MARC riders: Is a canceled train 'minor?'
One of the most persistent irritants in the relationship between the MTA and its riders is its insistence on classifying even very inconvenient disruptions of its service as "minor" on its web site. But the agency seems to be in love with the practice of downplaying its customers' inconvenience.
Let's at least agree to this protocol for the MARC system: If a train has to be canceled, that automatically lifts the disruptions of of the "minor" category. The MTA doesn't even have to use the word "major" -- which it doesn't like to do short of an apocalyptic breakdown. Just call them disruptions.
Or are there any MARC riders out there who think it's a minor matter when their train is canceled and they have to squeeze onto the next one out of the station?
Comments
A canceled train *is* a major delay. Not just for those inconvenienced at the station, but for those waiting at stops along the way that may our may not be able to hop aboard the next train (not all trains make all stops). Further, chances are good that the canceled train would have been making a return trip, thus inconveniencing even more commuters. No matter how you accommodate a canceled train, it has a huge ripple effect on the commute.
Posted by: Bill | July 14, 2010 7:03 AM
Agreed, a canceled train is not minor. By chance, I caught the 4:40 to Penn Station from DC yesterday, not my usual 5:15. When I later check my Blackberry, I see that the 5:15 was canceled, meaning all riders would be trying to get the 5:20 train. Then I get a note saying that the 5:20 "will be operating one car short today." I can't imagine what that ride was like
Posted by: jack purdy | July 14, 2010 9:56 AM