Reminder: What are MARC Heat Orders?

Passengers on the Brunswick and Camden Lines often see messages during the spring and summer informing them that there are “heat orders” in effect. CSX Transportation, the owner of the Brunswick and Camden Lines, reduces the maximum speed of passenger trains by 20mph (but not under 40mph) under one or both of the following conditions:

• Consistent ambient temperatures of 85 degrees or greater
• A 25 degree swing in temperatures either warmer or colder in a 24-hour period.

Criteria for heat orders are more stringently implemented when trackwork has recently taken place. Newly-installed rail and ties are more likely to shift in high heat and fluctuating temperature conditions. An example of a sunkink can be viewed by clicking here.

Typically, heat orders cause delays of 5-15 minutes. The less stops that a train makes and thus the more time a train spends operating a maximum authorized speed (such as Brunswick Line train 875 or Camden Line train 852), the greater the impact the heat orders will have on maintaining schedules.
 
In addition, CSX dispatches track inspectors to check the rails during these conditions. This requires one of two tracks to be out of service and may cause additional delays.

Our colleagues at the Virginia Railway Express have written an extensive explanation of heat orders, which can be found on their website.

Heat orders do not take effect on the Penn Line until temperatures reach 95 or 100 degrees, and these restrictions relate primarily to the overhead electric wires. Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor is a heavily-engineered, high speed railroad and much less prone to sun kinks because there is much more frequent, high-speed service, which discourages sun kinks from forming. Also, the Camden and Brunswick Lines have many more curves than the Penn Line does, limiting engineers’ ability to see track defects. It is important to note that this does not mean that CSX tracks are unsafe—CSX maintains its tracks in compliance with all Federal Railroad Administration regulations.


Source:
http://mta.maryland.gov/advisories/what-are-heat-orders

FYI: World Hepatitis Day

From WHO's Facebook page:

World Health Organization (WHO)

What causes hepatitis A and E, how can you protect yourself from infection?

Check out the infographic and these materials:

Fact sheet on hepatitis A: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs328/en/index.html

More on all five hepatitis viruses: http://www.who.int/campaigns/hepatitis-day/2013/en/index.html





(c) WHO

 

MARC Camden and Brunswick Lines

Maryland Transit Administration

MARC Customers, we know this comes as no surprise:

CSX has issued heat-related speed restrictions on the Camden and Brunswick Lines for this afternoon. Trains will travel at reduced speed on both lines. 5-15 minute delays are possible--the fewer stops a train makes, the more delay it will incur (since express trains operate longer distances at a higher rate of speed).

For passengers unfamiliar with heat-related speed restrictions, please visit http://tinyurl.com/marchighheat.

 

Source:

MTA Facebook

Summer Heat and Crossover to Metro - Relaxed Beverage Policy

For the time being, Metro is allowing passengers to carry and drink water on their trains. If you need to switch to Metro, keep in mind, this is an exception for them for this heat wave.

Maryland Transit Administration

MTA Customers - Due to the ongoing severe heat throughout the state the agency is temporarily relaxing its ban on beverages. Passengers will be allowed to bring clear water bottles on Metro Subway, Local Bus, Light Rail and Mobility vehicles. The relaxed beverage policy will remain in effect through Sunday, July 21, 2013.

A heat advisory is currently in effect and extreme high temperatures are expected to continue through the weekend. The MTA urges you to take precautions, stay hydrated and check on those who may need assistance.

Source:
MTA Facebook