By Luz Lazo, The Washington Post; July 27, 2019
An increase in CSX freight trains operating in the Washington region has led to significant delays and worsening commutes for the thousands of passengers who ride commuter trains that share the same track, according to transit officials in Maryland and Virginia.
Maryland Area Regional Commuter Train Service and Virginia Railway Express say on-time performance has dropped dramatically this summer for a number of reasons: hot weather, mechanical and track issues, and glitches from a new automatic braking system in Virginia. But they say a big factor in the delays is an increase in CSX freight trains and the rail congestion that has come with it.