While not really an Amtrak story, this Virginia Railway Express service update better describes the power problems that CSX is experiencing and what they are doing to overcome them. Thanks go to On Track On Line for this story.
Train Talk,
September 21, 2003 5:50p
The following is a service update for Monday, September 22, 2003:
There are no AMTRAK cross honor trains operating Monday. All passengers must use VRE service.
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Manassas Line:
VRE will operate a full regular schedule. Some delays may occur as trains approach the destination stations and follow Fredericksburg trains.
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Fredericksburg Line:
FREDERICKSBURG LINE riders are encouraged, if possible, to use the Manassas Line today.
Service Plan:
VRE will operate on its “S” Schedule for Monday, September 22, 2003. Only trains with an "S" above the train numbers will operate. For a list visit
http://www.vre.org/service/schedule.htm . Train consists (makeup) will be doubled to accommodate as many people as possible. However, crowding and delays may occur.
Situation:
Power outages affect most of the CSX tracks from Fredericksburg to Alexandria.(For a map of outages and where the tracks are, visit our website at
http://www.vre.org/service/isabel2.htm This means that there are no signals available. CSX has placed generators at all interlockings to make travel possible. They have also given VRE the green light to operate.
Due to lack of signals, VRE must run in manual blocks. This means that the railroad will be divided up into sections and only one train at a time may enter any one section. Once a train leaves the section, or block, then another train may enter. This is the reason for the “S” schedule – it creates less traffic on the rails, and hopefully, will lessen delays.
What Passengers should expect:
We will attempt to adhere to the “S” schedule as much as possible. However, operating in “manual blocks” may delay trains. Additionally, with double consists, we will need to stop twice at each destination station to detrain all passengers. This may further delay your trip.
We know Dominion Power is working to restore all power to its Virginia customers. We will advise you immediately if power is able to be restored and/or we are able to restore full service to the Fredericksburg Line.
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For the latest information, don't forget to check out the VRE web site at:
http://www.vre.org .