All trains on CSX are stopped due to it malfunctioning. Notice I got from VRE in my email a couple of minutes ago:

This Message is for All Riders:

Update #3

CSX Bulletin System still down. No estimation when trains will depart. We suggest that all riders from both Manassas and Fredericksburg lines take alternate transportation.

Metro option is opened.

*****************

Update #2

326 is currently 30 minutes late. 306 is 20 minutes late. No estimated time for departure. 328 is 10 minutes late.

Metro Option is opened for Franconia/Springfield, King Street and Vienna/Fairfax.

*****************

CSX's Bulletin System has gone down and all trains are unable to receive their track orders at this time.

Train #326 (Departs Broad Run at 6:15a) is currently 15 minutes late and train #306 (Departs Fredericksburg at 6:35a) is approximately 10 minutes late. Both at waiting to leave their respective yards.

We will advise when more information is received.

On most railroads these days, temporary speed restrictions and track conditions requiring establishment of conditional use (requiring permission of a foreman in charge of work) are issyed to trains in the form of a Track Bulletin instead of a Train Order, as in days past.

There are reasons for this, some related to labor agreements and radio transmission to crews en route.

ah, so they're radio was down.

I'd a thought they would have a computer backup to the radio to give these special orders

thanks

this just in... VRE issued a statement, I quote:

"CSX's system that transmits train bulletins to all train crews on their network went down this morning. (Yes, this affected more than just VRE. All trains from Florida to Boston use the same train bulletin system). This bulletin system provides all of the train orders that apply to the section of track that the train operates on. It includes any temporary speed restrictions, the exact mileposts of where the restrictions are, and which track that speed restrictions applies to. In addition, items like road crossing gates that are not operating properly and need special attention are also listed in the orders. Often, even on our comparatively short route, these bulletins are at least 10 pages long.

Each train has its own set of orders specific to that train and cannot operate until it has its own orders. While many of these items are the same on each of the train's orders, changes can occur when an earlier train crew notes a problem and calls it into the dispatcher. Because of this, we had to wait until the system was fixed so that our trains could receive their orders. The train bulletin system was fixed around 7:40a. Once the crews received their orders, they made the necessary preparations before departing the yards."

quote:

Originally posted by SE18:
ah, so they're radio was down.

I'd a thought they would have a computer backup to the radio to give these special orders

thanks

They are computerized (printouts). All train crew members have to print and read and review them before starting on duty and each member has to have a current copy with them when on duty.