(STAMFORD - June 6, 1999): "We've got to stop the Long Island Railroad's attempts to start train service to Grand Central Station," says CT Rail Commuter Chairman Rodney Chabot.

The MTA proposes to spend $5 billion over the coming years to build tunnels connecting the 63^rd St. Connection from Queens into the Park Avenue Metro-North tunnel to GCT. LIRR estimates an additional 70,000 Long Island commuters would use this "East Side Access" into Grand Central.

"This plan is ridiculous," says Chabot. "Grand Central is already busy and we have hopes of expanding Metro-North service. That won't be possible if we have to give up tracks to LIRR trains. This scheme may help LI riders but its at the expense of CT and Westchester commuters."

Chabot notes that very little has been done to get input from CT and Westchester riders to this plan. In fact, only one public hearing is planned in CT on this proposal:

"I urge the public to get involved with preventing this LIRR land-grab," says Chabot, a commuter out of New Canaan. "We've got to get CDOT to do what it can to stop this plan before it adversely affects our rail service in Connecticut."

A volunteer group of commuters, appointed by the CT legislature, the members of the CT Rail Commuter Council act as advocates for their fellow riders in monthly meetings with Metro-North and CT Dept of Transportation.

The Council's next meeting is Wednesday June 9^th, 7:30pm at the offices of SACIA, 2^nd floor, One Landmark Sq. In Stamford CT. The public and media are welcome to attend.