The Gaithersburg City Council invited MARC staff to address riders concerns about the 12/1/11 proposed schedule.
At the 12/19/11 City Council meeting, MARC's John Hovatter and David Johnson assured the Council that the schedule is not "set in concrete" and they are actively seeking passenger feedback on how it affects their commute.
They further explained that the proposed schedule was the result of two months of simulations using CSX scheduling software. Their goals were to move the same "amount" of passengers but improve on time arrival to 90%. They only have nine trains servicing the entire Brunswick Line so there are many challenges in revising the schedule but plan to make revisions based on customer feedback. There is no money now for more trains/crews. The next new car order will be in 2013!
It is essential they hear from you!
I spoke during the Public Appearance portion to note that the CSX scheduling software handles freight, not people. While the new schedule may move more groups of people efficiently, it does not work well for getting some individuals to work and back home. I specifically mentioned the intention to cancel the P881 skipping Gaithersburg at what is a popluar time to return home. Our area needs more public transportation, not less, with the incoming traffic from BRAC, Johns Hopkins, and the Archstone development.
http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=994&TOC=311;994;
Click on the December 19, 2011 Video Link. The proposed MARC Schedule discussion is about about half way (22 minutes and 40 seconds).
At the 12/19/11 City Council meeting, MARC's John Hovatter and David Johnson assured the Council that the schedule is not "set in concrete" and they are actively seeking passenger feedback on how it affects their commute.
They further explained that the proposed schedule was the result of two months of simulations using CSX scheduling software. Their goals were to move the same "amount" of passengers but improve on time arrival to 90%. They only have nine trains servicing the entire Brunswick Line so there are many challenges in revising the schedule but plan to make revisions based on customer feedback. There is no money now for more trains/crews. The next new car order will be in 2013!
It is essential they hear from you!
I spoke during the Public Appearance portion to note that the CSX scheduling software handles freight, not people. While the new schedule may move more groups of people efficiently, it does not work well for getting some individuals to work and back home. I specifically mentioned the intention to cancel the P881 skipping Gaithersburg at what is a popluar time to return home. Our area needs more public transportation, not less, with the incoming traffic from BRAC, Johns Hopkins, and the Archstone development.
 |
| Doreen speaks about the new schedule |
http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=994&TOC=311;994;
Click on the December 19, 2011 Video Link. The proposed MARC Schedule discussion is about about half way (22 minutes and 40 seconds).
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.