MARC managers answer to Stuck On MARC

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.
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Union Station security delays explained

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.
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Will more delays mean increased safety?

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

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

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

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.
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Nightmare avoided

System is back up and running. We're headed to DC, about 30 minutes behind schedule.
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