most MARC stations provide connections to local bus services and frequently to light rail or metro systems, facilitating multimodal transit.
Which of the following MARC stations provides a connection to the Washington Metro?
Answer: New Carrollton Station
New Carrollton Station is one of the MARC stations that offers a direct connection to the Washington Metro system.
Which MARC station is shared with Amtrak service and also connects to the Washington Metro?
Answer: Rockville
Rockville station is shared with Amtrak service and also provides a connection to the Washington Metro system.