Amtrak awarded five-year contract for MARC Penn Line

The Maryland Department of Transportation's Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) has awarded Amtrak a five-year contract to continue providing train operations services for the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) Penn Line, which operates between Washington, D.C., and Perryville, Maryland.

Amtrak was chosen based on the "strength of [its] technical proficiency, which was rated highest among all the bidders," Amtrak officials said in a press release. MDOT MTA initiated the contract bidding process a year ago.

"Commuter contracts help Amtrak expand our business and meet our financial goals," said Stephen Gardner, Amtrak's chief commercial officer. "MDOT MTA selecting Amtrak for this contract speaks volumes about the high-quality service we have provided over many years to Maryland and MARC passengers."

Financial details of the contract weren't disclosed.