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

REMINDER: MARC Riders Advisory Council meeting

From MTA Alert 1/17/11:

"The next meeting of the MARC Riders Advisory Council will take place on Thursday, January 19, 2012, 4:30pm-6:00pm at the Hall of States, 444 North Capitol Street in Washington, DC (2 blocks from Union Station).  

All MARC Riders Advisory Council meetings, which are regularly attended by MTA, Amtrak, and CSX management, are open to the public and are held on the third Thursday of each month.  Please bring a government-issued photo ID to present to the building's security staff at the entrance. "

MARC Riders Are Turning the Tide on the Proposed Brunswick Line Schedule

The Washington Examiner reports that riders are succeeding in getting MARC to halt and revise the Brunswick Line schedule proposed 12/1/11. Rider should continue to provide feedback especially since it shows MARC is starting to listen.

See article: "MARC backing down from proposed schedule change timing" by Kytja Weir,

http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/12/marc-backing-down-proposed-schedule-change-timing/2031371

Speaking out on the 12/1/11 Proposed Schedule

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.

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).

MARC Brunswick Line Schedule Change Highlights

MTA does not provide a total change summary for the proposed schedule. I created a Before versus After schedule comparison chart by hand. For obvious reasons, I did not do a detail examination of the time changes. Instead, I focused on how many stops were added or skipped and the impact of the skipped stops.

These are some highlights:

1. How many stations are on the Brunswick Line now?

There are 19 stations.

2. Which stations have the most stop changes?

The total Brunswick Line station changes are 64* with 14 more stops being skipped than being added.

Garrett Park and Dickerson have the most stop changes. Next are the Boyds and Washington Grove stations.

The bigger issue is some stops (Metropolitan Grove, Garrett Park) will have a later first train (late to work) and/or an earlier last train (Harpers Ferry, Duffields, Martinsburg) either they can’t get home or miss work to leave early.

3. How many stop changes are there at my station?

Some stations have no added or skipped stops. Others range from 1-6. Even the bigger stops are affected. The new P881 schedule will skip Gaithersburg!

See the summary chart below.

    See full schedule comparison at:  

    http://marcriderbl.blogspot.com/p/comparision-chart.html 

4. In the end, do I get to my destination later or earlier?

I consider the time change minor if it is less than 15 minutes and major if it is greater than 30 minutes.

Doing this by hand, I looked at the final arrival time. Seven of the nine morning trains arrive at their final destination later. All evening trains arrive at their final destination later.

5. Where can I express concerns about the changes that affect my commute?

Online survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8VGDLYL

Meet the Management Events:

January 4 - Barnesville MARC station, 4:30-7:00pm

Town Hall Meetings:

January 5 - Kensington Town Hall Meeting, Kensington Town Hall, 4:00-7:00pm

Saturday, January 7 - West Virginia, 1:00-4:00pm, Old Charles Town Library, 200 East Washington Street, Charles Town.

January 24 - Brunswick Town Hall Meeting, VFW Hall in Brunswick, 5:00-8:00pm

*These numbers do not reflect the individual time changes at each stop.

 

MARC Brunswick Line Schedule Change Proposal

MTA MARC released a proposed schedule change to the Brunswick Line on December 1, 2011 and invited public review and comment.

1. Why is the Brunswick Line schedule being changed?

2. When is the proposed schedule being implemented?

3. Where did the proposed schedule come from?

4. What is the net effect of the schedule changes?

5. Where can you comment on the proposed schedule?

1. Why is the Brunswick Line Schedule being changed?

• Increased ridership in the last ten years, especially at Brunswick, Point of Rocks, Germantown and Gaithersburg, greatly increased the time passengers take to board the trains.
• To reduce between train delays when the preceding train is going slow.
• To allow the operating crew to get its full Federal Railroad Administration-mandated time off between shifts.

2. When is the proposed schedule being implemented?

Original target date: January 30, 2012.

On 12/22/11, based on customer feedback, MTA will not propose a new date until it has evaluated all passenger feedback and re-run the CSX simulations. MTA says it will post a second draft schedule for public comment.

3. Where did the proposed schedule come from?

Since CSX owns and operates the Brunswick Line rails, MTA worked with CSX’s simulation software to draft the proposed schedule. It is not clear what people-related information (vs. freight) was or was not included in the computer models.

4. What is the net effect of the schedule changes?

MTA does not provide a total change summary for the proposed schedule.

To determine the full impact, I created my own Before and After comparison chart by hand. The total station changes are 64* with 14 more stops being skipped than added. Seven of the nine morning trains arrive at their final destination later. All evening trains arrive at their final destination later. The bigger issue is some stops will have a later first train (late to work) and/or an earlier last train (can’t get home).

*These numbers do not reflect the individual time changes at each stop.

5. Where can you comment on the proposed schedule?

MTA MARC staff are listening to rider feedback. Check the new schedule yourself then fill out their short survey to express your concerns or agreement.

Direct links:

View the 12/1/11 Draft Schedule

http://www.mta.maryland.gov/advisories/marc-brunswick-line-schedule-change-proposal

Comment on the 12/1/11 Draft Schedule – MTA Survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8VGDLYL

Welcome to my blog, MARC Rider Brunswick Line

Welcome to the debut of MARC Rider Brunswick Line. A blog on commuter issues and actions to take to improve the quality of public transportation in the state of Maryland and, in particular, Montgomery County.

I’m sure there will be different opinions on the topics I write about but am excited to hear your constructive thoughts and opinions.

I hope you become a regular visitor and are inspired to take positive action on these topics.

Doreen