MARC Will Have "Bike Cars" For Passengers
BALTIMORE (WJZ) --About a year ago, the cycling community began serious talks with the state about allowing cyclists to bring their bikes onboard MARC trains. As Mike Schuh reports, a pilot program begins Saturday.
Maryland has enough new cars that older ones are being replaced.
That's good news for ever-growing number of commuters and people who ride MARC. But, it's also good for people who prefer two wheels.
"Tomorrow we will launch our bike car service to the public," Eric Kolig with MARC said.
The real work of a bike car takes place on the inside.
Along one side, all the seats have been pulled. Special bike racks mean cyclists can roll their bikes right on to the train.
"We are going to outfit an older car with 16 bike racks and some additional luggage capacity on the cars," Kolig said.
At first, the special car will run only on the Camden line and only certain trains on the weekend.
"It has been something they have been asking for, for many, many years," Kolig said.
There's no extra cost to bring a bike and if successful, cars will be added during the week and on the Brunswick line.
"Instead of you riding our trains, we're providing you your trains, so it is an attempt to provide what our ridership really wants and be reactive to that," Kolig said.
The cycling community said they are thrilled and they predict there will be large numbers of riders using this service.
A second car is being converted and will be put into service early next year.
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