On a positive note, while waiting for the 538 Penn Line train to board last night (it was delayed boarding) there was actually a useful announcement made at Union Station apologizing for the delay but letting us know it would probably be delayed another 5-10 minutes AND would "hopefully depart on time". In the past we wouldn't get that kind up update so you stand around waiting while all the signs say "On Time" even as the time passes your scheduled departure. Kudos to making an effort.

Now if only they could get the gate information posted inside before people at the front of pack start rushing a gate unbeknownst to the rest of the travelers.

The 534 (5:20 dep) lost power last night after moving about 10 feet. Crew said it would be fixed in 5 minutes. The, exactly as the 5:30 left Union, crew said train was broken down and everyone made the slow trek from track 16 to the replacement train on track 8. This train sat fully loaded for 15 minutes (after crew said we would leave "within 2 minutes") because control would not clear us to leave. Finally departed Union at 6:00, went smoothly until Odenton when train slowed to a virtual crawl--maybe 5 mph--to allow an Acela to pass (those rich folks from NYC need to get back on time, but us working class folks can afford to sit around endlessly waiting for Amtrak trains to pass). Maintained very slow speed all the way from Odenton to BWI. Arrived at Halethorpe at 7:00, so fully an hour late.