14 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

MARC email, 10/26:
MARC Train preparing for Hurricane Sandy, will update status of service over the weekend

MARC Train Service management, along with our colleagues at Amtrak and CSX Transportation, are closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Sandy. We plan to operate full service on Monday morning. However, as you probably have seen in news coverage, the track of Sandy is uncertain at best. As of the midday weather forecast today, the chances are increasing that Sandy will directly impact our region.

Please monitor www.mta.maryland.gov for the status of MARC service Monday morning. Email updates will also be sent.

Finally, exercise caution getting to your station on Monday morning, as there may be high water, downed trees, and other obstacles. Remember: NEVER drive through high water--its impossible to judge how deep it is.

We will provide you updated information over the weekend regarding the status of MARC service on Monday morning.

[CNJRoss]

VRE TrainTalk, 10/26:

Hurrican Sandy May Want to Ride VRE

In advance of the anticipated storm the Washington area is expected to receive in the coming week, the Virginia Railway Express wishes to remind passengers to prepare for possible impacts to our service.

Although we are planning to run a normal schedule throughout next week, stay tuned to Train Talk advisory messages regarding cancellations or delays. If you are not enrolled in Train Talk, register at www.vre.org or click here https://public.govde.../subscriber/new

Also, for updated service information if internet access is limited, call 1.800.RIDE.VRE (1.800.743.3873)

Also, while we’ll do everything we can to avoid them, plan for delays. Carry an extra bottle of water and some packaged snacks and lastly, be careful on roadways and in station parking lots. Ponding water, limbs and downed power lines can cause you some headaches.

[CNJRoss]

WMATA news release, 10/26:

Metro prepares for Sandy

Preparations are well underway -- both on Metrobus and Metrorail -- for the possible effects of Hurricane Sandy.

• Metro is planning to place sandbags around locations where water can infiltrate the Metrorail system.
• Additional support personnel have been scheduled to be on duty throughout the storm to respond to any situations that may arise.
• All drainage pumping stations are being checked in advance of the storm and will be monitored throughout the storm.
• Metro's plant maintenance staff is clearing drainage areas near stations and yards.
Chainsaws will be deployed in Metro motor vehicles for use in the event of downed trees.
• Supervisors will monitor critical locations, such as bus garages, parking garages, and flood-prone areas throughout the storm.
• Metro is coordinating with local jurisdictions and the Federal Government through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Customer Advice

• The best advice for Metro customers before the storm is to sign up for MetroAlerts. Metro will provide the latest bus and rail service information throughout the storm via MetroAlerts (sign up at wmata.com/metroalerts), online at wmata.com/sandy and via Twitter @wmata.
• Metrobuses and MetroAccess vehicles will detour around downed trees and flooded streets, as necessary. Please allow additional travel time.
• Use caution on wet surfaces, including platforms and escalators.
• Do not carry open umbrellas within the Metrorail system.
• Customers are reminded to stand back from platform edges or curbs – especially given the potential for high winds during the storm.

For the latest information, visit www.wmata.com/sandy .

[KevinKorell]

MTA Storm Preparedness

Friday, October 26, 2012

The Maryland Transit Administration is closely monitoring the pending storm that may affect some of its services. As the storm approaches, we will continue to update you when and if any services are affected. We appreciate your patience and cooperation and thank you for your patronage.

[KevinKorell]

WMATA news release 10/27/12:

Metro prepares for Sandy

UPDATED 5:30 PM SATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2012

Metro's preparation efforts for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy have been underway since early Thursday morning.

•Metro crews have placed sandbags around locations where water can infiltrate tunnels and stations.
•All drainage pumping stations have been checked in advance of the storm and will be monitored until the storm clears.
•Metro's plant maintenance staff is clearing drainage areas near stations and yards.
•Additional support personnel have been scheduled to be on duty throughout the storm to respond to any situations that may arise.
•Chainsaws will be deployed in Metro motor vehicles for use in the event of downed trees.
•Supervisors will monitor critical locations, such as bus garages, rail yards, parking garages, and flood-prone areas throughout the storm.
•Metro is coordinating with local jurisdictions and the Federal Government through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
Service Information

At this time, there are no announced changes to Metrorail or Metrobus service. However, in the event of sustained winds of 30-45 mph, Metrorail trains may be subject to speed restrictions in aboveground areas. This would result in increased travel times for customers. In addition, Metrobus service would be slowed for safety reasons during severe weather, resulting in delays. Customers are strongly encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts to receive service updates via text message or email.

Customer Travel Advice

•The best advice for Metro customers before the storm is to sign up for MetroAlerts. Metro will provide the latest bus and rail service information throughout the storm via MetroAlerts (sign up at wmata.com/metroalerts), online at wmata.com/sandy and via Twitter @wmata.
•Metrobuses and MetroAccess vehicles will detour around downed trees and flooded streets, as necessary. Please allow additional travel time.
•Use caution on wet surfaces, including platforms and escalators.
•Do not carry open umbrellas within the Metrorail system, including on outdoor platforms.
•Customers are reminded to stand back from platform edges or curbs – especially given the potential for high winds during the storm.
•Report any unsafe conditions to the nearest Metro employee.

[CNJRoss]

WTOP radio, 10/28, 6:01 pm:

MARC, VRE cancel service, Metro plans to stay open

Sunday - 10/28/2012, 6:01pm ET

WASHINGTON - All MARC and VRE trains are canceled Monday. Metro still plans to run regular service, but that may change with the weather.

MARC says it will make a decision about Tuesday by 8 p.m. Monday night, and will update passengers on its website as the storm's progression changes.

VRE will make its decision about Tuesday's service after 5 p.m. Monday.

Above ground Metro service could shut down if there are sustained winds above 50 mph or greater.

Continue.

[CNJRoss]

WMATA news release, 10/19:

Metro announces full suspension of service for Monday, October 29
Customers encouraged to heed public warnings, avoid travel

In light of updated forecast information from the National Weather Service projecting higher wind speeds, as well as the closure of Federal Government offices in the Washington area and the possibility of widespread commercial power outages, Metro has announced the following service changes for Monday, October 29, 2012:

•The Metrorail system will be closed on Monday. Rail service on Sunday night will continue operate as scheduled until its normal closing time (midnight). No decision has yet been made on when Metrorail service will be restored after Monday.

•All Metrobus service will be suspended as of the end of the service day on Sunday and remain suspended until further notice.

•All MetroAccess service has been cancelled on Monday.

Metro service will only be restored when it is safe to do so. Following the storm, Metro personnel will need to perform a comprehensive damage assessment, including inspections of track, bridges, aerial structures, stations and facilities. Service restoration also will be contingent on adequate commercial power to support operations and repair of any storm-related damage.

Customers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts for information regarding restoration of service as information is known.

In addition, previously scheduled Public Hearings on Monday and Tuesday have been cancelled.



News release issued at 6:57 pm, October 28, 2012.

[CNJRoss]

VRE Train Talk Alert:

VRE Service Cancelled Tuesday 10/30

Sandy is expected to slam the VRE service territory directly this evening and create the potential for significant problems to our tracks, stations and the region in general. As a result, VRE will not operate trains for Tuesday, 10/30.

Also, throughout the day tomorrow, we'll be assessing the property as the storm moves out of the area to determine our ability to run on Wednesday. If we cannot run, we'll announcement as early as possible.

For detailed information on VRE service as this storm unfolds, stay tuned to your Train Talk account or call our automated information line 1.800.RIDE.VRE (1.800.743.3873)

[CNJRoss]

10/19 4:26 pm:

Just announced on WTOP radio:

WMATA has cancelled all Metrorail and Metrobus service tomorrow (Tuesday).

No email received as of now.

Ross

[CNJRoss]

Maryland MTA Service Alert - 10/29:

No MARC service on Tuesday, decision about Wednesday service by 8pm tomorrow, Fed Gov't also closed

There will be no MARC Train Service on Tuesday, October 30 due to the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Sandy. Amtrak has also suspended all service between Washington and Boston due to the storm. The Federal Government has made the decision to remain closed.

A decision about service status on Wednesday will be made by 8:00pm Tuesday.

As information, all other MTA modes also will not operate tomorrow.