JDC wrote:I wonder what precedent this will set in terms of Metro tackling other system-wide issues during an entire system, or line, shutdown. For example, closing the entire Red Line for 24 hours over the weekend in order to clean the third rail, or insulators. Similarly, close the entire Yellow/Blue line in VA to clean right of way, etc. If the DC region can handle this with a few hours notice AND during a weekday, I can see this being something we could handle on a weekend during non-tourist season with lots of advance notice.
JDC, MCL and Everyone:
Metro needs to adopt a maintenance program similar to the NYCT FASTRACK in which a segment of line or if it is
necessary an entire line is shut down for an extended period of a weekend for crews to maintain infrastructure of
all types. Other lines remaining open - especially those in proximity - can operate with added service over these
scheduled time periods. EXAMPLE: Blue Line is closed from Friday PM until Monday AM between Stadium-Armory
and Largo Town Center with Blue Line trains operating over the Orange Line to New Carrollton.
Trunk lines through central Washington will be harder to close but with added alternate service on lines operating
should be able to manage handling a large percentage of weekend ridership and if necessary bus services could
be another alternative during weekends when they will be more readily available.
As we all noticed there were defective cables found by work crews during the one day 3/16 shutdown making
this all worthwhile despite the inconvenience to many riders and with a regularly scheduled maintenance program
hopefully something of this urgency will not have to happen again.
On a personal note this happens to be my 3000th post as a member of Railroad.net. I joined 11 years one month
and ten days ago with the object to contribute in a positive manner and to learn about rail transportation from the
wealth of knowledge of our membership which is one of the best features of these forums.
MACTRAXX
EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS