MARC off to rocky start tonight
Here's the litany of MARC train problems tonight, provide by the MTA at 5:33 p.m. The MTA is still calling these "minor disruptions," though that description is looking a bit questionable.I keep telling the MTA to banish the word "minor" from their web site, but it seems to be their favorite word.
Penn Line: UPDATE: MARC Train 450 (515p WAS Dp) to Baltimore/Penn is cancelled. Next available MARC Train will be Train 534 departing 520p WAS.
(Rider Jeff Quinton reports that 534 is running a car short, leading to crowded conditions.)
MARC 530 is operating approximately 15 minutes late in the baltimore area.
Camden:MARC 846 (413p WAS Dp) is operating approximately 25 minutes late due to freight train traffic.
Brunswick:
MARC 873 is approaching Point of Rocks operating approximately 12 minutes late.
MARC 875 (425p WAS Dp) is operating approximately 10 minutes late due to correcting a mechanical problem at Union Station
Comments
When they canceled the 450 people had already come back from being denied boarding on the 530. We were told to board the train departing at 5:34, only to be denied boarding when we schlepped from track 7 to 16. Quite an angry mob, especially when we were told the next train doesn't leave til 6:15. Where is the spare train supposedly available? Why is one of the most crowded trains running consistently with a car short? Where was the mta rep supposedly assigned to union station? lots of questions, little or no answers
Search twitter for #marcfail for ongoing reports from commuters
Posted by: Bill | July 13, 2010 6:05 PM
We understand your frustration. Senior officials from the Maryland Department of Transportation were at Union Station last night and witnessed the problem first hand.
As you pointed out 450 was cancelled due to a last minute defect found on the locomotive. We are examining how our passengers could have been directed to other trains more efficiently. Despite the confusion 530 was 9 minutes late leaving the Union Station. We apologize for the delay, and are looking for ways to better communicate when a change in trains is necessary.
Terry Owens
MTA Media Relations
Posted by: Terry Owens | July 14, 2010 1:30 PM
the real problem is the lack of communucation between the staff on the trains and the staff on the ground who arent talking to each other. Neither seems to know what the other is doing and frankly the people on the ground show indifference to the commuters needs. they just stand in front of you and stare blankly like they cant hear you. this makes things worse for the stranded passengers.
Posted by: Lou | July 14, 2010 3:47 PM