Service began on May 1, 1978, with funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of Maryland; a demonstration trip ran from Philadelphia to Bowie on April 30.Chesapeake Timetable; April 30, 1978 (Museum of Railway Timetables.org) It was the first service at Elkton since 1967. BWI Rail Station was added to the service when it opened in October 1980.Chesapeake Timetable; October 26, 1980 (Museum of Railway Timetables.org) From February 4, 1980 to October 25, 1981, the Chesapeake was extended from 30th Street to Suburban Station.
