Harpers Ferry: Commute: Marc to DC???? (Martinsburg, Shepherdstown: transplants, purchasing, maintenance)

[bluestock]

Can someone please give me information regarding the commute to DC from Harpers Ferry- specifically via MARC train? How is service on the train? How is parking at the station? How reliable is the train, etc.? I currently live in Virginia and commute into DC but I want to get out of the hustle and bustle...Harpers Ferry seems like a nice option if the train is reliable. I understand it is a longer commute...what other options are there for commute to DC as well? Thanks for you help!

[7th Direction]

Originally Posted by bluestock

Can someone please give me information regarding the commute to DC from Harpers Ferry- specifically via MARC train? How is service on the train? How is parking at the station? How reliable is the train, etc.? I currently live in Virginia and commute into DC but I want to get out of the hustle and bustle...Harpers Ferry seems like a nice option if the train is reliable. I understand it is a longer commute...what other options are there for commute to DC as well? Thanks for you help!

Here's my description of potential problems and reliability with the MARC Train...

http://www.city-data.com/forum/5046092-post7.html

It's not a bad commute. I ride to Silver Spring from Duffields (one station west of Harpers Ferry). It takes about an hour and a half. MARC is fairly reliable, but with any commute over a long distance, you have to give yourself a little extra time before you are expected to report to work.

As for service, what do you mean? The conductors are not railway flight attendants. Food and drink are allowed on the train, just be considerate and don't make a mess.

I don't park at Harpers Ferry Station, so I don't know about parking. It is free on weekdays... but I think there is a charge on weekends. The MARC doesn't run on weekends, but I've heard of people leaving their car there overnight on a Friday and having to pay to get it out on Saturday ...

The only other option other than driving or vanpool is to take the 991 commuter bus from Frederick and ride to Shady Grove Metro Station.

http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/...LineForWeb.pdf

[bluestock]

Thanks!

By service...I meant stuff in terms of delays and railwork etc...thanks a lot...would you recommend the move from Virginia to that area?

[7th Direction]

Originally Posted by bluestock

Thanks!

By service...I meant stuff in terms of delays and railwork etc...thanks a lot...would you recommend the move from Virginia to that area?

Eh. It's not bad. Sometimes CSX has to do track maintenance and trains have to "one track," which means mandatory speed reduction. All in all, I don't mind. Some people get really frustrated by any delay though too.
Depends on what type of person you are.

This evening, we had a mechanical problem with the engine. We were delayed about a half hour. That was the first time that ever happened.... to me at least. and hopefully it won't happen in the future because MARC is purchasing new, more efficient engines for the service.

Would I move? That's up to you. West Virginia is a bit different than Northern Virginia. We moved from Central Maryland and it was a culture shock.

[bluestock]

7th Direction,

How are the people different...I am looking for something different than the hustle and bustle of the DC burbs...traffic...rude people etc. Is it a good different or a bad different?

Thanks!

[7th Direction]

Originally Posted by bluestock

7th Direction,

How are the people different...I am looking for something different than the hustle and bustle of the DC burbs...traffic...rude people etc. Is it a good different or a bad different?

Thanks!

You also have to remember there are a LOT OF TRANSPLANTS from the MD/DC/VA region in the Eastern Panhandle. In general, life moves a little slower in WV, less congestion, etc.

One big thing we noticed was the drastic difference in convenience in the area. In Central MD, everything you could ever need was within a 20 minute drive... at most. In WV, you have to drive to Frederick (about 30-40 minutes away) to get certain products (I live in Shepherdstown and I have to drive at least 20 minutes to go to DECENT grocery store).

It's getting better, the new shopping center, The Marketplace at Potomac Towne Center (and in the future, The Boulevard) in Ranson, makes things closer and more convenient. There is also further development in Martinsburg that will make shopping more convenient.

[billscamaros]

re: moving from virginia to west virginia ...... west virginia is definitely less hussle and bussle. you especially notice this on the weekends, when you can get out and drive somewhere without enduring tons of traffic.

on the flip side ..... your morning and evening work commutes stink.

no matter how you get to and from work, it is just a long, timely commute. i spend two plus hours a day in the car ... on a good day.

i think that you tend to see the positives with the move to west virginia, and tend to over look the negatives. good luck.

[bluestock]

Thanks for the info!