Delaware lawmakers seek regional rail options

Rail News Home Passenger Rail 4/9/2020 Rail News: Passenger Rail
Rep. Ed Osienski, pictured, co-sponsored a resolution to strengthen regional rail service between Newark, Delaware and Perryville, Maryland.Photo – Delaware General Assembly

Members of the Delaware General Assembly yesterday introduced a resolution to add regional rail service options between Newark, Delaware, and Perryville, Maryland.

Co-sponsored by State Rep. Ed Osienski (D-Newark) and State Sen. Stephanie Hansen (D-Middletown), the resolution would direct the Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) to work with Amtrak and surrounding states to strengthen regional rail service in the corridor, Delaware Public Media reported.

Adding the regional rail would make it easier for Delaware residents to travel to Maryland and Virginia, Osienski told the news outlet.

“Right now the only option they have is by using Amtrak, which is a little costlier," he said.

The lawmakers' vision is to connect Amtrak, Maryland Area Regional Commuter and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority rail service at the DDOT’s future Newark Station, slated to open next year.