MARC has announced that they are adding approximately 1000 RT seats on the AMTRAK NEC from WASH - Baltimore beginning in March.. This will be accomplished by shortening trains slightly and using those cars on 2 additional RTs. The shorter trains can be pulled by MARC's diesel locos at mandated AMTRAK performance speeds and acceleration if electric locos go inop. There will be a major reshuffling of the schedule as well.
MARC has been suffering from overcrowded trains with SRO during the rush hour trips on this line. What will be results from this reworking?
1. MARC may be in for a surprize because if commuters no longer have to stand there may be an additional rush for seats. Don Oltmannd and Phoeebe Vet take notice. This will be a perfect example of what can happen if more service is added
2. MARC announced the change in schedules monday morning and their web site slowed down so much that they had to appologize for the problems.
3. Longer range --- MARC desperately needs to add additional cars and locos although they are taking delivery of additional diesel locos currently and probably this is what allowed MARC to expand the schedule now.
4. Travel between BAL - WASH is now greater than even during WW-2.
5. Slightly off topic is the fact that Virginia Rail Express (VRE) is also suffering from some trips being overcrowed.
6. Part of the equipment problem stems from a lack of mid-day parking space for trains in WASH. Some hard money and shuffling of equipment mid-day may be required driving up operating costs.
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