The CT Rail Commuter Council, a nonpartisan board appointed by the governor and legislators, is looking toward resolving ongoing issues that Metro-North riders face in 2012.
The Council, which advocates for commuters, issued the following descriptions of problem areas in a press release.
Communications
Communication is 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
For more than a decade the Council has pushed for expanded, affordable parking at stations to eliminate a 5-plus year waiting list for permits.
