To upgrade trip speed, cut down on the time spent loading and unloading passengers at each stop, and the time spent accelerating out of each station.
Acceleration can be improved by using EMUs; a row of cars with electrical powered motors in every car. Being able to use many wheels and motors maximizes traction and increases total power to the rails.
CalTrain, which recently upgraded from diesel to EMU trains, posted this video showing in dramatic fashion the time savings at every stop. MARC service currently runs slow diesel trains which impede Amtrak service and limit overall frequency on the Northeast Corridor line.
To implement the Bronze line requires a fleet of modern, lightweight Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) single level trains.
Having a floor flush with the raised platforms that already exist at MARC Penn line stations, and eliminating interior stairs means passengers can step (or roll) faster on board and to their seats without climbing stairs, saving time. The many powered wheels of an EMU provide maximum acceleration since every car is helping to push the train and offboard electricity provides power without a heavy engine.
Combining the benefits of EMUs and level boarding saves 1-2 minutes per stop, according to analysis by Nolan Hicks and NYU-Marron Transit Costs Project. This is about 10-15 minutes on the currently 62 minute MARC Washington Union Station to Baltimore-Penn schedule. According to modeling by Transit Costs Project potential trip time would be only 40 minutes including a 7% time padding, 30% faster than the trip today and the same as travel from Shady Grove to Union Station on the red line.
