Stuck on MARC

Response to comment on station notifications

2010-12-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

A recent commenter asked:

How come the MARC train stations don't even have basic systems to alert riders and others to the status of trains? People are siting at the stations waiting for riders to arrive and have NO status of the trains? There are audio systems in the stations that used to be used to give status and are no longer used? A simple suggestion: put monitors in each station, hooked to Internet and have the control center update the status as each train proceeds through the system....how difficult can this be?

The answer is that MARC is in the process of solving this problem to a degree. With the help of stimulus funds, MARC plans to replace public address systems with LED sings at all of their stations save the ones run by Amtrak (Washington, New Carrollton, BWI, Baltimore, Aberdeen). The existing system is in need of replacement as it's 20 years old. As replacement parts are hard to come by keeping the old PA system operational is a struggle. The replacements will hit Brunswick first and then Camden and finally Penn, as the Penn line system is in the best shape of the three.

The new system will be linked to the MARC Tracker that alerts riders via text or email about delays. It will provide real time status updates, i.e. "Train 419 to Washington arriving in 3 minutes" much like the current system used by DC Metro subway stations. MARC staff will continue to update passengers about delays, so the system will not rely entirely on automation.

MARC-related Halloween costume revealed

2010-10-25T15:04:00.001-07:00

That's right, my fiance and I are dressing up as Baltimore's most controversial public art for Halloween this year: Penn Station's Male/Female.

I've already purchased little LED lights to stick to our chests and purply-blue foil to wrap around them. Searching for silver spandex and possible silver paint/hairspray to complete the costume. Supply source suggestions are welcome.

This will be the second year in a row that we've dressed up as iconic images from nearby Penn Station. Last year we were a hit as the Natty Boh guy proposing to the Utz girl from the Smyth jewelers billboard.

Signal sabotage?

2010-10-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

The chatter on two blogs, Inside Charm City and Getting There, is that morning delays on Amtrak and MARC between DC and Baltimore were due to signal problems and - dun dun dun - possible sabotage.

Russian spies strike again?

Amtrak won't confirm sabotage, but also won't rule it out according to Dresser at Getting There. After some sleuthing Quinton at Charm City got a reply via Twitter from MTA saying that "malicious destruction" had affected the signals.

Then again Dresser's reporting found that the delays could be the fault of copper wires, which are the cause of some of the summer time delays.

Anyone else out there see signs of sabotage or have theories about the delay? Drop me a line.

MARC's 2010 holiday schedule - full service during winter holidays

2010-09-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

A MARC official has released the 2010 holiday schedule to Stuck on MARC. A few details are still being worked out so check back for future updates. For now, here are the dates that you'll need to find alternate transportation if you have to work on the holidays:

Monday, October 11: Columbus Day--No service

Thursday, November 11: Veterans Day--S (snow) schedule.

Thursday and Friday, November 25-26: Thanksgiving and the day after--no service

Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31 (Christmas and New Years observed, they fall on a Saturday this year)--no service

***During the week between Christmas and New Year, in response to commuter requests and improving state budget situation, MARC plans to operate full service.

This last schedule adjustment is great news for anyone who works past 7:30pm as the 7:40pm Penn Line was the last to leave Union Station during that week.

Visit MTA's Web site for more special schedule information.

MARC delays minimal despite suicide attempt

2010-07-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

The 'police activity' referenced in the below email notice from MARC was in response to an attempted suicide off the top of the Amtrak parking lot and onto the rails. The jumper was talked down with the promise of a smoothie, a MARC official tells me. Despite the incident- and resulting closure of tracks- the system only suffered delays stretching into the 25-minute range.

"BRNSWK: MARC 891 is canceled following a police activity in Washington/Union station. Passengers should transfer to MARC 875. Washington Metro will honor all MARC tickets."

MARC/Amtrak could learn a thing or two from the Japanese

2010-07-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

I was just reading a speech given by the Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. He was talking about the need for the US to invest in high speed rail.

Noting that there are 6 Es of Japanese high speed rail service, "the second E, E for exactness. Average delay time per year is less than one minute."

Average delay per year is less than one minute! Can you imagine?

He then goes on to say that this Amtrak train from New York was recently canceled and jokes that he hopes his friends at Amtrak aren't listening to C-SPAN.

Read the full speech here.

WaPost on Ehrlich courting disgruntled MARC riders

2010-07-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post has a good article and video detailing former MD Gov (and current gubernatorial candidate) Robert Ehrlich's efforts to court disgruntled MARC riders following last month's train from hell.

I'd have to dispute one point made by the head of the new group Commuters for Ehrlich, who in the video says that there's no griping forum for MARC passengers. There's a regular, maybe monthly or bimonthly "Meet the MARC Managers" event where riders can approach MTA officials and complain or ask questions. They do a good job of rotating the managers to different stations so all riders get a fair shake.

My question for Ehrlich is whether or not he will pledge to do something politically unpalatable if he's elected governor, that is raise train ticket prices.

MARC Riders Advisory Council chair Rafi Guroian told Stuck on MARC in an interview lats year that more revenue is essential for MARC's growth and improvement.

$175 for a monthly unlimited ticket is quite a bargain; I for one would be willing to pay $25 to get to work and home on time.

WaPost article details nightmarish incident on MARC

2010-06-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Metro section of today's Washington Post has a long article detailing the MARC train that stalled outside Union Station Monday night, leaving 900 passengers stranded and struggling for relief amid sweltering temperatures for two hours.

This isn't the first time MARC commuters have been stuck in a heat box for hours. Below is an email last year, June 9, about a very similar incident, which also forced riders to resort to drastic measures - removing windows using emergency handles - to get relief.

MTA officials have apologized, Amtrak has promised "corrective actions," and an investigation is ongoing, according to the Post.

The Post article quotes Gov. O'Malley calling the incident "utterly unacceptable," we'll be watching to see what follow up action he takes to assure it doesn't happen again, for the third summer in a row.

To Our Penn Line Passengers:

We sincerely apologize for yesterday’s mechanical breakdown on train 530 near the Seabrook station. As those of you on the train know all too well, train 530 became disabled shortly after departing New Carrollton. Not only was the train unable to move, but the train lost all lighting and air conditioning. As soon as the problem with Train 530 was reported, Amtrak sent a mechanical technician out on the next train to attempt to repair the train. The locomotive involved has been removed from service pending a thorough investigation and repairs.

The MTA contracts with Amtrak to operate the Penn Line MARC trains. The MARC operations center was notified of Train 530’s problems by Amtrak just before 5:00pm. We sent a text and email message out to all Penn Line riders at 5:01pm, with updates following.

We understand that the temperature and conditions on board train 530 quickly became unbearable. Many of you expressed frustration that several MARC trains passed train 530 without stopping. The challenge of rush hour operations is that these trains themselves are already filled to capacity themselves and cannot take on additional passengers. While the train stopped agonizingly short of the platform at Seabrook, it is not possible to unload passengers at a location that is not a station stop.

When it became clear that train 530 was not going to be able to move for a significant period of time, trains 439 and 440 were cancelled and its equipment sent non-stop from Baltimore to Seabrook to transfer passengers. While 439 was en route, the technician was able to get 530’s locomotive working, lights and air conditioning restored, and the train departed Seabrook. MARC then “uncancelledd” train 440, the 6:40pm departure from Washington.

Today, MARC management has been reviewing this incident with Amtrak. One of our primary concerns is, based upon on your e-mails to us, that the train crew did not provide updates to passengers. This is unacceptable and we have told Amtrak that we expect their employees to provide regular updates to our passengers, even when there is no new information to report. MARC’s mechanical department will also be meeting with Amtrak mechanical personnel to determine what went wrong with the locomotive.

While yesterday’s incident was, to say the least, frustrating and the temperature uncomfortable, we do need to ask one thing of our passengers. Please do not ever remove windows from a train, unless directed by a member of the train crew. Doing this makes an already difficult situation worse—once windows are removed, a train cannot proceed until the car(s) in which the windows have been removed are unoccupied and even then the train can only proceed at a significantly reduced speed. It is also extremely dangerous to exit a train through the emergency windows. In addition to the potential injury you may incur falling from the train, trains pass on parallel tracks at speeds of up to 135 miles per hour. These trains approach very quickly and quietly. Again, while we understand the conditions on board train 530, removal of windows and exiting the train is extremely dangerous and should never be done unless directed by a uniformed Amtrak/MARC employee.

We appreciate your understanding of this matter.

Ladies! Meet a man on MARC

2010-06-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

Until a fellow commuter asked me out on a date while we were walking from the MARC train into Union Station this morning, it never occurred to me that the MARC is the perfect place to scope out single men.

First off the dating pool is selective, these men have jobs ladies, and probably steady ones if they work for the federal government.

Secondly you have a number of things in common such as the fact that you both take public transportation and most likely live close to one another.

Finally, since you probably see this person most weekdays you can scope out their habits- is he an annoyingly loud cell phone talker? does he snore when cat napping- before deciding whether or not you'd want to date him.

So ladies, give that bespectacled gentleman with the nice leather briefcase who always rides in the first row of the third car a second look. With our daily commutes cutting into our social lives, the MARC just might be your ticket to finding a man.

P.S. I had struck up a conversation with the man who asked me out last week before he asked me out this morning. He was friendly, interesting and intelligent, and easy on the eyes. I declined his invitation as I'm madly in love with my wonderful boyfriend, but I thought I'd share this experience for all the single ladies out there.

Sun's Dresser previews MARC's "cruelest months"

2010-06-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

The Baltimore Sun's transportation reporter, Michael Dresser, has a feature in today's newspaper [presumably since it was published online last night] about what MARC riders can expect from the beleaguered commuter rail this summer.

High temps during the summer months usually mean delays due to speed restrictions on the rail and Dresser quotes on commuter predicting the worst: "It's going to be a long, hot summer."

But Dresser also quotes a MARC official predicting that new diesel engines and repaired AEM-7 engines should alleviate some of the past problems that MARC riders had to contend with during the summer.

Dresser also dips into what could become a political battle in the race for governor, noting that former MD Gov. Ehrlich Jr. has criticized current Gov. O'Malley for scrimping on funds to the MARC system, even though a closer look at spending proves otherwise.

Transit advocate Rafi Guroian settles the dispute, "Neither is a hero to MARC," Dresser quotes him as saying.

Ask a MARC Operator/Conductor?

2010-06-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

A friend emailed me a link to this really cool feature that The New York Times is running this week.

NYT readers are invited to post their questions about New York City's transit system to Dennis H. Boyd, a train operator aboard the No. 4 Lexington Ave. subway line. The Times will publish the first set of Boyd's responses this Wednesday.

Any interest out there among MARC commuters for a similar feature at Stuck on MARC? My first inclination would be to get one of the more friendly and knowledgeable MARC conductors, such as Mike of the Penn Line's #415, to field questions.

It would be a chance for riders to learn more about the conductors they see on a regular basis and for the conductors, in turn, to impart some of their wisdom to us.

Let me know your thoughts.

School groups on MARC

2010-05-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I received an email from a MARC commuter concerned about how the system handles school groups aboard the trains. Specifically she was pleased to received advance notice on May 13 that a group would be aboard train #513 the next morning.

She was not pleased that the students were given the first two cars for the following reasons:

- When the group disembarks the students clog the platform awaiting instructions from teachers
- Daily commuters should get priority boarding for the first two cars since they're the closest to the station upon arrival. Why are consistent commuters being penalized for their loyalty over occasional riders?
- If students need to be close to the bathroom (reason given by conductor to commuter for why students had to ride at the front of the train) why not add another bathroom car?

I brought the commuter's above concerns to Rafi Guroian, chair of MRAC (MARC Riders' Advisory Council). Rafi had received similar complaints from other riders and had already brought the issue up with the MTA.

Rafi providing the following explanation for the May 14 incident with the school group (I've edited his full response for brevity).

1. The group boarded at Perryville, whose switch track only allows boarding at the southern end of the train.
2. MTA had attempted to get the train crew to instruct the school supervisors to keep their charges on the train until everyone else disembarked. Alas the ball was dropped somewhere along the way on that one. (I'm sure any teachers/parents in audience are sympathetic here).
3. MTA conceded that they'd overbooked school groups, promising to split groups over multiple trains in the future.

Also, Rafi noted his genuine concerns about reports that both teachers and students were yelled at and cursed at by commuters. "We take trains instead of driving to relax, presumably, and there's no call for vulgarity amongst each other-- adults, most of us-- God forbid children," Rafi wrote.

In closing Rafi noted that the school group incident is emblematic of a larger problem MARC is facing: adequately handling increased ridership. "I believe what happened Friday is a small preview of things to come," Rafi warned.

Rafi detailed the severe capacity constraints that the MARC system and Union Station in particular are facing: no hard, funded plans for new equipment in the near future, no space to put new cars even if we procured them, no money to alleviate space issues at Union Station.

Compared to similar metro areas around the U.S., DC-Baltimore "looks like a skeleton with no meat," says Rafi. He continues that the State of Maryland, specifically the lawmakers that hold the purse and policy strings in Annapolis, need to wake up and "Do something to really plan for the future of our transit systems in MD."

Rafi concluded by conceding that MTA/MARC folks probably could have handled Friday's school group more smoothly, but he argued that the system is operating with very limited equipment, stations and funding. "They're stretching a rubber band just about as far as it'll go," he wrote.

Help Rafi bring more attention to transit needs by contacting your state elected officials. Look them up and find their contact info here.

Java Moon Cafe promises review of policy

2010-05-19T06:10:00.001-07:00

I will be suspending my boycott of Java Moon Cafe. (See yesterday's post.)

I wrote to the Java Moon parent company after I was refused coffee in my travel mug at the cafe in Penn Station yesterday. The refusal upset me because many companies like The Daily Grind in Baltimore and Caribou Coffee in D.C. encourage customers to use their travel mugs and cut down on waste by offering discounts.

In response to my complaints, I received an emailed apology from a company BP, promising a closer review of the policy, which does not allow customers to use travel mugs for fear that they might be sued if dirty mugs are filled with their coffee. I was pleasantly surprised by the speedy reply, less than 24 hours after I filed my complaint.

The VP graciously offered five days of free coffee in my travel mug and a discount on pastries, for taking time to tell her about my experience. I will decline the offer so as to remain somewhat neutral, but I appreciate the spirit.

I look forward to hearing the outcome of the company's review to see whether it results in a change in policy, posting of a sign explaining the policy or other consideration.

Penn Station's Java Moon Cafe enforces regressive rule

2010-05-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

What a way to start a Monday.

I stood in line for over five minutes at the new Java Moon Cafe in Penn Station, Baltimore this morning to get a cup of coffee.

When I handed over my plastic travel mug, the cashier shot me a look and said, 'We won't use your cup. We will only give you coffee in our own cups.'

After asking why not the cashier refused to give me an explanation.

"That seems like a waste," I said.

Then I left and went to get coffee at Dunkin Donuts instead. As I waited in line the manager from Java Moon walked by. I told her that if they were going to enforce such a ridiculous, regressive policy they should at least post a sign informing customers.

The manager just kept repeating "It's a company rule," when I asked her why the rule existed. Finally she motioned for me to step out of the line and she would whisper the reason for the rule.

I told her in front of the crowd that if the company was going to enforce such a rule it shouldn't be a secret and the public had a right to know the reasons behind the rule.

Finally she told me the rule was to prevent customers from using dirty travel mugs and then suing the company for putting their coffee in the dirty mugs. She was not amused when I asked her to smell my mug and tell me if it was dirty or not.

At first she countered that the company, Java Moon Cafe, is a franchise. I told her that I would write to the company to complain because a) the lawsuit excuse is ridiculous b) the policy is regressive when many other companies promote good environmental practices by giving customers who use their own cups a discount c) not using their cups saves the company money d) for MARC commuters who travel with coffee there's no place to put a cup, so you have to wedge it between the seats which only works with a hard travel mug and not a flimsy paper cup.

I will be writing to Java Moon to complain - you can do the same, click here. Let their Facebook friends know about the nonsensical policy by posting on their wall.

In the meantime I'm boycotting Java Moon. I'd also like to find out of the public has any input into who gets concessions at Penn Stations. If you have any information about this please let me know.

That's all for my Monday morning rant.

Police enforce MARC boarding

2010-05-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

Two police officers stood guard on the platform outside Union Station during tonight's rush hour, presumably to prevent crowding on the platform. I wonder if a specific incident caused their presence or if it's a more general effort to prevent the choas that occassionally occurs at this hour. It could also be because the 6:40pm Penn Line is delayed.

I think it would be helpful if MARC could post the length of the delay so that those of us who have the option to do so can choose to take the Camden Line instead, which departs three minutes after the closest Penn Line departure at 6:43pm.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

A little commuting perspective from Mumbai

2010-05-11T07:57:00.001-07:00

"At least your commute isn't as bad as this," wrote a friend in an email with this link from CNN's Mumbai editor, Sita Wadhwani.

The video shows a crush of female commuters, talking loudly, hanging on to metal handles in what looks more like a cage than a train. Ms. Wadhwani translated some of the shouting as "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?"

She quipped that the government's official term for rush hour commutes is "superdense crush load."

A global perspective helps when we're complaining about the new MARC seats and the violators of the quiet car rules...

MARC Trainmaster never has a typical day

2010-04-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

Though some sympathetic commuters might expect that Dave Johnson, who supervises the Penn and Camden Lines on MARC, frequently has what Alexander of the famous children's book calls a 'Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,' that's not the case.

"There really is no one typical day," Johnson told Stuck on MARC, on the Union Station platform last week.

He usually tries to be in D.C. during the afternoon rush hours when Penn Line trains average 900 to 1,500 passengers per trip. Other times Johnson's driving a state vehicle around Maryland meeting local officials, refilling ticket machines, checking station cleanliness, riding trains himself, or covering the operations center where service announcements originate. He's on call until Penn Line's #446, which leaves D.C. at 10:30pm arrives safely at its destination at Baltimore's Penn Station at 11:27pm, give or take a few.

I usually go home at the end of the day exhausted, Johnson said.

Previous to joining MARC about a year ago, Johnson haunted the halls of Congress as a self-described "Hill policy nerd," advocating for improved public transportation. You could also call Johnson a train nerd: he was a charter representative to the Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee in college and he spent a recent weekend giving a presentation to the National Association of Railroad passengers.

Without a passion for public transport, Johnson said the frustrations of his job would outweigh the benefits.

Recent crowd control problems at Union Station have sparked outcries on local blogs.

Impatience and a mob mentality reign among many MARC commuters during rush hour. I've provided a commuter's perspective time and again on this blog, so it's only fair that I allow Johnson to offer his side in this post.

"We don't get any thrill out of this," Johnson said, referring to the attempts by MARC officials to keep riders off the platforms before their train arrives. "It's about avoiding a chaotic situation," he said, noting a recent incident where 2,000 commuters crowded the platform waiting for a Penn Line train causing 60 Camden Line riders to miss their train.

Johnson added that one of the reasons for keeping riders inside the station and off the platform is to keep them more comfortable (air conditioning, no diesel fumes) and well informed (PA system, notification boards).

The commuter rage, not unlike road rage though less lethal as we don't have our own vehicles to leverage, occasionally boils over during rush hour. Johnson recalled a recent incident.

Commuters were awaiting the 6:40pm Penn Line departure from Union Station. A Girl Scout troop had tickets to board the train and Johnson escorted them to the front of the line so they could board as a group.

"Fuck the Girl Scouts," one irritated commuter yelled.

This level of anger clearly upsets Johnson.

Something that angers commuters, myself included, is when MARC won't wait a few minutes to accommodate Metro riders who are running late due to subway delays.

Johnson explained that because MARC doesn't own the rails-- CSX owns the Camden Line tracks and Amtrak owns the Penn tracks-- the state commuter rail has to defer to its overlords.

For example, if Johnson were to hold a Penn train just 5 minutes in some occasions it would conflict with a passing Amtrak Acela express train, forcing an eventual 20 minute delay.

Johnson addressed two more areas of common complaint: the new, less roomy seats on the Penn Line and the cleanliness of MARC trains.

Seats: "We know the seats stink," Johnson admitted, but, he said that the wait for new seats is 2-3 years, versus the 9 months MARC had to wait to acquire these from VRE (Virginia Railway Express, MARC's Virginia cousin). The VRE seats will be swapped out when the cars undergo a midlife overhaul in a few years.

Cleanliness: When I asked Johnson about the difference in cleanliness between Amtrak trains and Penn Line trains after learning that Amtrak overseas cleaning on both trains, he acknowledged the problem. He promised to look into the issue and see how cleanliness on the Penn Line could be improved.

As a daily Penn Line commuter and author of Stuck on MARC, I really appreciated the time that Johnson took to talk to me and answer my questions.

Here are a few more nuggets of interest from our interview:

In 2009 the Penn Line broke the 20,000 daily ridership mark for the first time.
2009 total MARC system daily ridership (Penn, Brunswick, Camden lines) was 32,455. That's a 6,000 person increase from 2004.
A weekend schedule for MARC was on the way to the printer two years ago, but was nixed with the economic collapse.
CSX is getting out of the business of running passenger trains (their primary business is shipping), which means that the state is looking for a new third party contractor to run the Camden Line. The Camden contract will be the biggest contract ever let by the state of Maryland in terms of scope and cost, said Johnson. The contract will be awarded soon (original target was the end of April). Johnson said the change will mean improved service as it will give MARC more oversight, redress and streamline the system.***

***Clarification: The new CSX contract is for both Camden and Brunswick lines (not just Camden as I mentioned above). Johnson tells me that the contract "also includes facilities maintenance (taking care of all the MARC-owned stations), material inventory/control (e.g. train car windows, brake stands, light bulbs, etc, etc, in other words, anything needed to make a train car or locomotive run) and diesel locomotive maintenance."

Amtrak delays MARC

2010-04-12T05:25:00.000-07:00

Feeling like the ugly stepchild as my 7:40am train from Baltimore to DC has been sitting just outside of Odenton station for about 20 minutes as Amtrak trains pass us headed north. The conductor explained that Amtrak has been playing catch up from an earlier incident with a disabled train, of course at MARC's expense.

I hate starting off my weekday with MARC delays.

MARC chaos at Union Station

2010-04-08T15:33:00.000-07:00

Commuters rush for a spot on the MARC train #538 (611pm departure from DC), which was delayed due to a mechanical problem. Anxious commuters were held back off the platform by uniformed police (Amtrak I think) and a MARC official tried to keep people orderly with the help of a blow horn.

Needless to say my meeting with the MARC and Amtrak officials about the very subject on display during tonight's rush hour- crowd control- has been postponned so they can focus on their jobs tonight.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Finally

2010-03-31T17:07:00.001-07:00

------Original Message------
From: Maryland Transit Administration
To: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
ReplyTo: mtainfo@alerts.marylandmail.com
Subject: MTA: Penn: MARC 440 is operating approx 45 minutes late in the Bowie area.
Sent: Mar 31, 2010 7:56 PM

Penn: MARC 440 is operating approx 45 minutes late in the Bowie area.

March 31, 2010 7:53 PM

Seabrook situation resolved

2010-03-31T16:47:00.001-07:00

The disabled train is finally moving North from Seabrook and we're following slowly behind. Conductor told me we should speed up once the train in front of us makes its first stop.

Still- still - no word from the MARC staff on how late our train is running, though MTA just sent out an email saying that the formerly disabled train is 70 minutes bedhind schedule. My bet is that we're running at least 40 minutes lates. (So much for trying to get a run in before the sun goes down).

As I walked to the bathroom I passed a MARC rider reaming out a conductor - accusing the system of not giving commuters any options (we could have disembarked at New Carrolton and found alternate transportation- valid point) and of treating customers like the opposite side in litigation, which is also sometimes true. To the conductor's credit she remained calm and politely listened to the disgrunteled rider.

More on disabled Seabrook train

2010-03-31T16:20:00.001-07:00

Conductor just said that a passing train dropped off a technician who's now aboard the disabled train- which we're stuck behind- still no information on a timeframe for the delay or how it might be solved.

In good news I got my second highest score in the BlackBerry game 'Brickbreaker' a few minutes ago. (Ahhhh, the small pleasure of a stranded commuter's idle pursuits)

Penn Line's 640pm from DC assisting disabled train

2010-03-31T16:08:00.001-07:00

I'm on the 6:40pm Penn Line departure from Union Station headed toward Baltimore and the conductor has just informed us that we're going to help a MARC train disabled in Seabrook get to Baltimore's Penn Station. No word in whether that means we're essentially pushing it there or how late that will make us.

Ughhh, now I really feel the pain of the Penn and Camden commuters who were delayed this morning due to mechanical problems.

Below is the note from MTA re: the disabled train.
------Original Message------
From: Maryland Transit Administration
To: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
ReplyTo: mtainfo@alerts.marylandmail.com
Subject: MTA: MARC 538 stopped south of Seabrook due to mechanical with itslocomotive, approx 15 mins late.
Sent: Mar 31, 2010 6:43 PM

Penn: MARC 538 stopped south of Seabrook due to mechanical with its locomotive. Approximately 15 mins late at this time.

March 31, 2010 6:41 PM

I miss the clackety clack too...

2010-03-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

Just saw Michael Dresser's post (The Sun's transportation reporter) on the disappearance of the departures and arrivals board at Baltimore's Penn Station.

Dresser informs us that the tiny digital screen that's replaced the large, old school mechanical signboard is only temporary until a new, larger digital board completes a trial run. Good thing because I always have to squint to see whether my train will be on time or not every morning.

Though Dresser notes that the new sign is in keeping with the times - "the flip-flapping signboards are going the way of the steam engine in rail stations around the world" - I'd argue that nostalgia is not the only reason to gripe about the disappearance of the mechanical board.

A number of blind commuters ride the MARC train, and I'd wager a guess that the clackety clack of the old signboard was helpful in alerting them that either a train had arrived or a departure time had been adjusted. Unfortunately the announcers are usually behind what the signboard, and as every MARC commuter knows you want to get a front and center space in line when the train arrives to assure a good seat on the train.

Amtrak saves the day for Penn commuter

2010-03-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

I feel your pain Melissa, though fortuitously I stayed at a friend's place in DC last night instead of commuting back to Baltimore, and I have to say that my level of happiness skyrocketed for the day.

It's great that we have Amtrak as a backup to MARC, though paying three times ($7 one way Baltimore to DC on MARC versus $21 on Amtrak) the ticket price is always a tough pill to swallow.

Looks like the problems today spanned the Camden and Penn lines. As an added bonus the MARC Tracker service, which provides riders with updates about delays, was down. Once again the delays were related to mechanical problems.

I've got a longstanding date to sit down with MARC Trainmaster Dave Johnson, so I'll try to get some answers from him on this latest delay and post them here on Stuck on MARC.

Commuting most likely to dampen happiness, says Brooks

2010-03-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

In his op/ed column in The New York Times David Brooks reports that "The daily activity most injurious to happiness is commuting."

No surprise there, I thought to myself while reading the column and looking outside the MARC train at a dreary Tuesday morning.

But don't get too glum my fellow MARC riders, Brooks also reports a fix to brighten up your workweek.

"The daily activities most associated with happiness are sex, socializing after work and having dinner with others. "

Union Station signs detail new waiting policy

2010-03-04T17:52:00.000-08:00

I snapped these two signs at Union Station tonight on my way to catch the Penn Line home. The whiteboard is in the hallway, which I mentioned in my previous blog on the issue of MARC's new waiting policy that's upset many riders. The second is on the platform itself.

MRAC Chair Rafi Guroian responded to my question as to whether the MARC Riders Advisory Council has taken up the issue. His answer is very instructive, if not encouraging.

Here's Rafi's note in response to my previous blog post.

Julia, we're well aware of the issue on the council, obviously (after all, we're in the rank and file with everyone else). We'll make sure to put it on the agenda again for the next meeting (it's becoming a regular feature, it seems). Sadly, the "end-all" answer is not cheap: a complete reconfiguration of the Metro corridor and Gate A and reinstating tracks 3-6 which were torn up when the Metro was built in the 70s.

Rafi Guroian

Baltimore Blog addresses MARC snafu at Union Station

2010-03-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

Jeff Quinton over at Inside Charm City has taken up the cause of the new crowd control regulations for MARC riders at Union Station. An issue I blogged about last month.

Quinton, who's recently rejoined our ranks as a daily MARC commuter, was peeved about a new policy, outlined on a whiteboard at the station, that requires Penn Line passengers to board through proper gates inside Union Station, much like our Amtrak counterparts do.

The new policy was to prevent people from crowding in the hallway that connects an exit from the Metro to the platform. Like Quinton and other MARC riders who also use Metro I think it's easiest to simply take the escalators up from the subway then walk through the hallway and out onto the platform, waiting on the platform or in the hallway if the train is delayed. I understand the policy because on the seldom occasions when I was taking the Camden Line, which experiences fewer delays than Penn, it would be difficult to fight my way through the Penn Line crowd to make my train.

My problem with the new policy, as I mentioned on this blog, was that MARC still has communication issues with its passengers that cause them anxiety and subsequently a desire to be on the platform to see the situation for themselves. Often times the schedule boards in Union Station do not reflect the situation on the ground for MARC trains, which experience frequent delays.

I have to disagree with Quinton on his characterization of MARC employee Dave Johnson, who in my experience as a daily commuter for the past two years, has been one of the most dedicated public employees I've ever met. Evidenced here and here for example. You have to have sympathy for a guy who deals with an unhappy, impatient public on a day to day basis, in a job where much of what he's trying to manage is out of his direct control.

I give Quinton kudos for reaching out to the DC Fire Marshall about his concerns over fire and evacuation hazards, which are surely a problem with both the old and new waiting policies.

Quinton got a response from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Deputy Chief Bruce Faust regarding the situation.

Here the response, read Quinton's full post here.

I am aware of this on-going issue with MARC and the management of the Union Station terminal. We are working together to develop a reasonable solution that meets the needs of all interested parties. I hope to have
some resolution in the near future.

If you do not see improvements, please let me know.

Seems like there's more coordination that needs to happen between MTA, Union Station, MARC commuters and DC Fire Marshall. I wonder if Rafi Guroian, chair of the MARC Riders Advisory Council (MRAC) has formally taken up this issue. If you're interested in making your voice heard through the council attend the next meeting on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. Check for the location, usually Union or Penn Station, here closer to the date.

We'll wait outside if you give us up-to-date info

2010-02-02T10:45:00.001-08:00

Here's my problem with this notice from MARC about new boarding procedures at Union Station. The gist of the new rules is that "passengers will no longer be permitted to wait for trains before they are posted for boarding in the area outside of Gates A, B, and C or out on the platforms." One of the major reasons that passengers crowd near doorways and spill out into the platform is due to lack of information from MARC on the ground.

Unlike Amtrak, MARC does not post estimated delay times on the boards at Union Station. That leaves passengers like myself who have a short time span in which to decide whether to take either the Penn or the Camden Line home to Baltimore (for instance Penn leaves at 6:40pm and Camden at 6:43pm). If I have to wait around for more than 10 minutes for the Penn, I'll take the Camden, but there's no way for me to find this information out without walking out on to the platform to talk to personnel or to look for an incoming Penn Line train.

The notice mentions that MTA is undergoing "A more long-term effort to study and recommend ways to re-configure Union Station to better reflect Amtrak and MARC’s needs in the 21st century." That's great, I won't hold my breath. But it makes no mention of helping ease the concern of commuters waiting for delayed trains, who often crowd out on to the platform in hopes of finding out information about just how late they'll arrive home that night.

Read the full notice:

A message to MARC Passengers that travel from Washington Union Station--

Amtrak and MARC management have been working over the past several weeks to improve passenger flow at Union Station. After careful consideration and examination of many alternatives, the following procedures are now in effect for boarding MARC trains during the afternoon rush hour at Union Station:

Camden and Brunswick Line trains will board through Gate A.

Penn Line trains will board through Gate B and/or C.

In both cases, these boarding gates will be the standard procedure, unless otherwise noted on the station train status monitors and the MARC Train information display board. Passengers are encouraged to check the board/monitors each day not only for their numeric track assignment but their lettered boarding gate; they will be required to board their train through the assigned gate.

We understand that these new procedures may add a minute or two in the process of boarding your train and appreciate your understanding. A more long-term effort to study and recommend ways to re-configure Union Station to better reflect Amtrak and MARC’s needs in the 21st century is underway.

In addition to the boarding gate changes, the following measures will be implemented to ensure passenger safety and security. Passengers will no longer be permitted to wait for trains before they are posted for boarding in the area outside of Gates A, B, and C or out on the platforms. Passengers may only proceed to their train when the train is posted for boarding on the station train status monitors and/or announced by an Amtrak employee. MARC passengers found waiting in either of these areas will be directed to return to the station by Amtrak station staff, Amtrak or CSX conductors, and MARC staff. Amtrak Police will be assisting in this effort as well. Again, these changes will ensure passenger safety and security at Union Station and allow Amtrak and MARC staff to better manage crowd control in the event of a service disruption.

Thank you for riding MARC Train Service.

February 2, 2010 12:19 PM

Stuck on MARC interviewed on stimulus $ for high speed rail

2010-02-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

A Capitol News Service reporter called Stuck on MARC on Friday to get feedback on whether or not Maryland commuter rail was short-changed in the President's announcement of $8 billion of stimulus funds for high speed rail across the country. You can find the full story here and here.

Here's the section of the story that focused on our conversation:

Meanwhile, thousands of Maryland commuters like Julia Marsh of Baltimore continue to hope for better service on Amtrak and MARC trains.
Marsh, who has ridden the MARC Penn Line from Baltimore's Penn Station to Washington's Union Station every day for almost two years, questioned the impact of the proposed high-speed rail investments on middle-class commuters.
"Why are the president and vice president really making this push for high-speed rail when the commuter rail system...is in such horrible shape?" she asked, adding, "It's really going to take a major investment, and throwing a little bit of money at the problem isn't going to do much."
MARC Riders Advisory Council Chairman Rafael Guroian said, "Speaking as a commuter, I wish that the grant would have been higher; however, even $8 billion wouldn't have been enough for what they need to do in our area.

At first I indicated on the blog that I was pleased to see that Baltimore would directly benefit from $112 million in improvements to the Northeast Corridor, specifically from Boston to New York and Washington DC. In conversations with MRAC Chair Rafi Guroian I learned that MARC could get a piggyback benefit from updates to Amtrak rails, which the state commuter system also uses. Rafi also warned that the piggyback effect would take a substantial sum of money to make a difference.

After speaking with a veteran Amtrak conductor I learned that throwing money at studies and 10-year plans rarely result in actual improved infrastructure in the near or intermediate term.

I also realized that we got barely a drop in the proverbial bucket.

Indeed the Capitol News Service reporter quotes Congressman John Mica of Florida calling Maryland's allotment of the funds "peanuts" and "an insult." Indeed the $70 million that will go directly to Maryland's railways is meager compared to $2.2 billion for California and $1.2 billion for Florida.

Here's to hoping that those studies lead to actual enhancement of the MARC system, preferably in the form of decreased delays.

Listen Now to Obama's announcement of $8b for high speed rail

2010-01-28T10:24:00.000-08:00

Listen to a live audio feed from the White House Web site on this topic.

CBS News has a live video.

MARC to benefit from $8b in improvements to high speed rail

2010-01-28T07:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I speculated as to whether or not the MARC system would benefit from $8 billion in stimulus funds that will go toward high speed rail across the country, which an AP article reported would be announced by the President and the Vice President today.

Today's press release from the White House emailed to reporters ahead of President Obama and Vice President Biden's arrival in Florida-- where they'll announce the grant recipients-- reveals that indeed Baltimore will directly benefit from $112 million in improvements to the Northeast Corridor, specifically from Boston to New York and Washington DC. (For a broader perspective of funds going to the entire Northeast corridor, check out this Dept. of Transportation/Recovery Act PDF).

A chart of the grants released by the White House specifically says $112 million will go toward "major, long-needed projects such as the completion of engineering and environmental work for a new tunnel in Baltimore and a new station at BWI Airport." It adds that "projects will span Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland and Washington, D.C."

The President and VP are also touting the infrastructure improvements as a much-needed job measure, but what Stuck on MARC cares most about is helping people get to their jobs, or to job interviews on time!

For a local perspective I asked MRAC (MARC Riders Advisory Council) chair Rafi Guroian yesterday to tell Stuck on MARC readers what the improvements will mean for area commuters. He wrote me last night before the details of the plan were announced, but I think his comments are still instructive.

Here's what Rafi emailed Stuck on MARC yesterday (emphasis is mine as it relates to today's announced improvements).

Let's assume for a moment that Obama does, in fact, announce funding specifically for northeast corridor improvements between, say, Elkton, MD and New Carrolton, MD. The known speedbumps for rail traffic in this area are bridges, tunnels (specifically the tunnels into and out of Penn Station Baltimore), and bottlenecking of tracks. That will most likely be where the money will be put to use, primarily for Amtrak's benefit. MARC, however, happens to run on those same tracks and MARC trains are subject to those same speedbumps, so any improvements that are made to that infrastructure would not only allow Amtrak to run its trains at faster speeds and greater frequencies through those areas, but it would also allow MARC trains to do the same.

Keep in mind, we're not talking about running MARC trains faster than their top speed today. We're talking about running trains faster in areas where they currently have to run at restricted speeds. We're also talking about added flexibility to run trains at times we currently aren't able due to space constraints on the corridor. The MARC Penn Line is the fastest commuter line in North America (125 MPH when using electric engines and the bilevel cars); the cars aren't rated to go any faster than that without serious upgrades. So where we may see improvement is in areas like West Baltimore into Baltimore, for example, where trains are restricted to about 15-30 MPH, depending on traffic. We may also see service extended to Elkton, MD and Wilmington, DE earlier than anticipated as well; only time will tell.

If Obama announces any improvements to the track capacity and infrastructure from Washington south to Virginia, we could also see MARC service extended to places like L'Enfant Plaza, Crystal City, and Alexandria. All of these things I've mentioned are items on the Maryland MTA's "wish list" (see their 35 year plan). Making them a reality requires a lot of funding and interagency collaboration. If Obama's announcements focus on any of those areas of Maryland, then at least we're part of the way there with funding. It'll be up to Amtrak and the Maryland MTA to work together in making it a reality.
Now comes the hard part: holding Amtrak and Maryland MTA's feet to the fire to get the engineering and environmental work done in a timely matter so that actual construction can begin on the improvements.

President to announce $8b boost to high speed rail

2010-01-27T07:01:00.000-08:00

The Associated Press is reporting that President Obama will announce $8 billion in stimulus funds for the creation of high speed rail corridors tomorrow during a trip to Florida. He will also tout the project as a job creator/saver for tens of thousands of workers.

The President will be joined by VP Biden in Florida to announce the infrastructure project, which leads the AP to speculate that " a high-speed line connecting Orlando and Tampa is likely to receive funding."

The AP reports that the funds will go to 13 new projects and some smaller improvements to benefit 31 states. No word yet if Maryland is among those states, but I'd venture a guess that Amtrak's Northeast corridor will be a beneficiary of funds for improvement, which will at least indirectly improve travel for Maryland rail users.

In an interview last fall rail guru Rafi Guroian told Stuck on MARC that commuter systems like MARC would benefit from upgrades to high speed rail. Here's the exchange:

Q: When I was listening to Obama and Biden tout the high speed rail portion of stimulus money I wondered why they aren’t supporting commuter rails since it’s a very middle class initiative and enjoys increasing ridership.
A: You’ll have to ask them, but I can tell you that any money that goes to high speed rail is almost certainly going to benefit commuter rail that exists or may exist because it’s going to piggyback on that infrastructure. I think your money is better spent on inner city passenger rail improvements, because not only will you cover Amtrak services, but any commuter services that exist are going to be able to run at faster speed. If they don’t exist the environment may be created where they’re realistic where they weren’t before.

Q: So you’re optimistic about a potential piggyback?
A: Yeah. My worry is there’s not enough money. It’s like throwing a little piece of meat into a piranha tank and everybody wants it.

I'll send an email to Rafi today with a link to the story to get his take on how the announcement might affect the MARC system.

New diesel debuts on Penn, electric breakdown an "isolated incident"

2010-01-25T13:37:00.000-08:00

Trainmaster Dave Johnson emailed Stuck on MARC earlier today to let us know that the new diesel locomotive is scheduled to debut on the following Penn Line trains this week:

405 (Southbound from Penn Station at 5:52am)
428 (Northbound from Union Station at 4:15pm)
439 (Southbound from Penn Station at 5:25pm)
and 440 (Northbound from Union Station at 6:40pm)

If you ride any of those trains, let us know if you noticed a difference in your commute.

I asked Johnson for news on the rehabbed electric locomotive that broke down on the Penn Line last week, causing delays up to 90 minutes. He said it was an "isolated incident," which should stem fears of potential system-wide effects cited by Sun transportation reporter Michael Dresser in his recent blog post.

MARC delays less worse than beltway traffic?

2010-01-19T14:18:00.000-08:00

Then again when I remind myself of the pain and torture that is driving from Baltimore to DC and back every day of the week, I count myself lucky to be able to nap or read through MARC delays.

Here's a Tweet posted by Inside Charm City that got me thinking about my options:

insidecharmcity

RT @MDSHA: N I-95 backed up to I-195. 695 Inner loop delayed back to I-95. Outer loop is backed up to Liberty Road. #baltraffic

Dresser reports on problem with rehabbed electric locomotive

2010-01-19T14:12:00.001-08:00

The Sun's Dresser tracked down the problem that caused delays of up to 90 minutes on this morning's commute for Penn Line passengers.

On his blog "Getting There" he reports:

"The breakdown came in one of the AEM-7 electric locomotives that has only recently been returned to the tracks after several years in Amtrak's Wilmington shop. Late last year, Amtrak found the supposed fix, and began reurning the supposedly operative engines to MARC."

Dresser quoted an MTA spokeswoman who said the exact cause of the breakdown was yet to be determined, which may account for the fact that emails notifying passengers of this morning's delays lacked any explanations.

The faulty locomotive is back in Amtrak's Washington yard, according to Dresser. For the sake of us commuters whose bosses disapprove of their employees regularly trickling into work 30 minutes late, Dresser warns: "MARC riders had better hope the problem is not related to the AEM-7's previous electrical woes. Otherwise it might be a long winter and spring on the Penn Line."

3 down, 23 to go: update on new diesel locomotives

2010-01-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

MARC Trainmaster Dave Johnson sent Stuck on MARC an update on the system's new diesel locomotives, which we first blogged about here.

Johnson reports that one (#12) of the two new diesel locomotives that are currently on the tracks "is now running solo on Brunswick trains 872 and 873 and Penn Line trains 410 and 429.

Johnson was aboard Penn Line train 429 yesterday and "the engine performed very well," during his trip he said.

The second diesel, #11 got was put into operation on Tuesday afternoon. Johnson said that #11 is operating on four Camden Line trains: 843, 842, 853, and 850. This second locomotive still has it's training wheels on - in the form of an older diesel - "but will go solo next week on the same trains," Johnson said.

The third diesel, #10 should be out on the road in the next week or so, according to Johnson.

MARC riders, let's keep our fingers crossed that the three new engines run smoothly so that MARC can begin to accept delivery from the manufacturer of the remaining 23 engines. The ultimate hope from a rider's perspective is that the updates will mean less delays and quicker travel time.

First new diesel locomotive undergoes testing on Camden, Penn lines

2010-01-08T15:00:00.001-08:00

Trainmaster Dave Johnson sent Stuck on MARC this photo he took of a new MARC diesel locomotive on its second day of service last week.

Johnson explained that initially the new locomotive ran with a tried and true engine for protection. Yesterday the new diesel shed its training wheels and "made its first solo trip on Camden Line trains 843, 842, 853, and 850," reported Johnson, adding "The engine performed well with no significant problems."

The engine will continue to run on the Camden line for another three weeks, according to Johnson. Next week it will make mid-day trips on the Penn Line. If all the initial testing goes according to plan "we will accept delivery from the manufacturer and get all of the locomotives into service," Johnson said.

Biden endorses a bright future for Amtrak

2010-01-06T14:12:00.001-08:00

Support for Amtrak must be strong--not because it is a cherished American institution, which it is--but because it is a powerful and indispensable way to carry us all into a leaner, cleaner, greener 21st century.

That's the main thrust of a recent article penned by Vice President Joe Biden for the tenth anniversary of the Amtrak magazine "Arrive." The piece also recently ran in the Huffington Post.

You can find it here and here.

I highlight this article, not as a political endorsement of Vice President Biden, but because I (and I expect many of my fellow MARC riders) share some of his sentiments and habits that he developed during the 7,000-plus trips he took between D.C. and Wilmington on Amtrak during his Senate career.

For example Biden talks about the family-like bond he had with conductor Gregg Weaver, who introduced the Vice President elect before he joined Obama for the Whistle Stop tour to the capitol. I share a similar relationship with a MARC Penn Line conductor named Mike who faithfully checks my monthly every morning and chides me on the days when I'm too lazy to bike to the station.

I've also learned from fellow commuters like Rafi Guroian that we all have our particular routines that help get us through the daily slog. For Rafi it's a quest to watch every single episode of the 'Star Trek' series. For me it's a combination of sleeping, playing BrickBreaker on my BlackBerry, and reading the news. Biden shares his routine in the article: reading the news, making phone calls, preparing for a hearing and editing opening statements.

I also wanted to give the piece a shout out because Biden highlights train history in our very own backyard:

In 1830, the first steam-engine locomotive, the Tom Thumb, graced America's railways. Its first run was a rickety 13-mile trek from Baltimore to Ellicott Mills, Md., but it became much more than that.

Finally I want to go back to a post I wrote this October that generated some controversy in the blogosphere (what that sphere is best at generating btw). I still find it pretty cool that one of the highest leaders in the land continues to take semi-public transportation instead of his own custom train a la Kim Jong Il (not trying to explicitly compare the two of course, but KJI luxury train travel is just too outrageous not to link to). Seems like the trend is catching on across the pond as well. Check out Queen Elizabeth's recent holiday trip aboard a- wait for it - commuter train!

The worst day in recent Penn Line history?

2010-01-05T14:40:00.001-08:00

It's looking like tonight's commute home is going to be just as headachy as last night's. And I have plans to have dinner with a friend at Peter's Inn. Uggggggghhhhhhhhhhh.

Usually MARC can correct a few hitches without creating a complete dominoes effect of a system breakdown. I wonder what went wrong today. Today's problems seem to be the worst since I started riding MARC full time about two years ago.

Penn Line - Train 521 (901a DP PVL) is being delayed by police action in the Middle River area the amount of delay is unknown at this time. We will operat an OT train from BAL at 947a using extra equipment.... more to follow.
January 5, 2010 9:48 AM

Penn Line:Due to a trespasser strike involving an Amtrak train south of Martin Airport, scheduled train 521 will terminate at Martin Airport, passengers will be transfered to a bus that is en route. Other equipment has departed Baltimore as on time train 521. Updates will follow.
January 5, 2010 10:01 AM

Penn Line update #1 - Police action ongoing at Middle river. Train 521 from Perryville is holding at Martins Airport station. We are operating another train from Baltimore on 521 schedule that is currently ontime.
January 5, 2010 10:01 AM

Penn Line: Northbound train 414 having mechanical problems at New Carrollton, expecting 20-25 minute delay.
January 5, 2010 10:07 AM

Penn Line: Train 414 is operating 30 minutes late; expect train 423 to operate 30-35 minutes late
January 5, 2010 10:23 AM

Penn Line Update: Due to the severe delay of train 414 northbound to Baltimore train 423 southbound to Washington is canceled for today. The next southbound train will be train 425 expected to operate on time.
January 5, 2010 11:21 AM

Penn Line:Due to earlier delays and cancellations train 520 and 535 will both be canceled.Train 425 expected to depart Baltimore 30 to 35 minutes late due to Amtrak congestion in Baltimore. Update to follow.
January 5, 2010 11:58 AM

Penn Line Update
Due to earlier delays and cancellations, train 520 northbound Washington to Perryville and train 535 southbound Perryville to Washington are both cancelled for today. The next departure will be train 422.
Passengers for Martins Airport, Edgewood, Aberdeen, and Perryville should ride train 422 to Baltimore, where alternate transportation will be available to your station.
Stand by for updates on alternate arrangements for train 535.
January 5, 2010 12:44 PM

Train 429 is being delayed in Baltimore due to Amtrak congestion. Delay unknown at this time but will be at least 10 to 15 minutes. Updates to follow.
January 5, 2010 1:53 PM

Penn Line Update--
Train 433 (3:30pm departure from Baltimore) will hold at Baltimore Penn to operate on train 535's schedule. Train 433 will make all station stops today only.
For train 535's passengers from Perryville, Aberdeen, Edgewood, and Martins, Amtrak train #171 will stop to pick up MARC passengers. The following are ESTIMATED departure times for Amtrak train 171 at MARC stations:
Perryville-2:55pm
Aberdeen-3:04pm
Edgewood-3:10pm
Martins Airport-3:18pm
These are ESTIMATED times. Please arrive at your station at least fifteen minutes early to ensure that you make the train.
We regret the inconvenience of the disruptions this afternoon.
January 5, 2010 2:07 PM

Train 429 Update--Train is still in Baltimore Penn Station due to a late crew and Amtrak congestion. Train is now 30 minutes late with an additional 5 to 10 minutes of delay anticipated.
January 5, 2010 2:09 PM

Train 429 update--Train has departed Baltimore operating 30-35 minutes late, following two delayed Amtrak trains. An additional 5 to 10 minutes of delay can be anticipated en route.
January 5, 2010 2:13 PM

Penn: Marc 433 is operating approx 33 mins late in the Halethorpe area and is making all stops to cover for the cancelled Marc 535.
January 5, 2010 4:09 PM

Train 437 due to depart Baltimore 4:50 pm is being delayed due to mechanical problems. Currently train is 30 minutes late.
January 5, 2010 5:23 PM

Due to mechanical problems in Baltimore train 437 will operate express to Washington 45 minutes late. Expect train 538 out of Washington 6:05 pm is expected to be 15 minutes late.
January 5, 2010 5:39 PM

Marc train 439 5:25 pm is expected to operate 30 minutes late.
January 5, 2010 5:41 PM

Penn: Due to late arriving equipment, expect Marc 538 (605p WAS Dp) to depart WASH approx 15-20 mins late.
January 5, 2010 5:47 PM

Penn: Marc 440 (640p WAS Dp) expected to depart WASH approx 25-30 mins late due late equipment.
January 5, 2010 5:48 PM

Last night's Penn Line clogged in DC, MARC cited multiple reasons

2010-01-05T06:25:00.001-08:00

My regular Penn train home last night - the 640pm departure was still sitting in Union Station at 653pm because the 534pm never left. At first MARC attributed the problem with the 534pm train to late equipment then it blamed an interference with an Acela train, finally it canceled the train citing mechanical problems.

An earlier train (446pm) was delayed by about 20 minutes because of speed restrictions and a following train (520pm) was operating two cars short.

The above problems explain why the 605pm left 35 minutes late at capacity and why my train was filled to the brim with standing room only. Though I'm still confused as to the real reason why the 534pm never left, or was it a combination of factors?

Here are the different explantions sent out by MARC:

Penn: Marc 436 (534p WAS Dp) has been cancelled due to mechanical problem with locomotive. Marc 538 will be departing WASH approximately 10 mins late.

Penn: Marc 436 (534p WAS Dp) will be departing WASH approx 30 mins late holding in terminal for a departing Amtrak Acela.

Penn: Marc 436 (534p WAS Dp) expected to depart WASH approx 20 mins late due to late equipment.

The problems continued throughout the night. The 725pm from Baltimore to Washington was also cut, with MARC citing shortage of equipment. Amtrak rescued passengers who were going to BWI, New Carrolton and D.C., but left stranded those who had planned to stop at Odenton until the next and last train left at 9:15pm.

Monday was a long day for many MARC commuters, who got home anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour late.

MARC official on last week's holiday schedule

2010-01-04T10:37:00.000-08:00

State Trainmaster Dave Johnson emailed Stuck on MARC yesterday in response to last week's post expressing frustration about the limited holiday "S" schedule. This schedule cuts a handful of regular trains from its daily roster, which isn't so bad, but the difficult part for me was that the latest train leaves at 7:40p.m. with the "S" schedule, rather than 10:30p.m. with the regular schedule. That means I had to purchase a $20 Amtrak ticket to get home after working late, or crash at a friend's apartment in D.C.

Johnson explained that the "S" schedule runs between the federal holidays of Christmas and New Years because "demand is very light" that week, and the reduction is necessary "In light of the state's budget situation."

"We know that it inconveniences some people and do regret that," Johnson said.

I also griped about the fact that Amtrak does not honor MARC monthly pass holders on Northeast Regional trains that run after the last MARC at 7:40p.m. around the holidays. Johnson explained:

"As for putting MARC passengers on Amtrak 198 (8:40 train) or 66 (10:00 train), in the past we have asked for that and been denied by Amtrak."

He said that the next "S" schedule won't happen until Veterans Day, but vowed to revisit the issue with higher ups.

Stuck on Amtrak

2009-12-29T18:55:00.000-08:00

Here I am stuck on an Amtrak train at BWI at 9:30pm after a long day at work and running on little sleep from last night. We've been holding outside BWI for about 30 minutes because of a 'situation' with a passenger. Turns out that Amtrak explanations for delays are just as vague as on MARC.

Why am I stuck on Amtrak instead of MARC tonight you ask? It's the second week in a row that MARC's been running ihe 's' holiday schedule which means the last train leaves DC for Baltimore on the Penn Line at 7:40pm. So for those of us who have work schedules that stretch beyond a 9 to 5 it means coughing up 20 bucks to get home at night. I'd like to find out why Amtrak doesn't honor monthly MARC ticket holders on these occasions, I assume since it's a busy time during the holidays they only want to take paying customers.

So tired and about to strangle the passenger seated behind me who's blasting elevator music from his headphones.

MARC's a mess following snowstorm

2009-12-21T10:05:00.001-08:00

MARC wasn't even able to get the dates right the day after the snow stopped flying. My boyfriend pointed out that in the notice below, the date in the subject line of the email sent out by MARC notifying passengers that the system would run a limited schedule on Monday, is incorrect. There's also a misspelling and what I consider a bit of a preachy tone telling riders how to handle the snow (then again I'm originally from New England and I think people in this area totally overact to a couple feet of snowfall).

Trains this morning we're running between 20 minutes to an hour behind schedule. They were also overcrowded as MARC is on a limited holiday schedule today, which means that there about five less trains running today. The last train to leave DC tonight will depart at 7:40pm- so much for my plan to work late before I take off some time for the holiday.

Despite the fact that the fed was closed today, Penn Station was jam-packed with travelers, so I hope MARC goes back to a regular schedule tomorrow before they return to a limited schedule for the holidays.

Amtrak trains were also running behind this morning, about an hour late when I left Penn Station at 7:30am.

-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Transit Administration
[mailto:mta@alerts.marylandmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 6:08 PM
To: XXXXX
Subject: MTA: MARC service on S schedule for Monday, Dec 20. Go to
www.mtamaryland.com for more details.

Attention MARC passengers--

MARC will operate an "S" schedule on Monday, December 21, 2009 due to
Saturday's snowstorm and the Federal Government's decision to close on
Monday. Only trains with an "S" under the train number in the timetable
will operate.

MARC station parking lots and platforms have or are in the process of
being cleared of snow and salt is being applied. The platforms have
been cleared, but passing trains continue to blow snow back on them.
Please exercise EXTREEM caution tomorrow morning when leaving your car,
walking to the platform, and boarding the train:

Leave yourself plenty of time to not only get to the station, but once
there to get to the platform.

Use the handrails when using station steps or ramps as icy conditions
may still exist.

Hold the handrails while boarding, detraining, and while walking through
the train. The vestibule steps can become icy and wet shoes can be
slippery on the car floors.

Above all else, wear sensible shoes and clothing. Temperatures will be
quite frigid in the morning so bundle up and wear shoes that will allow
you plenty of traction.

A decision about service for Tuesday, December 22 will be made Monday
afternoon. Thank you for riding MARC Train Service.

December 20, 2009 6:03 PM

Bikes on MARC?

2009-12-16T07:48:00.000-08:00

Area transit blogs are making noise about the merits of allowing non-folding bikes on MARC trains.

MARC has an across the board ban, according to Matt Johnson over at Greater Greater Washington, on bringing bikes aboard, citing safety and space concerns.

Johnson says that the ban is only one of two in the country's commuter rail system. He lists a variety of solutions for MARC's concerns: straps to tie down bikes, allowing bikes during off peak hours, limiting cyclists to two per train.

He also argues that MARC is not following a 2000 law passed by the Maryland General Assembly that requires the MTA to make accommodations for cyclists.

Johnson's post provoked a heated discussion, i.e. from commenter neff: "I'd rather see all private cars and bikes banned than have smelly sweaty bike jerks invade another space of pedestrians."

The Sun's Dresser picked up on Johnson's post and took MARC's side in the argument, also citing safety concerns.

"In an uncrowded car, I can see them becoming a missile," Dresser worries. Dresser notes that he's a fan of cyclists and suggests that commuters purchase two bikes, keeping one at work and one at home.

As a daily MARC commuter who occasionally bikes from her house in Baltimore to Penn Station, I've often thought about buying a folding bike as it would be easier to maneuver during rush hour. Used folding bikes on Craigslist like this one are affordable at $125, especially when you think about what you'd save on Metro fares.

Considering the glacial pace at which MARC makes changes to its system, I wouldn't hold your breath for a relaxing of the bike ban.

:

7am Penn Line creeping along on middle track

2009-12-11T04:47:00.000-08:00

Presumably since there's ongoing track work on the third track (see below) the 7am departure from Baltimore to DC is traveling on the middle track. We've been creeping along at a snail's pace between stops and loading at BWI took about 10 minutes as all the passengers could only board through one door and by stepping down onto the tracks and then using a small foot stool to get up into the train.

Original arrival time in DC was 8am, it's 7:45 now and we've only just left BWI.
------Original Message------
From: Maryland Transit Administration
To: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
Subject: MTA: Penn Line southbound train operating 10-30"late;northbound train operating 20-25"late.
Sent: Dec 11, 2009 7:36 AM

Penn Line Update:Track work is in progress on No.3 track between WBal and BWI. Southbound trains are operating 10-30" late; northbound train 402 operating express to Baltimore, train 506 operating 20-25" late. Updates to follow as information is made available.

December 11, 2009 7:35 AM

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Foiled by MARC

2009-12-11T04:09:00.000-08:00

I tried to get an early start today so that I could go to the gym before work. Alas MARC's Penn Line's been hit by a bunch of delays this morning- some due to Amtrak interefence. So goes the life of a commuter...

More and more I'm feeling like I'm living in Cuba again, where delays and break downs on public transportation meant that no schedule even existed for the public bus.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Bring your complaints to MARC managers tomorrow night in DC

2009-12-09T05:27:00.000-08:00

Since it's politically unwise to raise fares during a recession and ticket sales pay for only about half of what it costs to run MARC, we're looking at a continually beleaguered commuter system for the forseeable future.

The only way at this point to push for improvements is to show up en mass at events where top MARC officials speak to the public.

So come to Union Station tomorrow between 4 and 7 to let the MARC managers know what it costs you to be late to work on a weekly basis because of system delays.

More info below-
------Original Message------
From: Maryland Transit Administration
To: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
Subject: MTA: Meet the MARC Management on Thursday,12-10-09 from 4-7pm. www.mtamaryland.com
Sent: Dec 8, 2009 2:03 PM

Reminder: Meet the MARC Management on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at Union Station from 4-7pm. A MARC employee, proficient in American Sign Language will be on location to assist with questions and concerns.

December 8, 2009 2:00 PM

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Penn Line bogged down by delays, cancellations

2009-12-09T05:19:00.000-08:00

This gives you an idea of the f#*kshow that is the MARC system this morning:

Penn Line Update: train 415 is operating 30 minutes late, followed by train 417 operating 20-25 minutes late. Expect crowded conditions. Train 521 is canceled Perryville to Washington, Amtrak 183 will handle passengers. Northbound passengers, train 408 is operating 20 minutes late.

December 9, 2009 8:13 AM

I'm on Amtrak's 183, it's standing room only.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 13:03:52
To: Stuckonmarc<stuckonmarc.10minslate@blogger.com>
Subject: Fw: 7:40am PennLine lost power

We're being put on Amtrak's 8am train that stops at BWI, New Carrolton and Union Station.

It's good that we have a compensated alternative though I don't enjoy the holier than thou looks we get from regular Amtrak riders.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 12:50:21
To: Stuckonmarc<stuckonmarc.10minslate@blogger.com>
Subject: 7:40am PennLine lost power

We lost power just a few feet south of Baltimore. Conductors informed us that we'd have to go back to the station to figure out the problem and determine whether the train will continue to D.C.

Why does this always seem to happen when I have an early morning meeting?
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Fw: 7:40am PennLine lost power

2009-12-09T05:03:00.000-08:00

We're being put on Amtrak's 8am train that stops at BWI, New Carrolton and Union Station.

It's good that we have a compensated alternative though I don't enjoy the holier than thou looks we get from regular Amtrak riders.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 12:50:21
To: Stuckonmarc<stuckonmarc.10minslate@blogger.com>
Subject: 7:40am PennLine lost power

We lost power just a few feet south of Baltimore. Conductors informed us that we'd have to go back to the station to figure out the problem and determine whether the train will continue to D.C.

Why does this always seem to happen when I have an early morning meeting?
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

7:40am PennLine lost power

2009-12-09T04:50:00.000-08:00

We lost power just a few feet south of Baltimore. Conductors informed us that we'd have to go back to the station to figure out the problem and determine whether the train will continue to D.C.

Why does this always seem to happen when I have an early morning meeting?
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Update: Refurbished MARC cars

2009-11-17T15:39:00.001-08:00

Fourteen cars have new seats spread among train sets on the Penn Line, I learned at tonight's Meet the MARC Managers tonight at Union Station. (Through the winter these meetings will move inside at Union Station due to mostly outdoor conditions at in between MARC stations).

The refurbishment means 12 to 16 more seats per car. The trade off is 2 inches less leg room per seat, which caused many taller commuters to complain about the update to MARC managers tonight.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:53:55
To: Stuckonmarc<stuckonmarc.10minslate@blogger.com>
Subject: Refurbished MARC cars

Sitting in a refurbished MARC car on the 6:40pm Penn Line back to Baltimore.

It's not Amtrak but at least the seats and floor are clean. There's less legroom in the updated version but the seats themselves
are more comfortable. Something about the shape of the paired seats remind be of an airplane and there are no armrests dividing adjoing seats, which I find annoying.

I'll try to get some more information on the refurbishments at the Meet the MARC Managers event at Union Station tomorrow night.

I'll send a photo of the new seats from my Blackberry in a follow-up post.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

IMG00066.jpg

2009-11-16T16:36:00.000-08:00

New seats in refurbished MARC cars.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Refurbished MARC cars

2009-11-16T15:53:00.001-08:00

Sitting in a refurbished MARC car on the 6:40pm Penn Line back to Baltimore.

It's not Amtrak but at least the seats and floor are clean. There's less legroom in the updated version but the seats themselves
are more comfortable. Something about the shape of the paired seats remind be of an airplane and there are no armrests dividing adjoing seats, which I find annoying.

I'll try to get some more information on the refurbishments at the Meet the MARC Managers event at Union Station tomorrow night.

I'll send a photo of the new seats from my Blackberry in a follow-up post.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

The Commuter vs. The Dairy Farmer

2009-11-16T05:29:00.001-08:00

After being evacuated from Union Station last Thursday (see below posts) I was talking to a fellow disgruntled MARC commuter as we waited on the paltform for the delayed 6:40p.m. Penn Line toward Baltimore.

Exasperated by the system's frequent delays he said "Maybe I'll just become a dairy farmer" to escape the trials of commuting on the MARC.

I have to admit that at the time I agreed with the appeal of a career change, which would entail riding around on a pickup or tractor in the country versus a delay-ridden train through suburbs into the city.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Comments

2009-11-16T04:48:00.001-08:00

I've been informed that this blog isn't allowing comments. Commenting was initially unrestricted (no registration or moderating required) when I first started the blog. After a spammer put up vulgar comments I wasn't able to delete them so I thought I had simply 'hidden' all previous comments and set up the back end so that comments would be allowed but monitored going forward.

I'll try to fix the problem today as I'd love to get more feedback from readers in the comments section.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Update: Union Station evacuation due to exhaust fumes

2009-11-16T04:44:00.001-08:00

Last Thursday night (Nov. 12) all travelers were evacuated from Union Station at the height of the evening commute for at least 25 minutes because of a fire alarm. At the time an official said there had been a fire though there was no evidence or smell of smoke.

Stuck on MARC has learned that the evacuation was related to a misshap with one of Amtrak's diesel engines. The engine- which may have been parked in a forbidden part of the station- expelled exhaust fumes into the ventallation system, which in turn flooded the baggage claim area inside the station, sending two Amtrak employees to the hospital.

It's unclear how the fumes got into the general boarding area but I've been told that the engine in question was awaiting attachment to a southbound train (i.e. Virginia, Carolinas, Florida) and was parked in a restricted area.

If you know more about this incident or if you smelled the exhaust fumes email us details at stuckonmarc@gmail.com.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:35:36
To: Stuckonmarc<stuckonmarc.10minslate@blogger.com>
Subject: Union Station being evacuated

The entire Union Station is being evacuated and trains are being held because of a fire alarm. A uniformed official said there was an actual fire, but he wouldn't give me more details. Peopele are calm if confcused. There's no smell or other evidence of smoke.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

All clear at Union Station

2009-11-12T15:44:00.001-08:00

After some mixed signals on the fire alarm that evacuated all travelers from Union Station a police officer allowed the crowd back into the station. Only MARC Brunswick line is boarding on time the rest of the trains were held outside the station and are delayed for an undetermined period of time.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Union Station being evacuated

2009-11-12T15:35:00.001-08:00

The entire Union Station is being evacuated and trains are being held because of a fire alarm. A uniformed official said there was an actual fire, but he wouldn't give me more details. Peopele are calm if confcused. There's no smell or other evidence of smoke.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Dr. Gridlock entertains questions about Biden security delays

2009-11-05T06:29:00.000-08:00

On Monday, The Washington Post's Dr. Gridlock, aka Robert Thomson, entertained questions from readers of his blog about Joe Biden's continued preference of riding the rails as Vice President, which consequently causes security delays at Union Station.

Many of the readers expressed frustration that the Vice President would dare inconvenience their commutes.

I generally agree with this last exchange:

Biden: Is this post a joke? You live in D.C.! Get used to it. Plus, Biden is on the record as saying he takes rail whenever he can because he never really got over the fear of car accidents engendered by the one in which his wife died and his sons were severely injured.

Robert Thomson: We want them to be men of the people, until they start getting out with the people.

And to Jeff Quinton over at Inside Charm City, you're most welcome for the reporting work I did to confirm speculation posted on your blog. I enjoy the chance to debate views on this topic, but please, 10 minute delays on MARC are par for the course.

Trainmaster emails Stuck on MARC about likely suicide

2009-11-04T20:08:00.001-08:00

Shortly after Camden Line's train #856 arrived in Baltimore about two hours late because of a likely suicide just south of Riverdale, State Trainmaster Dave Johnson sent Stuck on MARC the following email about the incident. I'd like to note that before Mr. Johnson boarded #856 there was at least 10 minutes of silence after passengers heard a "thump" and the train stopped in between stations. Later we received vague information from a conductor. Once Mr. Johnson took control of the situation, he kept the passengers abreast of developments in a calm, efficient and professional manner. I appreciate how he handled the night's events, and our condolences go out to the victim's family and friends as well as the MARC crew that had to witness the event.

Here's Mr. Johnson's email:

Julia--

My name is Dave Johnson and I am the Trainmaster for the State of Maryland on the Camden and Penn Lines. I didn't even realize you were on P856 tonight, but now thinking back remember seeing you--I met you last week at the Meet the Management when you were talking to John Hovatter.

The incident tonight was, by all accounts, a suicide. I would commend to you and your blog readers the following excellent article that appeared last month in the Washington Post. All too often, the engineers and other railroad operating employees are forgotten in the trauma of an incident like this. I'm proud to say that I've known Bruce Evans for many, many years and he is a highly skilled consummate professional, like the engineers in MARC train service:

Thanks again for your patience tonight.

-Dave Johnson

Suicide confirmed

2009-11-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

A MARC official confirmed to me that the "incident" that stalled the Camden train #856 was a suicide with a grim nod. We've been told that we'll not be let off the train because we're in between stations, it's dark outside, and the surrounding terrain is steep and. not secure.

Our rescue train is due in about 9:15pm...we probably won't get in to Camden Yards until after 10:00pm.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Fw: MTA: Marc 856 stopped outside of WASH due striking a trespasser. Marc trainfrom Baltimore to aid.

2009-11-04T17:29:00.000-08:00

MTA is calling the obstruction a 'trespasser.' I haven't confirmed this as there are no officials in sight, but a front car passenger told me that someone jumped off a bridge and the train tried to use the emergency brakes to no avail and now the authorities are on the scene "looking for the pieces."
------Original Message------
From: Maryland Transit Administration
To: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
Subject: MTA: Marc 856 stopped outside of WASH due striking a trespasser. Marc trainfrom Baltimore to aid.
Sent: Nov 4, 2009 8:22 PM

Camden: Marc 856 is stopped outside of WASH due to striking a trespasser on the tracks. Marc equipment from Baltimore is being dispatched to conduct a passenger transfer. Expect a delay of approx 2 hours for passengers to their destinations.

November 4, 2009 8:22 PM

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Fw: Camden line fails me

2009-11-04T17:21:00.000-08:00

This is unconfirmed, but we're now hearing that the 'obstruction' we hit could have been a suicide. I'll update this when I know mre details. An ambulance is on the scene.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 01:11:21
To: Stuckonmarc<stuckonmarc.10minslate@blogger.com>
Subject: Camden line fails me

I hopped on the 7:35 Camden Line out of Union Station tonight instead of the 7:40 Penn Line deparure thinking I could get home to Baltimore a few minutes early.

Now we're stopped outside of Riverdale for an "indeterminate" amount of time because we hit an obstructon on the tracks. We're waiting for the train to be inspected, currently running about 20 minutes late.

I have a massive MARC headache and I'm cursing myself for choosing the wrong line.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Real Men Ride MARC

2009-11-04T17:14:00.000-08:00

I spotted a Penn Line passenger with a black messenger bag emrodiered in gold with the words "Real Men Ride MARC" early this week. I was too groggy on my morning commute to ask the passenger about his bag, but I'd love to know the backstory. Send me an email if you're clued in; stuckonmarc@gmail.com.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Camden line fails me

2009-11-04T17:11:00.000-08:00

I hopped on the 7:35 Camden Line out of Union Station tonight instead of the 7:40 Penn Line deparure thinking I could get home to Baltimore a few minutes early.

I have a massive MARC headache and I'm cursing myself for choosing the wrong line.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

MARC managers answer to Stuck On MARC

2009-10-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

MARC Train Director John Hovatter gave me about 20 minutes of his time toward the end of the three hour 'Meet the MARC Managers" session at Union Station this evening. I'll post more on our discussion - about the delayed diesel engines, new security program, stimulus funded system upgrades- later but for now I want to tell you what he said about today's MARC meltdown on the Penn Line (my morning train arrived 25 minutes late and my 6:40pm return was cancelled).

An Amtrak train pulled down a sagging overhead wire about 3:15 this afternoon, which in turn disabled the train and only left one free track for both north and south-bound Amtrak and MARC trains. At the time MTA warned of 10 to 30 minute delays on all Penn Line trains. Over four hours later- despite the cancellation of the earlier train- the 7:40 is running about 15 minutes behind schedule.

Director Hovatter's only explanation was it's "one of those things that happen," and "it could have happened anywhere." He said that Amtrak would repair the overhead line that snagged the train and caused a domino effect of problems by tomorrow. The repair isn't symptomatic of a line system in need of replacement. The fix is "not a big deal" Hovatter said.

What's a big deal is the anguish caused to riders, one of whom cursed MARC personnel on my delayed train tonight, calling them "jack#*(:!" with "substandard IQs. In defense of MARC personnel, the managers handled an irate crowd tonight with patience and Hovatter was fairly well informed on most issues, though he refused to let me tape record our conversation and I had to push him to expound upon vague answers to my questions.

Check back soon for more answers from the MARC director to questions posed by Stuck on MARC.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Union Station security delays explained

2009-10-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

Either Vice President Joe Biden or his wife Jill are responsible for the occasional "security hold" delays out of Union Station, said MTA MARC Train Director John Hovatter.

Here's the notice MTA sent out yesterday- Oct. 28- around 6:30.

"Camden: Marc 852 is operating approx 15 mins late due to a security hold in Union Station."

I wonder if there's a similar hold on the other end in Delaware. It's pretty cool and true to Biden's blue collar creds that the second couple still uses public transportation.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Will more delays mean increased safety?

2009-10-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

MTA Police announced a new security program for MARC stations to start this Friday. The announcement also warns passengers to plan for delays (maybe police could coordinate with dispatchers and screen people when trains are running 10-20 minutes late). I have a number of questions about this announcement: Why now? Why doesn't MARC inspect tickets before passengers board trains (as Amtrak does) to increase safety? How do we know the searches will be random and won't become profiling? Will the searches cause more delays on an already problematic system? I'm going to try to make the meeting with MARC managers this Thursday evening so I'll see if they can answer any of my questions.

Police Security Checkpoints at MARC Stations

Random Security Checks Planned for MARC Stations:
Customers Urged To Allow For Extra Time

BALTIMORE, MD (October 26, 2009) – Focused on enhancing security at MARC commuter rail stations along the Penn, Camden and Brunswick Lines, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) police in partnership with security and canine teams from the Maryland Transportation Authority and the Transit Security Administration will begin random security screenings at stations beginning October 30, 2009. Screenings can potentially involve the check of luggage, packages, or other carry-on items customers may have in their possession. While every effort will be made to conduct the security checks in a timely fashion, customers should be prepared that extra time may be required to board their train.

“The MTA continually engages in methods of ensuring customer safety and system preservation,” said Lt. Colonel John E. Gavrilis, Acting Chief of Police. “These exercises underscore our commitment to the safety and security of our customers and systems. If you hear, see or smell something suspicious, call 1-800-492-TIPS (8477). ”

The MTA police thank customers for their patience and cooperation as the agency works to enhance security throughout the MARC system.

October 26, 2009 1:30 PM

Dresser details morning meltdown on MARC

2009-10-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

The Sun's intrepid transportation reporter, Michael Dresser, has two detailed blog posts on this morning's MARC fiasco. The first catalogues delays and cancellations on the Penn and Camden lines, which caused my train (Penn's #415) to arrive in DC about 15 minutes late.

Dresser's second post is unusual in that it brings some good news about the beleaguered MARC, however qualified. He reports that the newly rehabbed electric locomotives are not at fault for this morning's problems, rather there was a failure of the electric signal system from one of the cabs.

Dresser also breaks down some of the mechanics of the commuter trains, i.e. how a front and rear locomotive work together to pull and push a full train to its destination. I'd love another explainer, from Dresser or some other informed individual, about why MARC frequently needs to swap out engines from trains that frequently travel between DC and Baltimore.

Another system-wide outage

2009-10-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

How apropos given today's problems.

MARC Commuters: The MARC Tracker system is currently down with a power issue to the main server.

October 19, 2009 4:50 PM

Update on a.m. delays

2009-10-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

Penn Line 7:40 departure from Baltimore arrived in DC 30 minutes behind schedule. Upon arrival the conductor said that the power outage delayed the entire northeast corridor. I'd say today's problems provide further evidence that the infrsatructure sorely needs updating.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Nightmare avoided

2009-10-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

System is back up and running. We're headed to DC, about 30 minutes behind schedule.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Major substation down

2009-10-19T05:14:00.000-07:00

Initial diagnosis of the problem on the Penn Line was wrong, the conductor has just informed us that the entire substation that powers the grid between Washington and Perryville has gone down. There was no failure of catinary system. No word on how long we'll be sitting here.

Side note: I just heard a commuter say, "There should be pills for commuter stress."
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Penn trains stuck in W. Baltimore

2009-10-19T05:09:00.000-07:00

The 7:40 deparure from Penn Station is being held until further notice in W. Baltimore because there are catinary(sp?) problems. An engineer walking around the train in a hard hat just explained to me that there's been a failure of the catinary system or the overhead lines that electric trains need to run on and all electric trains have been stopped on the Penn Line. (Diesel trains are not effected.) The engineer explained that the lines are made of copper and when it's really hot or cold they expand and contract and mess up the system (something about a clip coming loose and wires hanging out of place).

"Length of delay at this time is not known," conductor has just informed us.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Penn delayed again

2009-10-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Not on a Friday! Penn Line train #440 (6:40 departure from Union Station) is delayed 15 minutes. The train is in the station but it needs a new engine according to a MARC official. This situation is a repeat of last night. What happened to the old engine? Does it only have a one-way Baltimore to DC lifespan?
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Fw: Update on Penn Line

2009-10-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

Camden's 6:43 left only 2 minutes behind schedule...I didn't stick around to see how late the Penn line would run.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:48:59
To: Stuckonmarc<stuckonmarc.10minslate@blogger.com>
Subject: Update on Penn Line

6:40 from Union Station is delayed, a Marc official said he couldn't give an ETD because the train's not even at the station yet and once it arrives the engine has to be swapped out. It's unclear whether the Camden Line (6:43 departure) will leave on time as it's still not in the station yet.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Update on Penn Line

2009-10-15T16:48:00.001-07:00

Fw: MTA: MARC Tracker System is back on line and operating properly.

2009-10-15T05:17:00.000-07:00

We'll have to see about that...
------Original Message------
From: Maryland Transit Administration
To: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
Subject: MTA: MARC Tracker System is back on line and operating properly.
Sent: Oct 15, 2009 8:15 AM

MARC Tracker System is back on line and operating properly.

October 15, 2009 8:12 AM

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Fw: MTA: The MARC Tracker System is temporarily unavailable. We are working toget it back on line ASAP

2009-10-15T04:50:00.000-07:00

This implies that, at some point, it was working.

------Original Message------
From: Maryland Transit Administration
To: stuckonmarc@gmail.com
Subject: MTA: The MARC Tracker System is temporarily unavailable. We are working toget it back on line ASAP
Sent: Oct 15, 2009 6:01 AM

ALL MARC COMMUTERS: The MARC Tracker System is temporarily unavailable. We are working to get it back on line ASAP.

October 15, 2009 5:58 AM

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

'You got good boots...'

2009-10-14T04:40:00.000-07:00

'That makes my job easy,' said Carlos, the shoe shiner at Penn Station. Five minutes and eight dollars bought me a professional shine that has my brown leather boots looking like new. Try out Carlos' chair sometime if your shoes are scuffed and you have time to burn while awaiting a delayed train (this morning it's the 7:40 to DC).
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

More Dresser on returned locomotives

2009-10-08T11:45:00.001-07:00

In case you haven't read it yet, here's the link to Dresser's article in today's Sun about four rehabbed locomotives that are back home at Penn Station. Back but not in service. An MTA spokesman tells Dresser that the engines need to undergo a few more rounds of tests before they're put to work, hopefully as early as next week. The spokesman also tells dresser that "MTA expects to deploy the first two new diesel engines by the end of this year and to add two per month next year." Let's all keep our fingers crossed...

Early

2009-10-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight, for the first time since I started taking it in June 2008, the 440 was three minutes early getting into Baltimore!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines?

2009-10-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

The Sun's Dresser has a cautious blog post about the possible return of two electric MARC locomotives. He quotes an Amtrak spokesman reporting that after three years in a repair shop in Delaware, the locomotives may return home to Maryland by the end of the year. The returned locomotives could alleviate crowding and delays, Dresser says. Check out tomorrow's Sun for more details.

MARC conducter keeps me honest

2009-10-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend and I try to ride our bikes to work (well partway for me as I bike from my house in Fell's to Penn Station and then take the Penn Line to DC) at least three times a week. When I bike to work I wear gym clothes and change at the office. A friendly Penn Line conductor noticed and inquired about why I'm sometimes in slacks and other times wearing sweats. He gave me kudos on doing the 20-minute ride - with hills.

But now he's keeping me honest. This morning, when I showed up in a silk skirt and flats, he shot me a disapproving look. I explained that we'd done the 40-mile Tour du Port yesterday and my thighs were still aching.

"Forty miles? Then the 20 minutes should have been easy," was his retort. Thanks to the conductor I've got someone to keep me from resorting to laziness in the mornings.

Amtrak honors MARC

2009-09-29T04:36:00.000-07:00

tickets this morning on its 7:35 a.m. train as MARC trains headed south from Penn Station are running up to 45 minutes late. Oh yeah, and the schedule baord is not working. What's next, the platform collapses?
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'MARC is the worst commuter rail...

2009-09-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

...well there are probably worse commuter rails in India and maybe Mexico.'

- Overheard on the MARC train 544, which left DC for Perryville 25 minutes behind schedule.

A MARC employee told me the train was delayed because they had to replace a motor. When I asked him what happened to the old motor he quipped: "You don't want to know."

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The pm rush hour line-up

2009-09-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

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The pm rush hour line-up

2009-09-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

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Safe after 7:30 a.m.?

2009-09-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

Inside Charm City has a rundown of the mess throughout the MARC system this morning, which caused delays due to mechanical problems, crowding and the recurring 'late arrival of equipment.' There have been a number of early morning delays throughout the summer, but in my experience the problems are usually solved and the train is only running (as is typical) 10-minutes late.

Maybe the conductors just aren't morning people?

Equipment shortage has MARC begging Amtrak

2009-09-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is infuriating. The already over-crowded Penn Line has been squeezed even tighter this week because MARC has a shortage of equipment. Meanwhile the new diesel engines that MARC was supposed to have running last October, according to MRAC Chair Rafi Guroian, are sitting unused because of bureaucratic red tape. MARC's message about the shortage apologizes to passengers, and explains that it has to go to Amtrak to beg for more electric locomotives. Instead of putting a band-aid on the problem, MARC should work to cut through the red tape and get those new engines running already.

Here's the full note from MARC:

Attention Penn Line Passengers--

Due to a continued shortage of equipment, the following trains will once again be operating with one less car than normal:

This afternoon (Sept. 2)--Train 436, the 5:34pm departure from Union Station

Tomorrow morning (Sept. 3)--Train 513, the 6:30am departure from Perryville / 7:15am departure from Baltimore Penn.

We realize that this is the third straight day of this service disruption and that it causes inconvenience for our passengers. We are working with Amtrak to get more of our electric locomotives back into service which will allow us to return the seventh car to this consist.

We appreciate your understanding and patronage.

September 2, 2009 3:03 PM

Full interview: Rafi, your man on MRAC

2009-09-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

Rafi Guroian loves trains. His Facebook profile picture (shown above) demonstrates the pure joy he often feels when riding the rails. His blog is dedicated to the subject and he works for Amtrak. He is also the chair of the MARC Riders Advisory Council (MRAC), an independent organization that acts as a liaison between commuters and the MTA.

Earlier this month I met Rafi at Union Station, where we sat down to talk about trains, particularly the MARC system. This post includes the (edited) entirety of my interview with Rafi, which I published throughout the past week.

Rafi Guroian interview, Part I: Meet Rafi

Q: Let’s start off by talking about how you got involved in the advisory council. How long you’ve been with the council?
A: Well, some time ago, I guess about three years ago there was a plan to close four stations in the MARC system and there was a grassroots effort to prevent that closing and the end result of that effort was the council, in essence. There was a call for applications that went out and I just filled out an application and got a call and so I was one of the first members of the council.

Q: When did you take the controls as chair of MRAC?
A: I was just elected this last spring so I have another couple of years.

Q: How long have you been riding MARC?
A: I’ve been riding MARC since- regularly since the fall of 2004- so it’s been awhile.

Q: Do you see yourself as passionate about public transportation?
A: Yeah. Although [laughs] within reason. I’ll take the train if I can. I’d much rather take the train than drive to Washington every day. Driving you get frustrated, you know, you can’t sit and read, you can’t sleep, you can’t watch DVDs. I find that I’m able to sustain the commute to Washington for a lot longer and now it’s going on five years. If I’d been driving, I probably wouldn’t have lasted two.

Q: What do you do on the train?
A: Usually I answer emails and play games on my iPhone.

Q: What games do you play?
A: Right now pinball games but I’m an old adventure gamer from the 1990s, so I have a bunch of you know, 'Monkey Island' and stuff like that. They’ve got them on the iPhone now. So I do that. I’ve worked my way through I think every 'Star Trek' series except the original. I do a lot of Netflix. Netlix is the reason I’m able to get through the day sometimes.

Rafi Guroian interview, Part II: A voice for commuters of the future

Q: As chair of MRAC since this spring, you’ve been working to give the council more direction so that members can both learn from the MTA about the commuter system, but also make the relationship more of a two-way street so that riders’ views are represented. How’s that process going?
A: I think more and more we’re finding that as a council we’re going to have to straddle the line between real advocacy – transportation advocacy- and also a little bit of lobbying to essentially represent the needs of the perspective MARC constituents.

Q: Lobbying Maryland politicians?
A: Yep, working with Maryland politicians mainly and also lobbying on behalf of the constituents to the politicians and to the MTA and consequently to the governor for added service. Right now the Maryland 35-year rail plan is stalled and even when it wasn’t stalled it was not as ambitious as a lot of people on the council thought it should have been. When you compare it to what’s going on in the rest of the country in rail expansion, it was almost a little embarrassing that we were only talking about extensions, a few miles, and we weren’t talking about any new lines at all. I guess we’re trying to make sure that potential MARC riders of the future, on lines that don’t exist, are represented. Because otherwise there’s no voice for them.

Q: Back to your mission of providing the council with a forward looking mission, I understand that one of your approaches is to look at new housing developments to gauge how you could connect emerging communities with potential future rail lines?
A: I did my own little study [and] came up with essentially a best case scenario for 35 years from now what Maryland could have if Maryland were to adopt a very pro-rail strategy like you see in Illinois or Missouri or California or Virginia for that matter.

Q: I lost my $175 monthly MARC ticket a few months ago and I was enraged when I found out that it’s non-refundable. Has the council brought up this issue with MTA?
A: We as a council have to pick our fights. We’re pushing harder for what we think is the future of ticketing and that’s essentially a proof of payment system similar to the SmarTrip you use on the Metro. We would like to see the state of Maryland move to that. This is a major investment in infrastructure because you have different stations in different areas of the state with completely different scenarios where every station would be a customization job and it’s very, very cost intensive to do that. But it’s been done. It’s been done in California. The Caltrain uses it and it’s been very effective.

Q: I read that the stimulus funding for MARC will go toward a number of surface improvements like replacing the PA system, adding LED lighting, etc. Is anything in the works?
A: Most of it’s going to station improvements. And it’s stuff that you’ll notice, but it’s not huge. No new structures or anything. You’re looking at repairing platforms and repairing lighting, putting in a better messaging system. It’s not anything on the scale of brand new trains coming on line or anything like that.

Q: When I was listening to Obama and Biden tout the high speed rail portion of stimulus money I wondered why they aren’t supporting commuter rails since it’s a very middle class initiative and enjoys increasing ridership.
A: You’ll have to ask them, but I can tell you that any money that goes to high speed rail is almost certainly going to benefit commuter rail that exists or may exist because it’s going to piggyback on that infrastructure. I think your money is better spent on inner city passenger rail improvements, because not only will you cover Amtrak services, but any commuter services that exist are going to be able to run at faster speed. If they don’t exist the environment may be created where they’re realistic where they weren’t before.

Q: So you’re optimistic about a potential piggyback?
A: Yeah. My worry is there’s not enough money. It’s like throwing a little piece of meat into a piranha tank and everybody wants it.

Rafi Guroian interview, Part III: A vision for MARC’s future

Q: What’s the deal with these new engines that were supposed to come on line this spring?
A: There is a lot of red tape, unforeseen red tape from what I understand in getting the new engines on line. We desperately need them. They’re diesel engines, they move 110 miles an hour. They are sleek, they are environmentally friendly, and they’re a lot more reliable than the 30 or 40-year-old diesel engines we’re running right now. A lot of the problems that we have on the MARC today are thanks to these old diesel engines dying sometimes in mid-route. (Read Dresser's post on the delay).

Q: A Camden Line commuter recently asked me how the revenue from MARC ticket sales gets fed back into the system. Do you know if the revenue goes to a general fund or directly to MARC?
A: You’d have to ask MARC how it breaks down. It doesn’t go to a general fund; it goes to operating expenses on the MARC. I think 50% of ticket revenue makes up the service, 50% of state money makes up the service. You know the MARC system hasn’t raised fares significantly in 12 years and because of that that ratio [of ticket sales to state funding] swings more towards state money than ticket money because diesel prices are skyrocketing and the governor has mandated that MARC cannot raise its fares because he doesn’t want to be the governor that raises fares in an economically tough time.

Q: What’s your estimation of how the governor is performing on the MARC system? Do you feel like he’s responsive to the council’s concerns?
A: Yes, his administration has been extremely responsive to the council and we’ve seen a marked upturn in general morale at the MTA since he’s come into office. That said there needs to be a financial commitment from his office if the MARC system is going to grow in line with what the rest of the country is doing and he hasn’t given that yet.

Q: Do you think that there’s enough public support for the MARC? Would you like to hear more from riders?
A: Of course I want to see more, but there’s always support for train travel in general. You’re always going to find people that are open to the idea of taking a train between Baltimore and Washington or maybe Washington and Harpers Ferry if the schedule is convenient, if the price is right, and if the train is comfortable and clean enough. However among the current riders you’ll find a varying degree of activism and it really varies among the branch of the MARC lines.

Q: Can you give me a sense of how rider activism breaks down among the different MARC lines?
A: The Brunswick riders tend to be very, very active in promoting their train. They’re very grassroots. It’s the Brunswick Line that essentially was responsible for putting a fire under the Ehrlich administration and creating the council. The Brunswick Line everybody has their seats. It’s a two hour train ride. It’s down to a science. If you sit in someone else’s seat you’re going to get a look.

The Camden Line is sort of like the middle child. They’re active, but they’re quiet. They speak up when they need to, but for the most part the Camden Line is known as the friendliest of all three lines. I mean you can jump on the Camden Line and everybody is very nice.

On the Penn Line it’s essentially a zoo. On the rush hour trains its standing room only, you can have 400 to 600 standees on the train at any given time and it’s hot and humid in the summer. There are people who show up for that train a half an hour ahead of time and will force their way through to the platform, just to sit on the train for a half an hour just so they can get a seat, which to me sounds completely crazy. If you’re going to take an express train the idea is you can show up and be on the train the minimum amount of time and then be there. So I don’t understand why people do that, but the Penn Line is like that. Everybody just wants to get in and get out and as a result they’re not very active in terms of grass roots efforts. I would like to see, given that the Penn Line outweighs the other two lines in terms of patronage it would be nicer to see more action from that line. I’m saying that as a Penn Line rider too.

Q: What’s the potential for MARC expansion throughout the state, especially if riders were more active in lobbying legislators for increased service?
A: Everybody loves the train, everybody wants to see more trains and I think given the opportunity, if we had a train between Frederick and Baltimore for example you would have a brand new corridor there too. There’s a whole bunch, there’s one from Hagerstown is another big town that could use it. It would be nice- we call MARC the Maryland Commuter Train- it would be nice to include all of Maryland, so have a train that goes to Cumberland for Western Maryland commuters. Maybe out to Oakland from Cumberland. Have another train that goes from Wilmington all the way down to Ocean City. Or another train that goes from Baltimore to Annapolis- that would require brand new tracks- which other states are doing. It would take a marked shift in the mentality of your average Maryland resident, though, for that to happen. There are a lot of Not In My Back Yard NIMBY people that wouldn’t want that to happen.

*Interview conducted and edited by Julia Marsh for Stuck on MARC.

Interview: Rafi on why MARC should raise fares (Part 3)

2009-09-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Rafi Guroian loves trains. His Facebook profile picture (shown above) demonstrates the pure joy he feels when riding the rails. His blog is dedicated to the subject and he works for Amtrak. He is the chair of the MARC Riders’ Advisory Council.

Earlier this month I met Rafi at Union Station, where we sat down to talk about trains, particularly the MARC system. This is the last installation of my interview with Rafi.

Rafi Guroian interview, Part III: A vision for MARC’s future

Q: What’s the deal with these new engines that were supposed to come on line this spring?
A: There is a lot of red tape, unforeseen red tape from what I understand in getting the new engines on line. We desperately need them. They’re diesel engines, they move 110 miles an hour. They are sleek, they are environmentally friendly, and they’re a lot more reliable than the 30 or 40-year-old diesel engines we’re running right now. A lot of the problems that we have on the MARC today are thanks to these old diesel engines dying sometimes in mid-route. (Read Dresser's post on the delay).

Q: A Camden Line commuter recently asked me how the revenue from MARC ticket sales gets fed back into the system. Do you know if the revenue goes to a general fund or directly to MARC?
A: You’d have to ask MARC how it breaks down. It doesn’t go to a general fund; it goes to operating expenses on the MARC. I think 50% of ticket revenue makes up the service, 50% of state money makes up the service. You know the MARC system hasn’t raised fares significantly in 12 years and because of that that ratio [of ticket sales to state funding] swings more towards state money than ticket money because diesel prices are skyrocketing and the governor has mandated that MARC cannot raise its fares because he doesn’t want to be the governor that raises fares in an economically tough time.

Q: What’s your estimation of how the governor is performing on the MARC system? Do you feel like he’s responsive to the council’s concerns?
A: Yes, his administration has been extremely responsive to the council and we’ve seen a marked upturn in general morale at the MTA since he’s come into office. That said there needs to be a financial commitment from his office if the MARC system is going to grow in line with what the rest of the country is doing and he hasn’t given that yet.

Q: Do you think that there’s enough public support for the MARC? Would you like to hear more from riders?
A: Of course I want to see more, but there’s always support for train travel in general. You’re always going to find people that are open to the idea of taking a train between Baltimore and Washington or maybe Washington and Harpers Ferry if the schedule is convenient, if the price is right, and if the train is comfortable and clean enough. However among the current riders you’ll find a varying degree of activism and it really varies among the branch of the MARC lines.

Q: Can you give me a sense of how rider activism breaks down among the different MARC lines?
A: The Brunswick riders tend to be very, very active in promoting their train. They’re very grassroots. It’s the Brunswick Line that essentially was responsible for putting a fire under the Ehrlich administration and creating the council. The Brunswick Line everybody has their seats. It’s a two hour train ride. It’s down to a science. If you sit in someone else’s seat you’re going to get a look.

The Camden Line is sort of like the middle child. They’re active, but they’re quiet. They speak up when they need to, but for the most part the Camden Line is known as the friendliest of all three lines. I mean you can jump on the Camden Line and everybody is very nice.

On the Penn Line it’s essentially a zoo. On the rush hour trains its standing room only, you can have 400 to 600 standees on the train at any given time and it’s hot and humid in the summer. There are people who show up for that train a half an hour ahead of time and will force their way through to the platform, just to sit on the train for a half an hour just so they can get a seat, which to me sounds completely crazy. If you’re going to take an express train the idea is you can show up and be on the train the minimum amount of time and then be there. So I don’t understand why people do that, but the Penn Line is like that. Everybody just wants to get in and get out and as a result they’re not very active in terms of grass roots efforts. I would like to see, given that the Penn Line outweighs the other two lines in terms of patronage it would be nicer to see more action from that line. I’m saying that as a Penn Line rider too.

Q: What’s the potential for MARC expansion throughout the state, especially if riders were more active in lobbying legislators for increased service?
A: Everybody loves the train, everybody wants to see more trains and I think given the opportunity, if we had a train between Frederick and Baltimore for example you would have a brand new corridor there too. There’s a whole bunch, there’s one from Hagerstown is another big town that could use it. It would be nice- we call MARC the Maryland Commuter Train- it would be nice to include all of Maryland, so have a train that goes to Cumberland for Western Maryland commuters. Maybe out to Oakland from Cumberland. Have another train that goes from Wilmington all the way down to Ocean City. Or another train that goes from Baltimore to Annapolis- that would require brand new tracks- which other states are doing. It would take a marked shift in the mentality of your average Maryland resident, though, for that to happen. There are a lot of Not In My Back Yard NIMBY people that wouldn’t want that to happen.

*Interview conducted and edited by Julia Marsh for Stuck on MARC.

Stranded

2009-08-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

A friend and retired MARC Penn Line commuter took this photo in 2004 after he had been unloaded from his train and left on a platform with fellow passengers to await a rescue.

I've only heard of a few stranding incidents this summer, the most egregious being back in June when passengers broke windows to escape the heat of a broken down train a few feet short of the Seabrook platform.

Interview: Rafi on the future of MARC (Part 2)

2009-08-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Interview: Rafi, your man on MRAC (Part 1)

2009-08-26T11:14:00.001-07:00

Stimulus $$$ for MARC

2009-08-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Baltimore Business Journal has a fairly detailed breakdown of how State officials plan to use $360 million in stimulus funds to update MARC and Amtrak systems throughout Maryland. (The article is speculative- "if Maryland is awarded the funds"; though it doesn't explain the approval process. Any stimulus nerds out there feel free to post an explanation of the process.) By my rough estimate about half of that money, or $134.3 million will benefit MARC.

MARC's Brunswick Line will be the most direct beneficiary of the funds, according to the BBJ:

"$18.3 million for MARC Brunswick Line signaling improvements. The funding would update railway signaling between Silver Spring and Brunswick for expanded capacity and would improve service reliability on the CSXT Metropolitan Subdivision, serving intercity passenger rail, MARC and freight trains. More indirectly, the funds ($36m) will make your MARC commute less painful by relieving congestion at Union Station, which often account for delays at the end of the work day."

Many of the earmarks are forward-thinking, an element that would please Rafi Guroian, the chairman of MRAC (short for MARC Riders' Advisory Council.) During an interview at Union Station a few weeks ago, Rafi explained his vision for the council: "I guess we're trying to make sure that potential MARC riders of the future, on lines that don't exist are represented. Because otherwise there's no voice for them." While the state's Dept. of Transportation is not proposing studies for new lines per se, it has asked for about $100 million for track expansion and improving safety and capacity on the rails.

Penn Line mess: 1 train disabled, 2 running late

2009-08-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

If you're headed home on the MARC's Penn Line tonight, you may want to consider other options. In this heat, one Penn Line train is disabled and at least two others are running about 30 minutes late.

Here are the latest notices from MARC:

Penn: Marc 428 is stopped N of Seabrook with a mechanical problem, crew attempting to correct. August 20, 2009 4:38 PM
Penn: Marc 428 to transfer psxs to Marc 530, expect 45-60 minute delay for Marc 428 psxs to BWI. August 20, 2009 4:43 PM
Penn: Marc 530 will be operating approx 25-35 mins late to Bowie due assisting disabled Marc 428. August 20, 2009 4:45 PM
Penn: Due to mechanical problems on Marc 428, Marc 450 (510p WAS Dp) has been cancelled to rescue Marc 428. August 20, 2009 5:04 PM

Judging from past experience, my guess is there will be delays until at least 7:00 p.m. tonight on the Penn Line.

Frustrated with MARC delays? Voice your concerns to the MARC Riders' Advisory Council, which is meeting until 7:15 tonight at the Hall of States on 400 N. Captiol St. NW, D.C. The meeting, open to the public, will be held on the second floor of the hall.

Riders' council to meet today in D.C.

2009-08-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

MARC Commuters: The MARC Riders Advisory Council will be holding its monthly meeting today from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the Hall of States building located at 400 N Capitol St NW, Washington, DC (2nd floor).

The rider-governed council will be addressing service issues including an update of ongoing MARC-related infrastructure projects.

Members of the public are welcome to attend.

August 20, 2009 8:28 AM

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Attitude from Penn conductor on lack of Quiet Car

2009-08-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

At least once a week I work late and take the 9:00 p.m. Penn Line train home to Baltimore from D.C.

I've wondered for awhile why that later train has no designated 'Quiet Car.' I often read or work on my commute and I cherish the serenity of the Quiet Car.

I asked the female conductor tonight why is there no Quiet Car for train #544?

"There isn't one," she snapped.

I repeated, "I know, why isn't there one?"

She shot me a look as if to say: 'Who are you asking me questions?' And then replied: "Because there isn't one on this train" and turned her back on me.

Ok. Guess I'll have to call customer service tomorrow for an answer.
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