Red Line commuters grow more frustrated with delays
By: Hayley Peterson and Elinor Flynn
Washington Examiner
July 8, 2009
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A domino effect from slowed trains between the Takoma and Fort Totten stations is prolonging Red Line delays, leaving Metro riders frustrated and wondering when their commutes will return to normal.
"I'm usually 10 to 15 minutes late to work every day, and the crowds have been unbelievable," said Kim Dehaut, who commutes into the District from Shady Grove.
Two weeks after the June 22 crash that killed nine people and injured more than 70, riders say delays on Metro's busiest line haven't improved and station platforms are packed.
"There has not been any improvement since the crash," complained Egina Durosh at Farragut North.
Metro officials have little to offer passengers in terms of a timeline, said Metro spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein. All Metro can provide is a rough estimate of the amount of time riders should add to their daily commutes -- and that's 30 minutes.
Farbstein said she knew some riders were grumbling about the delays.
"We're very pleased that so many Red Line riders are understanding," she said. "We appreciate they are sticking it out."
But Jackie Jeter, president of Metro's largest union that represents train operators, did not have such kind words for disgruntled commuters.
"I understand that you want to get to work a little sooner," she said, but "everybody should back off that. ... At least you're alive."
Every morning, commuters crowd platforms in downtown Metro stations, staking their claim to where they estimate a train door will slow to a stop, then shoving their way inside the cars -- before outgoing passengers have a chance to exit the train.
Dozens of riders are left standing on the platforms as the train pulls away.
But crowding is just a symptom of the real problem: major delays.
Trains are operating manually at posted speeds across the system, but Farbstein said the drivers needed to operate trains at slower speeds between the Takoma and Fort Totten stations because of the ongoing internal and federal investigations at the accident scene. That slowdown creates what she called a "domino effect" across the line.
Matthew Johnson, of Northeast, said his three-stop commute from Petworth to Silver Spring was taking 25 minutes longer than usual.
Ricky Barriga, who commutes from Twinbrook to Farragut North, has had the same experience. "My commute is usually 25 minutes but it has been at least 50 since the crash," he said. "I've gotten shoved off the train a few times, too."
"I try leave earlier to get to work on time, but sometimes the crowds are even worse," added Katie Binstock, of Chevy Chase. "It's been very frustrating."
Kytja Weir contributed to this report.
