Minutes of Meeting

 

Connecticut Metro North - Shoreline East Rail  Commuter Council

 

January 19, 2000

 

Meeting was held at the New Haven Rail Station with the meeting being called to order by Mr. Rodney Chabot with the following present:

 

Rodney Chabot   -   Chairman

Joan Ventrillo  

Lee Carlson

Josh Geballe

Peter Myers

Jeff Maron

Harry Harris

Jack Reidy

Ted Bowen

Tom McFeeley

Jim Finch

Jerry Carney

 

1. Minutes of the previous meeting were not discussed or approved. This will be done at the February 16, 2000 meeting.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

(Shore Line East) was discussed first as a courtesy to Shore Line East riders. Joan Ventrillo opened the discussion with the following comments on communication.

 

1.  Announcements to the boarding Platform are not being made due to assumed failure of Boston dispatchers to provide the information.

 

2.  Examples: A. On Tuesday (Jan 18th) conductor called in and said ‘hold the train” which was misinformation.

 

B.  When train personnel make announcements, the PA system is not loud enough.

C.  Jack Reidy commented about a change in personnel and will investigate to see what steps can be taken to correct the situation.

 

3.  Departure schedule boards in the tunnel at New Haven station are not functioning and have not been functioning for the past year.

 

4.  Connecting Metro-North trains in one instance (#183 9) to South Norwalk, and #1455 were late and identified as express trains, whereas they are actual local trains.

 

3.  Lee Carlson stated that trains are late on numerous occasions, with no announcements. In Madison the assistant conductor did not help. On train #3659 the assistant conductor made no announcements on the 18th of January. Departing from Madison, the assistant conductor failed to check tickets. He also stated that no track announcements were made. On January 12, 2000, in Car #3640 SPV the PA was not working. Also Car #3638 SPV was too hot, and the following day it had no heat at all.

 

4.  Mr. Harry Harris (CONDOT Bureau Chief) said the following:

 

a.  New stations are being designed for S.L.E.

 

b.  In the West Haven/Orange area a feasibility study is being conducted, but has not been released yet, relative to a proposed new station on this area as this is the largest stretch without a station. The DEP is looking for a location with sufficient parking spaces and good accessibility.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

1.  Control of the Stamford Station:

 

a.  There are still on-going discussions between the State DOT and the City of Stamford. The CDOT wants to take control.

 

2.  Stamford Escalators:

 

a.  The City claims this is a capital issued where as DOT claims the issue is maintenance.

 

b.  When the State DOT takes control of the station, it will be cleaned up, and escalators replaced.

 

c.    The State plans to fully enclose the replacement escalators. City claims they are losing money, however, the “sold out” garage produces substantial income which should be used on maintenance. Members asked where did that money go???

 

3.  Stamford Platform Heating:

The open platforms do not contain any source of heat for waiting passengers. Peter

Myers commented that infra-red heaters could easily be installed at a nominal cost.

 

4.  Stamford Accessibility:

 

Connecticut passengers must exit to the street prior to having access to the connecting New Canaan train.

 

5.  Stratford Station

 

Council member John Anglace has complained since January, 1999 that the 4 car platform is too short causing overcrowding in the morning rush hour. Mr. Reidy stated the problem is being researched as a platform extension would eliminate some parking spaces. The bridge and road width are ok.

 

6.  Viaduct Road-Overpass-Stamford

 

Vehicular traffic prohibited until the summer of 2000 due to road being lowered under bridge for greater clearance.

 

7.  Noroton Heights Station Agent

 

Agent has not been replaced since there is presently no available part time personnel for the 20 hour per week part time job. More information will be reported at next meeting.

 

8.  New Canaan Branch

 

Trackside liter has still not been picked up.

 

9.  Kiosk and Map Status

 

These are on order in a 50 plus volume.

 

10.       CDOT Budget Status

 

Many Harris “remains optimistic”. In the last 2 years the problem was the spending cap. Everyone is presently waiting for the Governor’s decisions with no anticipated budget change at this time.

 

NEW BUSINESS - More

 

 

1.  BarCars

Same old issued being discussed: re: Morning coffee Cafe cars need to be rehab.

 

2.  Questions to Harry Harris

 

a.  Mr. Chabot asked if the Governor reduced the gas tax by $07 per gallon what replaces the revenues which support the rail services?

 

3.  Busing on New Canaan Branch

 

a.  Work on the weekend only, to replace overhead wire for high speed trains on main line portion.

 

4.  New Haven Parking

 

Existing station garage is normally full. Therefore, the state has made arrangements to use the coliseum garage with a shuttle connection. Cost at the coliseum is $35 vs. $60 (monthly) at the station parking garage. CONDOT wants to build additional garage facility adjacent to the existing garage.

 

OTHER:

 

Customer satisfaction survey:

 

The New Haven Line came out last in all categories!  Situation being reviewed by Metro North.

 

PSM made a motion for adjournment. The meeting was adjourned by Mr. Chabot. Next meeting set at February 16, 6:30 p.m. Bridgeport Station.