Another MARC train canceled, but Amtrak steps up
The problems continue on the MARC Penn Line, but it's good to see Amtrak stepping in to take some canceled passengers. Here's the latest:
Penn Line Commuters: MARC Train 442 from Washington/ Union Station (740 pm departure) is canceled due to no equipment. Amtrak 198 departing 815 pm from Wash. will accomodate passsengers at Washington to New Carrollton, BWI, and Balt./ Penn station.
MARC Train 538 from Washington/ Union Station (613 pm departure) to Perryville is expected to operate 15 minutes late due to congestion.
MARC Train 436 from Washington/ Union Station ( 530 pm departure) is operating 30 minutes late due to single tracking.
Comments
I am not sure I would say that Amtrak "stepped up." After the 7:40 PM train was completely cancelled, Amtrak's 8:13 PM train offered to take passengers traveling to New Carrolton, BWI and Penn Station. These 3 stops are on Amtrak's normal North bound route. This did nothing for passengers at Seabrook, Bowie, Odenton (the biggst commuter stop besides Penn Station), Halethorp, West Batlimore, etc. Those commuters were forced to wait 1 hour 20 minutes for the 9PM train.
Posted by: sheryl marshall | July 8, 2010 8:36 AM
I would agree that Amtrak "stepped up" since they did something that they never would have done before. Not perfect but a small improvement nonetheless - a step in right direction, at least.
Posted by: Frank | July 8, 2010 10:57 AM
Something is better than nothing, though I think that Amtrak could've made the Odenton stop and not been too much off schedule.
Posted by: Justin..... | July 8, 2010 11:45 AM
Actually, Amtrak 198 had a departure time of 8:45pm, which MTA noted in a later e-mail (sent Wed 7/7/2010 7:46 PM):
PENNUPDATE CORRECTION:Amtrak 198 (Wash Dp 8:45p) will accommodate cancelled MARC 442's passengers, stopping only at New Carrollton, BWI and Penn Station.
Posted by: MARC CRAM | July 12, 2010 12:19 PM