Worst day of the year?

Judging by the crowds at Penn and Unions stations in the a.m. and p.m., my inbox full of service alerts, and the cussing of frustrated passengers I'd venture that Monday, August 10 may go down in transit history as the worst for MARC system performance in 2009.

Everything from heat delays to overcrowded trains and mechanical failures plagued the system today. The delays hit all three lines, causing a domino effect of backups resulting in wait times of up to 75 minutes. The bizarro prize for a delay goes to the Brunswick Line where MARC officials said a car was blocking the tracks.

If you take the Camden Line, bring your concerns to MARC managers, who will be meeting riders this Thursday, August 13 at Muirkirk Station between 4:00 and 7:15 p.m.

Here's a rundown of service alerts that piled up in my inbox as of around 7:00 p.m. tonight-

Penn MARC 513 has been cancelled between Perryville and Baltimore due to mechanical problems.The next available southbound train will be Amtrak train #151.MARC 513 will operate as normal from Baltimore to Washington.
August 10, 2009 5:48 AM

Penn MARC 509 is operating approx. 15-20 minutes late approaching Bowie due to mechanical problems. Updates will follow.
August 10, 2009 7:15 AM

MARC 408 enroute to Baltimore expected to operate 20 to 25 minutes late leaving Washington. Updates to follow.
August 10, 2009 7:53 AM

MARC 513 operating 25 minutes late leaving Baltimore due to mechanical problems. MARC 415 operating ahead.
August 10, 2009 7:55 AM

Brunswick/Camden: CSX has issued heat orders for this afternoon, expect 10-15 mins delays.
August 10, 2009 11:42 AM

Camden and Brunswick Line Passengers—CSX has issued heat orders for this afternoon's rush hour. Expect en route delays of 5-15 minutes on all trains. We regret any inconvenience.
August 10, 2009 12:00 PM

Penn: Marc 428 (415p WAS Dp) is expected to depart WASH 10-15 mins late due to adding locomotive.
August 10, 2009 4:03 PM

Bruns: Marc 873 is operating 10-15 mins late approaching Washington Grove.
August 10, 2009 4:18 PM

Train 428 due out of Washington 4:15 pm will be operating 35 - 40 minutes late.
August 10, 2009 4:48 PM

Penn: Marc 439 (525p BAL Dp) has been cancelled due to late equipment, the next available southbound MARC train will be Marc 441 (625p BAL Dp).
August 10, 2009 4:55 PM

Marc 530 will be operating 10-15 mins late moving north due to a heavily loaded train account of Marc 428 running late.
August 10, 2009 4:57 PM

Marc 893 is approaching Kensington operating approx 18 mins late due to heat orders.
August 10, 2009 5:55 PM

Bruns: Marc 893 is holding west of Silver Spring with a CSX track inspector operating ahead. Expect 30-40" delay.
August 10, 2009 6:04 PM

Bruns: Marc 879 is operating behind delayed Marc 893 and will be operating 20-25 mins late.
August 10, 2009 6:06 PM

Penn: Marc 440 (640p WAS Dp) is expected to depart WASH 15-20 mins late.
August 10, 2009 6:07 PM

Camden: Marc 852 (551p WAS Dp) is still in WASH adding a protective locomotive to the train set. Approx 25" late att.
August 10, 2009 6:16 PM

Penn: Marc 538 (605p WAS Dp) in WASH with mechanical techs checking locomotive. Approx 15 mins late.
August 10, 2009 6:19 PM

Penn: Marc 538 (605p WAS Dp) with serious mechanical problems with its locomotive has been cancelled at Union Station.
August 10, 2009 6:37 PM

Penn: Marc 440 (640p WAS Dp) will be departing WASH approx 25-30 mins late and will be operating northbound to Perryville due to the cancellation of Marc 538.
August 10, 2009 6:51 PM

Bruns: Marc 893 Marc 879 Marc 881 are stopped near Randolph Road with an automobile blocking the tracks.
August 10, 2009 6:54 PM

Bruns: Marc 893 is back on the move approaching Gaithersburg approx 75 mins late.
August 10, 2009 7:06 PM

Bruns: Marc 879 is operating 60-65 mins late in the Rockville area.
August 10, 2009 7:07 PM

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