No replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

Train Talk
September 17, 2003, 6:25 pm

____________________________
This is being provided as a service to our Train Talk subscribers.
____________________________

VRE Passengers,

At this time, we have made the decision to cancel all VRE service for Thursday, September 18, 2003.

We have been working with both railroads who have taken extraordinary measures, provided us with candid advice, and given us all the tools we need to run our trains on Thursday. They have told us that we can run and that they will support any schedule we put forward. Both railroads have informed us that the final decision on VRE service rests with us. VRE feels strongly that if we run service in the morning and get you into work, we must get you home in the afternoon. Given all that we have heard, our concern is: CAN we get you home safely? The forecast of high winds starting in the afternoon is of greatest concern. We will not put our passengers, our crews, and, potentially, CSX and Norfolk Southern employees in danger. Ultimately, we feel that this is an unacceptable risk.

For those of you who will communicate with us about being overly cautious, please consider the following: If the rain causes flood warnings we will automatically be on restricted speeds of 15 mph, which will result in a multi-hour trip home. If trees fall on the tracks, crews must be dispatched to remove them. In addition, the potential for winds of 30 to 40 mph tomorrow afternoon makes conditions unsafe. If the train gets stranded for any reason, we would need buses to get you home. There is no realistic belief that this could be done quickly or that it is even possible.

While we feel it is our public duty to get you to and from work, it is more important that we do so safely. Given the expected weather conditions, we do not believe that the risk to you or others can be justified. Thank you for your understanding and your continued patronage. We will assess options for Friday and notify you by 6:00p Thursday afternoon.

-
For the latest information, don't forget to check out the VRE web site at:
http://www.vre.org .