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BNSF problems knock out Northstar commuter trains again
I don’t know what Gore would say, but I say Hays does not get it! “Global warming” is an AVERAGE of recent trends ALL OVER THE WORLD. It does NOT mean that one area, or even one hemisphere will never again have a record cold winter. For all I know the average winter temperature in Montana might drop with “global warming.” More places are getting hotter on average than are getting colder.
Go back 20 years, and you will see scientists predicting exactly what is happening, More EXTREMES of weather, they predicted extreme cold snaps would be a consequence of global warming.
What a helluva way to run a railroad.
What dependable trains?
This used to be a good place to make comments about the stories. Then William D Hays from Montana has ruined it with his political annoyances. Please unplug him. Thank you
Part of the problem is that the BNSF is single track from Big Lake west to the area of Becker which can also contribute to the bottleneck. This is also another bottleneck for the hopeful extension of Northstar to St. Cloud. The weather has not been kind either with another week of below zero nights and a nasty windchill. At least we’re not getting any glaciers - yet.
North town yard needs to install about 5 run through tracks. It has no ability to hold run through trains which is the main problem.
Mr. Hays,
Al Gore would probably say that it’s called “Global Warming”, not “Northern United States Warming”. According to NOAA 2013 was the 4th warmest year on record. That’s because, and I hope this isn’t too scientific for you, when it’s winter here - it’s summer somewhere else.
Keep taking business from other railroads bnsf. Your doing a great job handling said business. Time for Warren to get involved. Hes normally hands off on new companies he buys but he may need to step in in this case.
Living in elk river, I try to take Northstar to the cities when ever possible. But with all the delays that Bnsf has, it’s been a problem to try and do anything without a back up plan. However, I do understand that delays do occur and with the weather we have had it is hard on all forms of travel. I do ride Amtrak on this route also. Things will improve.
How can BNSF go from a relative fluid operation to a “total operational meltdown” such as has happened? I realize weather has been a factor and crude rail traffic has increased BUT someone please give me a reasonable answer.
BNSF is at least consistent as far as commuters are concerned. Their record of problems this season in Chicago Metra service mirrors the problems of the Twin Cities.
Coldest winter in 35 years? What say, Al Gore?