Heat waves cause Amtrak travel delays, slow Metro
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
An Amtrak train arrives at BWI amid high heat. Photo: Graeme Sloan, Bloomberg via Getty Images
You're not the only one moving slower in a heat wave. Extreme temperatures are slowing down Metro trains and causing Amtrak delays.
Why it matters: Climate change impacts transportation and we're feeling the effects with hotter, longer commutes.
The big picture: Prolonged high temperatures can cause outdoor rail tracks to expand and deform. As a result, Amtrak and Metro trains operate at slower speeds when heat spikes and railways are closely monitored for kinks.
- Abnormalities aren't very common, but precautionary measures are taken to keep riders safe.
Zoom in: Metro trains are reduced to 35 mph on outdoor tracks when the rails get above 135° (typically they operate at max 59 mph for longer stretches). WMATA spokespersons tell Axios that speed restrictions don't delay trains very long — typically a matter of minutes for the whole line.
- That said, temperatures aren't comfortable while waiting. Underground stations don't have A/C. Instead, chilled water air handling units cool down temps, but the hotter it gets, the less they're able to do.
- For example, if it's 91° outside, the "chillers" can only reduce station heat to around 85°.
Zoom out: Travelers are experiencing longer lag times on Amtrak. As the heat dome formed in June, Amtrak warned riders of delays of up to an hour due to speed restrictions placed on trains.
- Typically, Amtrak trains can travel at a maximum of 150 mph along the Northeast Corridor. But with heat restrictions, they can slow to 100 mph or even 80 mph in extreme temperatures.
Between the lines: Heat can also cause other issues for Amtrak like a strain on power systems or brush fires on the tracks — part of the reason behind delays and cancellations that rocked the railways around New York last month.
The intrigue: Two years ago, Amtrak commissioned its first assessment focused on the impacts of climate change in the Northeast corridor. A national study kicked off this year.
- The projects enable Amtrak to prioritize climate change risks, pinpoint vulnerable areas, and mitigate impacts.
Follow the money: Between 2006 and 2019, Amtrak lost more than $127 million from over 450 weather disruptions, resulting in an estimated $220 million in projected revenue losses in the coming decade.
Meanwhile, travelers aren't in the clear off the rails. Metro says buses can be delayed if customers need medical assistance due to heat illness, engines overheat, or air conditioning systems fail.
- And just like with low temperatures, extreme heat can cause electric cars and vehicles to lose up to 30% of their range, according to a Recurrent study.