Metrolink riders vexed by delays, mechanical faults, and train cancellations

The good thing about Metrolink? Metrolink is freely posting information about delays on the @Metrolink Twitter website, which riders can receive via SMS text messages or on the mobile web.

The bad news is that it's easy to see Metrolink's frequent train cancellations and train delays, which have lasted for more than half an hour. Take a look at the long list of crazy delays and train break-downs on the left. If you're one of those unlikely folks transferring to an OCTA bus with 90-minute frequencies, Metrolink's shoddy reliability could mean a nearly two-hour delay in your trip. Take a look at all the crazy-long delays from today's @Metrolink Twitter postings on the right.

KABC's Eyewitness News noted that "Metrolink commuters [are] waiting longer for trains":

"...The percentage of trains that arrived within five minutes of their scheduled time declined to 90 percent last month. That's a five percent difference from September.

The San Bernardino line and Inland Empire-Orange County line have some of the lowest on-time rates.

During the peak commute hours, 74 percent of Inland Empire-Orange County trains arrived within five minutes of their scheduled time."

The Riverside Press-Enterprise goes into more detail, stating that Metrolink trains are plagued with mechanical issues. Riders are even climbing back to their automobiles.

'MECHANICAL ISSUES'

An e-mail sent Oct. 30 to Metrolink board members and transportation officials in Southern California on behalf of train system CEO David Solow outlined train delays two days prior. In the note, Solow said "mechanical issues continue to plague" Metrolink.

"Some of these issues point to a fleet defect in the new locomotives and I've asked mechanical department staff to once again examine whether there is any pattern to these failures or whether different maintenance or training practices are required," the letter said.

ONGOING CONCERN

Metrolink spokeswoman Angela Starr said a fleet defect is when 25 percent of the locomotives experience the same mechanical problem. Some of the issues have hit that level, meaning the entire fleet of new locomotives must be fixed, she said.

All of the engines remain under a two-year warranty, so the breakdowns are not costing Metrolink money, Starr emphasized. Motive Power, the locomotive's manufacturer, is covering the costs of repairs.

Issues with the new engines are not recent, nor are most of them serious. In May, commuter delays increased as the new engines were placed on the lines.

At the time, Metrolink spokesman Francisco Oaxaca said most issues were being resolved through better training for engineers to familiarize them with the new locomotive.

Talking about our transit system in Orange County makes me depressed. *sigh* Well, TransitRiderOC can be a happy place too. Look at the cool Metrolink design!