Nov 19, 2008 5:54 pm US/Eastern
Light Rail Issues Force Commuters To Take Buses
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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It's slow going again on the light rail as thousands of commuters are forced to take buses instead of trains.
It's slow going again on the light rail as thousands of commuters are forced to take buses instead of trains.
Jessica Kartalija has the latest.
Riders are fired up because their morning commute is taking twice as long and it doesn't look like the problem will be solved any time soon.
Weeks after problems were first reported on the light rail, thousands of commuters board buses and aren't happy about it.
"As much money as we spent, as far as paying fare, this should already be taken care of," said Bernie Robnett.
MTA officials say leaves on the tracks cause trains to slip. When that happens, a computerized safety system brings trains to a hard stop, which damages wheels.
"This is an issue that happens with every transit system in the fall. It's acute this year," said Transportation Secretary John Porcari.
About 30,000 commuters rely on light rail every day. One of those commuters is Anthony Scott, who missed an important meeting.
"I came out here to see about a job, but I had an 11 o'clock appointment and I can't make the 11 because the train is messed up," he said.
MTA maintenance has been working to replace or repair train wheels, taking several out of commission. Buses are running, but take longer.
"It went all through the city and through Towson and Hunt Valley and next thing I know, they don't let you off at a bus stop, only at a light rail," Scott said.
"We're doing things like power washing to keep things as clean as possible," Porcari said.
The light rail first opened in 1992. The computer safety system was added in 2004.
MTA won't say when commuters will have full service. A lot depends on fixing the computer glitch and, of course, the weather.
Maintenance can keep a train out of the loop for as long as 15 days.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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