Md. rail sets on-time performance record
The Maryland Transit Administration’s MARC train service operated at 95% on-time performance for August 2012, up from 89% at the same time last year. Year to date, MARC’s on-time performance is 94% system-wide.
The month of August was a record setter for the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) MARC train service. The monthly on-time performance measures were the best ever for the 31-day period.
Overall, the MARC system operated at 95% on-time performance (OTP) for August 2012, up from 89% at the same time last year. Year to date, MARC’s OTP is 94% system-wide.
“On time performance is a key indicator of the strides we’re making at MARC,” said MTA Administrator Ralign T. Wells. “We’re proud to hit this mark, especially in the summertime when heat-related speed restrictions can slow down our trains. In the days ahead MTA will continue to focus on MARC operations with the constant goal of delivering quality, reliable service to our customers.”
Substantial capital investments by Gov. Martin O’Malley are driving MARC’s performance. The purchase of new diesel locomotives played a critical role, along with the overhaul of 34 passenger cars. In 2013 the first of 54 new bi-level railcars will be delivered to MARC. These new cars will increase capacity, seating between 125 and 135 passengers each.
The Penn Line carries more than 25,000 of MARC’s 38,000 daily passengers. Those passengers have benefited from an OTP of 95% in August and 94% for the year to date. In fact, there were only five trains that performed below 95% for the month, and just one train below 80%. During the same time period in 2011, the Penn Line showed a 91% OTP number for the month of August. Twenty-three trains recorded perfect 100% OTP figures.
Brunswick Line trains reported 97% OTP for August 2012, and 90% OTP year to date. A record low three trains were below 95% OTP for the month. During August 2011 OTP on the Brunswick Line was 85%. In addition eight trains on the Brunswick Line reported a perfect OTP of 100% in August.
The Camden Line numbers are equally encouraging. On-time performance hit 95% in August with year-to-date performance at 96%. Only two trains on the Camden Line performed below 95% for the entire month. This compares to a 91% OTP in August 2011. Four trains on the Camden Line reported a perfect 100% for August 2012.
More Rail
New York MTA Leverages Zoning Program to Advance Station Accessibility
Accessibility enhancements at Nevins St Station will be financed through a development agreement tied to the MTA's Zoning for Accessibility initiative.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →
California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels
The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.
Read More →
Penn Station Transformation Advances with Design Unveiling
The historic redesign will transform the busiest transit hub in the Western Hemisphere from the tracks to the street level, creating a more efficient, cleaner, and functional experience for more than 600,000 daily commuters and millions of visitors.
Read More →
Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 Advances into Major Construction Stage
New York Governor Kathy Hochul joined leadership from the MTA, elected officials, and Harlem community leaders to break ground on the major construction stage of the transformative Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project.
Read More →
The Invisible Infrastructure of Passenger Flow
What a seat reservation system on Austria’s Railjet trains reveals about the future of rider experience, and why U.S. agencies should pay attention.
Read More →
Caltrain Board Approves FY27 Budget, Endorses Efficiency Measures
The move ensures Caltrain service will continue operating as usual in the near term, but long-term financial challenges remain for the rail agency absent a new revenue source.
Read More →