Things to Consider While Traveling on MARC

MTA sent out the following recently. I wanted to re-share this because there are many crazy and rude things people do on public transportation. Look carefully. The number one problem is this area is no one thinks the feedback pertains to them.

Over the years, I've seen many disputes because selfish folks think certain seats belong to them. I've also seen folks refuse to move their bags off seats of crowded trains denying someone a place to sit. I've also heard about physical fights. Not sure what's wrong with Metro DC area folks. But, yes, you do have a problem.

"We appreciate your patronage of the MARC Train Service.  As our ridership continues to grow, courtesy to your fellow passengers is more important than ever.  Here are a few reminders to make everyone’s trip more enjoyable.

--Passengers must follow instructions and directions of Conductors while on board the train at all times.

--No seats are reserved on MARC.  All seats are available on a first come, first served basis.  In order for everyone to have a seat on our rush hour trains, please do not block seats with personal items.  This includes the middle seat on our single level railcars.

--Please do not block the aisles or doorways, especially when approaching a station.  If it is not your stop, please remain seated or, if standing, clear of the doors.

--Passengers must refrain from using profane, abusive and racist language and intimidation of fellow passengers.  Violators are subject to removal from the train.

--Quiet Cars are available on all MARC rush hour trains.  Cell phones and all electronic devices must be on silent or vibrate, and cell phone conversations are not permitted.  However, conversations between passengers in a library-like tone are permitted.

Thank you for riding the MARC Train Service."

 

Source:

Email Alert - Fri 09/06/13 1:57 PM

Is There Hope for A Third Track on the Brunswick Line?

With great joy, I saw an article today indicating Montgomery County Planners are finally getting the hint to expand MARC service.

"ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) — Montgomery County planners are recommending construction of a third track to improve service on the Brunswick Line of the MARC rail commuter system." (http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Montgomery-County-suggests-new-track-for-MARC-line-4049971.php)


"The Brunswick Line, which runs from Martinsburg, W.Va., to Union Station, currently has a daily ridership of about 7,700 trips, but Maryland estimated the expansion could grow that to 26,000." (

http://washingtonexaminer.com/montco-planners-want-third-track-for-marc-line/article/2513803

) 
Funding is always the issue so be sure to email or write your officials to encourage them to make this happen.
 
Montgomery County's master planner Larry Cole
Office: 301-495-4528; Email: larry.cole@montgomeryplanning.org 

 
Maryland Transit Administration spokesman Joe Sviatko
Office: 410-767-3935; Cellular: 443-418-5732
 
 
 

Holidays, Holiday Travelers, Children, Quiet Car

It's that time of year when the non-commuters will flood public transportation for near and far-off places. With the oncoming rush also comes the need for patience and also some gentle training. These travelers will have little-to-no idea what a Quiet car is. So, for handy reference:

Most rush hour MARC trains have a Quiet Car, which is located next to the locomotive at the end of the train. Look for the letter "Q" on the current schedule.

Signs - sometimes the conductors do not post a Quiet car sign. However, the Quiet Car rules are still in effect.
Passengers in the Quiet Car may not talk on mobile phones and must keep all audio devices (e.g., laptops, PDAs, tablets, and pagers) in silent mode or turned off.

Whispering - greeting a fellow passenger in a low voice is fine. Conversations lasting several minutes even if in a low voice, are not fine.

Children on the MARC Train - most children cannot sit quietly enough on an entire trip so should avoid the Quiet car.

If the train is stopped (unloaded, loading passengers), the Quiet Car rules are suspended. In essence, the rules apply when the train is in motion.

Note: Quiet Car is a registered service mark of Amtrak.

http://mta.maryland.gov/marc-riders-guide

http://mta.maryland.gov/marc-frequently-asked-questions

What are CSX Heat Orders?

As we are in a heat wave with temperatures over 90 and hitting 100 degrees, two of MARC's lines are hit with "heat restrictions". Why the third doesn't is a matter of track ownership. Here is the "official" explanation:

What are Heat Orders?

Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 11:51am

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 make and thus the more time a train spends operating a maximum authorized speed (such as Brunswick Line train 877 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[06/21/12 11:15:54 AM]

New Page Alert: Info for First-time or New Riders

The past few weeks Gaithersburg got new MARC Riders. It seemed to me that a page with some highlights that a new commmuter would need to know was in order.

Check it out and let me know if there are other points to add.