If you live or work in Columbia, odds are you’ve spent some time waiting on trains to clear downtown intersections. There are actually local + state laws prohibiting excessive train stop times, but they carry little consequence + are near impossible to enforce.

~20-30 trains move through Cola per day – most at busy intersections like Whaley + Assembly St. In 1979, Columbia City Council passed an ordinance making it illegal for trains to block traffic for more than 5 minutes, carrying a fine of just $5-20.

But this does not apply to routine maintenance or protocol (relieving crew, switching cars, etc.) And because time = money for the transportation companies – if a train is stopped, it’s likely for a legitimate reason.

While there is little the City or County can do about blocked intersections as of now, the City is looking into consolidating tracks + enforcing quiet zones (less horns at odd hours). Relocating downtown routes is also on the table if the $100 million of necessary funding can be secured.

3 min read / The State