Congressman Jim Himes released the following statement regarding Thursday night’s computer problems that caused Metro North service to stop for nearly two hours:
“Metro North’s string of accidents and delays is simply unacceptable. From the recent dangerous crashes and derailments to yesterday’s infuriating delays–and especially the lack of information given to passengers stranded on trains between stations for hours–Metro North needs to reassess its priorities and operations.
Yesterday’s electrical problems are also a clear demonstration of the cost of not investing in our transportation infrastructure, but money is not the only issue. This is no way to run a railroad. Individuals lose valuable time, we as a society lose productivity, and businesses lose money when the trains don’t run on time. I spoke with Metro North President Howard Permut last night and expressed to him the frustrations of my constituents and the urgency needed to handle this matter. I look forward to hearing from Metro North on how they plan to keep riders better informed during what should be infrequent disruptions of service and how they plan to improve the safety of this essential transit system.”
What does he propose to do about it?
Maybe he will skip the fuss and take a bus.
Seriously, isn’t it enough to condemn an obvious target, or call for a governmental investigation or review?
Rode the train last weekend. New cars. Comfortable. On time, though a bit longer than in the past. Did I forget, warm?
Transportation issues? You bet … how many voters are in their cars on I-95 or the Merritt Parkway daily rather than on the train, stuck in traffic mishaps more often than not? What to do? (Remember, we’ll have water taxis to the beach this summer!) Time will tell.
*** Taxpayers in CT pay the agency that runs Metro North a pretty penny to have such life-interfering issues. Someone has to be held accountable for such continued terrible service with no real promise of improvement in sight for the near future. The federal, state and city governments involved and affected must get together and hold people accountable for this transportation debacle! ***
What does a US congressional legislator have to do with the operation of Metro North? It’s a joint CT-NY operation over which Congress doesn’t legislate. Blumenthal does this because one of the most dangerous places in the world is between Richard Blumenthal and a TV camera. The same can be said of Charles Shumer (D-NY).
*** A transportation outfit that large that serves so many people is bound to receive some type of federal funds or grants which would be of interest to Congress, etc. should major problems arise, no? ***
Both Metro North Railroad and the UI company have no preventive maintenance programs to speak of. Most substations and feeders are over 75 years old, when they go down you have to replace them with new, all the switch gears and transformers needed upgrading 30 years ago.
Instead of pointing the finger at the RR and UI Co., find the funds so they can UPGRADE!
Jim Himes and the Boys should get off their political asses and do something, anything!