MARC train disruption cleared

Update 6:13pm: The passengers are safely back to the station and boarding the next train.

Original post: Penn Line train 436, scheduled to depart at 5:30pm towards Perryville, broke down minutes after leaving Union Station and is without power (or air conditioning) near the New York Avenue Metro. After repairs were unsuccessful, a rescue locomotive was attached, and MARC plans to have that locomotive tow it back to Union Station.

"They've said technicians are on scene," said one rider, who said the locomotive appeared to be hooked up, but wasn't yet pulling the train. "It's pretty toasty, but everyone's in a pretty good mood"--the thinking being, she said, "'Of course this is happening.'"

It's unclear whether this will cause delays for other MARC trains, but the plan is to put the stranded riders on later Penn Line trains, which will cause crowding.