That fraction is referred to by transit authorities as "crush capacity." This is comparable to the Dangerous Overcrowding that MARC victims subject themselves to nearly twice a day during tourist season. The Department of Homeland Security thought it necessary to put out an advisory this week warning of the expected throng's impact on the local infrastructure. Not for us, of course. We are used to it. But the pilgrims may want to reconsider.
Given the expected crush, I invite my hardy band of MARC fans who have the day off anyway, to join me on MARC-Town Hill overlooking Odenton Station to bear witness to this event. We will need to cover the parking lots (both Old, New and Loser Lot) to witness and take digital photos of the mayhem that will no doubt ensue. I can't be everywhere at once. We'll need witnesses for the coffee shop, and the station, the tunnel (where trampled pilgrims are likely to get caught first). Bring a set of two-way walky-talkys and a half dozen donuts.
I will set up a command post in the Ford F-150 on MARC-Town Hill. All coffee and donuts will be available from the Command Vehicle on rotating shifts. Bonus donuts will be awarded to the shift that brings in the most outrageous story and pictures.
Now since they are running only 12 trains starting at 5 am. I figure that if we get there by 6 we should be in good shape of hours of fun.
Why do I expect there to be anymore chaos and confusion than MARC perpetrates on the commuting public on a daily basis? Because on Jan 20th, these people are not going to be regular commuters. They are going to be tourists paying $25 each to be crushed into MARC carriages that will most likely be full before they even get to Odenton. The potential for friction between the pilgrims and the working stiffs who don't get the day off or can't take the day off is great.
And I don't expect MARC customer service to magically appear either, unless MARC gives the regular crew a break and hires airline stewards and stewardesses. And they will be using the same locomotives and carriages whose chances of breaking down on any given day are pretty good.
So let's sum up: Same equipment, same "service," at five times the regular price. A recipe for disaster. Well, that is what I am predicting, anyway. And if it turns out to be wrong, I'll blog about that too.
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6 comments:
They sold reserved seats.
I expect some people will show up without tickets, but they won't get on.
Parking might be an issue if every train is at capacity, but I think they're far from sold out.
Yes, reserved seats. Every train, twice a day, is at capacity. Over capacity, even. And overcapacity with only a tiny fraction of load they are expected to carry on 1-20-09.
If some people show up with out tickets you're right. They won't get on. But if 10,000 people show up without tickets, there will be a riot.
You had to choose a specific inbound and outbound train when you bought your ticket. The tickets have bar codes. No beep, no board.
Beep and Board? On a MARC Train? You've never riden a MARC train, have you?
What you are talking about is waaaay way out of MARC's league. They can't even get electronic message marquees working right!
For those leaving from Odenton, all six Penn Line trains inbound to D.C. are sold out. Eight of the twelve outbound trains to Odenton are sold out. Availability varies from other points of departure.
And don't forget that the $25 reserved tickets include a "commemorative program booklet that will be distributed on Inaugural day."
I am sure the tourists will appreciate that!
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