Jul 24, 2008 5:39 pm US/Eastern
MARC Apologizes For June Problems
BALTIMORE (WJZ/AP) ―
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The state transit administrator says fewer than two-thirds of MARC trains on the Camden and Brunswick lines were on time in June, but the Maryland Transit Administration is working to correct problems and restore customers' confidence.
CBS
Chronic service problems in the MARC commuter train system has caught the attention of not only the riders, but the administrator as well.
As
Mike Schuh reports, he's issued a rare public apology.
In a letter to its 31,000 riders, MARC's administrator acknowledges they didn't do a very good job in June.
Administrator Paul Wiedefeld says fewer than two-thirds of MARC trains on the Camden and Brunswick lines were on time in June.
"And the service we've been providing is far less than what they've come to expect," said MTA spokesperson Jawauna Greene.
"Apology is nice. I think it would help more if they improved their service," said MARC commuter Francesca Dolendo.
Penn Station had an 81 percent on time record. The numbers are even worse for the Camden and Brunswick lines. Fewer than two-thirds of MARC trains on those lines were on time in June
Reasons for delays ranged from an overturned fuel tanker, storm damage, unreliable locomotives and high temperatures' effects on equipment.
Wiedefeld says some delays were unavoidable, but in some cases the agency could have done something to reduce inconvenience to customers.
"I appreciate that gesture," said Mike Singleton, MARC commuter.
CSX, the Jacksonville, Fla. railroad that runs the Camden Line, has relocated dispatchers to Baltimore to help with reliability issues.
MTA is also planning to replace its diesel locomotives starting next year.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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