Parking, Rude Conductors Cited as Metro-North Problems

The CT Rail Commuter Council, a nonpartisan board appointed by the governor and legislators to advocate for commuter interests, recently issued an annual report noting problem areas for New Haven Line commuters.

A copy of the two-page Annual Report is attached as a PDF to this article.

The council says it is looking toward resolving ongoing problems that Metro-North riders face in 2012. Here are some of those problems:

Communications

"Biggest single issue the Council deals with month to month, especially when service is disrupted. Metro-North and CDOT need faster, more detailed communication with riders on trains, at stations and using all electronic media."

New M8 Deliveries

"Already more than a year late in delivery, the council is carefully monitoring construction, delivery and testing of new M8 rail cars."

Ticket Refunds

"The council is opposed to MNR’s new policy that one-way tickets are valid for only 14 days and ten-trip tickets expire after six months, half of their old validity period. The council has also expressed concern over the railroad’s new policy of charging $10 to refund valid tickets."

Conductors

"The council receives regular complaints about rude conductors and shares these with Metro-North. The railroad promises retraining of all on-board personnel and
the Council will monitor this process."

Stamford Transportation Center

"Improvements to the existing facility to enhance safety and operations, along with progress on replacement or rehabilitation of the parking structure are needed with transparency to the public, commuters, and elected officials."

Station Parking

"Improvements to the existing facility to enhance safety and operations, along with progress on replacement or rehabilitation of the parking structure are needed with transparency to the public, commuters, and elected officials."