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 NOVEMBER 17, 2010

SWRPA

STAMFORD, CT

 

 

Present were:  Jim Cameron, Chairman, John Hartwell, Rodney Chabot, Terri Cronin, Jeff Maron and Roger Cirella, members of the Council; Gene Colonese and Jim Redeker, DOT; Joe Kanell, John Hogan, John Longobardi and Susan Doering, MNR; Martin Cassidy, Stamford Advocate.

 

The Minutes of the meeting of October 20, 2010 were approved.

 

M8 CARS

 

Rodney Chabot reported on the inaugural M-8 ride on the M-8 from New Haven to Fairfield and back on November 15, where Governor Rell mentioned the Council in her speech.  She was very proud having her name on one of the cars, which was an idea of CDOT Commissioner Parker.  Mr. Chabot said the ride on the new cars was very comfortable; the track noise was less than current cars although the blowers are noisy.  The connecting doors from one car to the next open with one push.

 

Jim Redecker reported that 42 additional cars are being funded with money already allocated.  He also reported that, as scheduled, some M8 cars will be deployed by the end of the year – one train, maybe two if testing goes well.  Mr. Redeker also reported that there are now 22 cars with 16 more coming from Japan and the remaining 304 will come from Nebraska, where production has already begun.  As the M8s come on line, the M2s will be redeployed to improve consist performance.  The M8s will probably not retire any M2 cars until late 2011.

 

Jim Cameron pointed out that the Council is disappointed that Kawasaki hadn’t sent a representative to speak with the Council as was formally requested.  Gene Colonese explained that such a person “wasn’t available”. 

 

 

FARES

 

There is no plan at this time to increase fares.  The CDOT is waiting for a green light with the launch of M8 service, as promised by the Governor.

 

 

BICYCLES ON TRAINS

 

There was no discussion about bicycles on trains because the bike representative wasn’t present.

 

 

OPERATIONS REPORT

 

Ridership continues to increase.  LIRR ridership has declined, allowing Metro-North’s ridership to surpass that of its sister railroad.

 

Rodney Chabot asked a question about why the goal for main distance between failures for new diesels (BL) is so much lower than the older ones.

 

 

CSR PROGRAM

 

No decision on whether to restart the CSR program with M4s and M6s.

 

 

BREAK-INS OF CARS PARKED AT STATIONS

 

Break-ins were reported at several stations along the line in November.  It was the Council’s view that Towns should have the responsibility to provide police presence as they were closer, better staffed and that Towns received revenue from parking permit sales.  If cameras are put in they have to go through CDOT.

 

 

FAIRFIELD METRO STATION

 

Fairfield’s new station will now be called “Fairfield Metro” and should come on line in late 2011.

 

 

STAMFORD STATION

 

There was nothing new to report in terms of replacement of a parking garage at Stamford station.  A recent RFP for operation of the station was won by Fusco, the current provider, but with a new sub-contractor replacing ProPark

 

 

NEW HAVEN MAINTENANCE YARD

 

The new M8 acceptance yard is finished and the M2 shop code upgrades are finished.  The component change-out shop is on schedule.

 

 

BRANCH LINE ISSUES

 

Branchville has sold all available parking spots for $250 per month.  It was reported that the Waterbury connection was missed at Bridgeport on Thursday.  MNR had a delayed train and didn’t order a bus.  The bar car is missing on the New Canaan line.  It was reported that Metro-North’s Joe Kanell is retiring and will be replaced by John Longobardi.

 

 

QUIET CARS

 

New Jersey Transit has quiet cars which are a big success, being rolled out system wide.  The quiet cars are under review by MNR.

 

WIFI

 

The scope of the work has been prepared and will be tested.

 

MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

 

The Council’s new logo with the circle was approved.  The $200 cost of the logo will be shared by donations of Council members.

 

Jim Cameron announced that Laura Cordes from New London has been appointed by Senator Williams.  She commutes to Hartford.

 

The next meeting will take place at SWRPA in Stamford on December 15, 2010. 

 

Bob Jelley

Secretary

Phone:  (203) 498-4306

E-mail:  rjelley@wiggin.com