A MARC train approaches the station in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, on the bridge over the Potomac River.
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has agreed to provide additional funding that will keep MARC commuter trains operating to the Mountain State at the current level of service.
The state will spend an additional $1.1 million from the civil contingency fund to keep three weekday roundtrips operating between Washington and Martinsburg.
MARC had threatened to reduce service to one weekday roundtrip unless West Virginia paid more money for the service.
The West Virginia legislature had appropriated $1.2 million for MARC service, which was far short of the $3.4 million demanded by the State of Maryland to keep the service at existing levels.
It was the first time that Maryland had asked West Virginia to contribute to the operating costs of MARC service.
Maryland had set a Nov. 30 deadline for the funding, but extended it because negotiations appeared to be moving to a resolution.
Local governments served by the trains will also provide some funding.
The two states are still discussing a long-term funding plan that will extend beyond the current fiscal year.
akronrrclub.wordpress.com 