METRO NORTH NEW HAVEN RAIL COMMUTER COUNCIL
(Established in 1985 under Connecticut Public Act 85-239, now Sections 13b-212b and 13b-212c of the Connecticut General Statutes)
MINUTES OF JUNE 15, 2011
SWRPA-GOV’T CENTER-STAMFORD, CT
Present were: Roger J. Cirella, Jeffrey Maron, Terri Cronin, Jim Cameron, Mitchell Fuchs, John Hartwell, Rodney Chabot, and Sue Prosi, Members of the Council; Eugene J. Colonese, CDOT; John Longobardi and Sue Doering, MNR; Harold Cobin, PATCH News; Martin Cassidy, Stamford Advocate; Gail Lavielle, State Representative 143rd; Terri Wood, State Representative 141st; Toni Boucher, Senator 26th District; Paul Hammer and John Austin; Members of the Public.
The meeting began at 7:00pm.
Chairman Jim Cameron called the meeting to order. Jim asked that everyone introduce themselves and after introductions were completed attention was directed to three special guests: State Representatives Gail Lavielle and Terri Wood and State Senator Toni Boucher.
Terri Wood commended the Council on its 25th anniversary and presented citations to the members of the Council. Gail Lavielle said we the Council were an excellent source of commuter experience and she thanked us on behalf of the Transportation Committee. Senator Boucher mentioned how busy the commute to southwestern Connecticut is and that we need to be a voice of the commuter. Senator Boucher said that they are working on a high speed rail initiative and that it has been a controversial issue. There were pictures taken and congratulations shared.
The Chairman called the meeting back to order and the February, March, and May minutes were approved with one (1) abstention, Sue Prosi.
The Chairman’s report mentioned the recent “MNR President’s Forum” meeting in New York City. At the New York meeting, Howard Permut said how busy the New Haven Line is and mentioned the disparities between the New Haven Line and the New York operations. Plans are already underway for an expected bad Winter 2011-2012 with equipment shortages and delays in the M8 deliveries. Quiet Cars were discussed and their role in the future. Sue Doering mentioned that Quiet Cars being tested West of Hudson are self-policed. Sue Prosi asked what the conductor’s reaction was to the test. No reaction to Quiet Cars from the conductors. First car in and the last car out are Quiet Cars. Jeff Maron was concerned about people receiving emergency phone calls on a Quiet Car.
Update on M8’s:
There are three sets of M8’s now in service. There are no changes to production and delivery. There are thirty-four (34) cars on the property in New Haven. The delivery of cars from Lincoln, NE is scheduled for July and sixty (60) cars are supposed to be in service by the end of the year.
Jim Cameron asked about the AC problem on the M8’s and John Longobardi replied that it is fine now. Jim also asked about a recent door problem and John replied that the conductor simply had to reset power to the door. Rodney Chabot said that an M8 column should be added to the Operations Report.
Gene Colonese said that 10 M8 cars should arrive from Lincoln by October.
Sue Prosi asked about the testing time for the new cars and John Longobardi said it is 1,000 miles. John said there were no problems with the M8’s.
Paul Hammer asked about bike hook testing on the M8’s and Gene Colonese said to check the website. Paul was concerned about rules being followed as to bikes on the trains and also bikes in the handicapped areas of the M8’s. Jeff Maron asked if every new train will have bike hooks and Gene said that he will obtain that information. Policy now is off peak only for bikes. Terri Cronin is concerned about how will bikes hang on the walls and Gene said they are still testing.
Discussion of Milford train/car collision:
John Longobardi said that the Milford collision is still under investigation. John had no further comments at this time. The crossing is on private property and there are cross bucks on both sides of the track. John did say that the owner trims the trees at the crossing to improve visibility for visitors. Jim Cameron asked about the damage to the locomotive but John was hesitant to provide any details because the matter in still under investigation.
Locomotive Problems:
Jim asked about the problems with the diesel locomotives on the branch lines. John said it is an odd failure and he can’t put his finger on it. John said the problems occur on the Waterbury Line. Rodney expressed concern about the mean distance failure of the BL-20’s. Gene Colonese said he would talk to the equipment folks at Metro-North and get back to us. Jim asked about the goal (MDBF) and how it is set and Gene said he would get back to us. Jeff Maron requested status by email before the next meeting.
New Fairfield Station:
CDOT is working with the Town of Fairfield to make the new “Fairfield Metro” station operational. Mitch asked about the current Fairfield residents being able to park at the new station. Gene said that the new station will be in the Fairfield zone and will have 1,400 spaces. The current fee for parking at Fairfield is $340.00. Parking will be run by CDOT and they’ve hired a company to manage it. It is the same company as at the Bridgeport station. CDOT will decide what the rates will be. Jim asked about the GBTA buses and Gene said that it is included. The platform is 12 cars, new standard for all new stations. Mitch asked about a proposed parking deck and Gene said that it wasn’t included because the developer went belly up. The new station is scheduled to open in October. John Hartwell asked about the fare structure and why the fares are not charged by distance. Jim asked about the West Haven station under construction and Gene said it is scheduled to open in 2012. Gene also said that the planned fare increase for 1/1/2012 is still planned.
Noroton Heights:
The canopy was removed by not replaced yet. Gene said it will be expedited. Gene said fifty percent of the canopy was in.
Signalization upgrades in CT:
Gene said signaling is complex. New Haven Line is at the end of life-cycle for current signaling technology. The old estimate for an upgrade was $300 million. The new signal system would provide higher speeds. Funding is an issue. The Northeast Corridor (NEC) is eligible for funding. Capacity is also an issue. Capacity must be maximized on the current infrastructure. December 31, 2015 is the federal mandate for Positive Train Control (PTC). Technology is changing and Gene said we have to choose the appropriate technology.
Bikes on Trains:
Paul Hammer spoke about the folding bike initiative and the possibility of a bike sharing program. He asked for an endorsement from the Council for the program and a proposed study. Jeff asked who would fund it. Paul said a Yale student group will do it for free. Paul said he was looking for an endorsement. Jim said we needed more specifics before we can endorse it. Sue Prosi recommended Paul contact the Chief Planner at CDOT. He is a bike advocate and there are other avenues to pursue this program. Jim asked about conductor’s discretion regarding bikes. John said bike symbols are on weekend schedule. Paul said commuters should be educated about bikes on trains as M-8’s came out. Jim encouraged Paul to keep the Council informed about bike/conductor incidents.
Stamford Garage:
Jeff complimented Gene regarding new signs for monthly/daily riders. Gene said we are making progress.
Mainline Issues:
Mitch asked Metro-North to remind conductors about seating issues. John said conductors are “gun shy” because of customer repercussions. Jeff asked about signs for commuters regarding rider etiquette.
Branchline:
Rodney said he was going to take the 12:27 pm shuttle from New Canaan but the train was cancelled. He did say that there were good announcements but then there was dead silence at 12:35pm. He took a cab but it cost him thirty dollars. The bus never showed. Sue Doering said there were only two buses and they couldn’t keep the schedule. Sue will look into no announcements. Rodney said there were a lot of mad people at the New Canaan station. Jim asked about the train delay threshold which would trigger an e-mail or PA alert. Sue said if there are ten to fifteen minute delays then an alert is made; five mine delay then no alert.
Other:
Rodney asked about the New Haven yard for M-8’s and Gene said there is full funding. Jim will poll later for August meeting.
Adjourned at 9:00pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Roger Cirella
Acting Secretary
Revised 9/2/11
