MTA Metro customer turned aside, left in dark
To be fair to the Maryland Transit Administration. I don't get many complaints about the Baltimore Metro subway. It imploded a bit after the recent snowstorms, which put the aboveground part of the system out of commission for aboutt a week, but most of the time it performs wiith boring efficiency -- even if it's not the most beautiful or versatile transit line on the planet.
This morning, however, brought a heartfelt complaint from an aggrieved custoemr, Alisa Bralove-Scherr, who shared with Getting There a copy of the letter she wrote to MTA Administrator Ralign T. Wells. Here's what she had to say:
Dear Mr. Wells,
I was excited when, after last month's blizzards, you vowed to improve communication between the MTA and its passengers. Unfortunately, today showed me that the subway system is still business as usual.
I was turned away from the Owings Mills station this morning and told the train was only running to Old Court. I arrived at Old Court to find dozens of people on the platform. The MTA employee working in the booth said he hadn't been told anything and didn't know when we should expect the next train.
Meanwhile, my husband called the MTA hotline and the person who answered said they hadn't heard anything about problems with the subway.
I'm signed up to receive text alerts whenever there is an issue with the subway. I have never received a single message.
As usual, the MTA website doesn't indicate any delays on the subway.
What is the point of all of these modes of communication if they're not actually used? I have no idea what to expect for my commute home, nor any idea of where to go to find accurate information.
I've dealt with a lot over the years that I've ridden the subway. I've been robbed. I've been subject to inappropriate sexual behavior. I keep hearing that you'll do better next time but next time has come and gone too many times.The communication issue is the easiest of the subway's problems to address. The tools are already in place. They simply need to be utilized.
Thanks for listening,
Alisa Bralove-Scherr
So far, I haven't been able to reach an MTA representative to inquire about what happened this morning on the Metro. I'll be glad to pass along the answer when I can get it.
Comments
I, too, have never received a single e-communication regarding delays and disruptions. This despite registering for the service numerous times.
Posted by: Mitch | March 23, 2010 3:35 PM
I get the notices about issues with the MARC trains, but not about the light rail. Speaking of the light rail, I've noticed that they never announce whenever maintenance issues force them to use single-car trains instead of double-car ones. I understand why these issues arise, but I wish they'd at least inform us and let us know that they're working on the problem. They only consider it a disruption if the trains aren't running on schedule, but for the past couple of days (and back in the wake of the blizzard), I kept taking those single-car trains at rush-hour, and you barely had room to stand. It was not a pleasant ride.
Posted by: Andrew | March 25, 2010 12:23 AM