Metra cancels 6 UP West Line trains: crew shortages

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chibrknews-metra-cancels-7-up-west-line-trains-20110613,0,7256679.story

Looks like there is enough egg for everyone’s face. You wouldn’t believe the angry phone call I received from my wife this morning when the first inbound train was canceled. I really don’t see why being a rail fan means that it is my fault she got to work late.

June 13, 2011

Dear Union Pacific West Line customers,

This morning’s commute was disrupted by issues with the Union Pacific. The Union Pacific West Line trains are operated by UP employees. Early this morning the UP realized they were short several engineers for the morning rush. Poor manpower planning by the UP resulted in six trains, four inbound and two outbound being annulled and subsequent delays.

The UP assures Metra this was not a work stoppage or labor related and there were no mechanical issues with our trains.

These cancellations and delays are unacceptable to Metra.

We are working with the UP to ensure afternoon trains will run on schedule and that
something like this does not occur again. We apologize for the delays. We will update you
throughout the day on our website, email alerts and Tweets.

Sincerely,

Alex Clifford
Executive Director/CEO

A textbook example of the “the Outward Buckpass.” Well executed, too.

Also, possibly true.