TriMet MAX Derailment Kills 18, Injures 423
"Today a Gresham bound MAX light rail train traveling at approximately 45 mph entered the Banfield area along I-84 near the 42nd Street stop. When it entered the curve, slightly slowing, the rail buckled under the heat of the sun and pressure of the fully loaded train. Because of the rush hour surge the train was fully packed with riding patrons. Many say that the derailment occurred because of a lack of planned replacement along a stretch that has needed replacement for several years... "
Did I get your attention? I hope so.
I can see the story now. As I rode along the Banfield line toward a few days ago I thought to myself. Near the 42nd Street Hollywood stop the Light Rail Vehicle (MAX) seems to be wobbling more and more every year along this stretch. The simple fact is, it needs replacement yesterday. We've got 20+ years out of it now, a replacement of this small stretch that arcs into a dangerous turn isn't trued and aligned well anymore, is asking for a disastrous incident to occur.
A recent discussion got me thinking about this. Many months ago I asked, "Does TriMet have budget allocated for replacement infrastructure?" Begin that it is a Government service and they plan HORRIBLY for the future, I doubt there is any intention, nor much ability for them to beg for that type of budgeted allowance. The interstate is another prime example, and almost all the rest of our infrastructure (except freight rail) is not planned with any expectation of service the day after tomorrow.
So I ponder today, as I did months ago. Where is the budget, is there even a plan? Does TriMet just go "look" at the track and hope it stays the needed width? Are we going to have another multi-week 5-10mph slow order along this street when it heats up? This is a perfect example of the poor ability of "publicly" non-accountable services. Without excessive and extra funding, without market relevance, the systems cannot be sustainable economically, environmentally, or from an infrastructure perspective.
Maybe the Oregonian can run something along the lines above and get some much needed attention brought to this. The crime issue, that was a waste of newspaper space, but the maintenance and replacement of equipment issue is a very serious concern. Nobody has died from this stupid "crime" that we supposed have, but I can promise that a wrecked 2-car MAX during rush hour will give us blood. I'm sure no politician, or TriMet staff wants anything to do with such a disaster. I know no passengers want to experience such chaos.
So TriMet, were is the plan that you owe the populace? City of Portland and Metro, where is the plan? Anybody have one?