MARC woes drag on
A three-day weekend for Labor Day apparently failed to give MARC the respite it needed to deal with its equipment problems on the Penn Line.
The problems that afflicted the line all last week -- and the week before -- continued Tuesday and will apparently drag into Wednesday with no relief in sight. Meanwhile, Maryland Transit Administration officials are doing little to explain the issues to frustrated riders.
Here's the latest message, for what it's worth:
Due to a continued shortage of electric locomotives, the following trains will be operating with one car less than usual:
This afternoon--train 426 (3:27pm departure from Washington), train
436 (5:34pm departure from Washington), and train 538 (6:05pm departure from Washington).Tomorrow morning--train 401 (4:40am departure from Baltimore Penn), train 411 (7:00am departure from Baltimore Penn) and train 513 (6:30am departure from Perryville / 7:15 departure from Penn Station).
MARC regrets the inconvenience.
Comments
With the possible exception of the 426, these trains consistently run with standing room only. Where are the passengers who would normally be in the missing car supposed to stand? In the vestibules (which is prohibited, but happens anyway?)
I've never received an answer from the MTA about how crowded is 'too crowded' and is there a point at which they won't allow more people on the train. These crowded conditions, while certainly uncomfortable, will prove horrendously dangerous if an accident ever occurs.
What is MARC/MTA doing to address these safety issues when delays and other conditions cause overcrowding?
Posted by: Bill | September 8, 2009 9:14 PM