© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Fairfield Rail Commuter Event Draws Complaints About Metro-North

@CTRailCommuters

Over 100 people attended a forum in Fairfield on Tuesday night intended for Metro-North commuters to talk about problems plaguing the rail service. Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker attended the event at the Pequot Library and took questions.

Riders complained about service delays caused by electrical problems, crowded trains, and heating and cooling problems. Some commuters also accused Connecticut and Metro-North officials of not caring about them, and not wanting to take responsibility.

The event was sponsored by The Connecticut Citizens Transportation Lobby, which had advertised on a flyer, "Railroad performance is not acceptable! Connecticut commuters pay the highest rail fares in the U.S., and our state pays Metro-North $73 million a year to run the trains."

At the event, @CTRailCommuters tweeted several remarks. "SRO" refers to standing room only on the trains.

A Metro-North derailment in the Bronx in December left four people dead and another in Bridgeport last May injured scores of people. Power outages and downed wires have stranded hundreds of passengers this year. 

The Connecticut Rail Commuter Council is holding another forum on Metro-North service at 7:00 pm on Wednesday in Stamford.

For more coverage of Tuesday's event:

"Commuters Rail at Metro-North RR for Litany of Woes," by Martin B. Cassidy in The Fairfield Citizen

"Angry Metro-North Riders Demand Action, Not More Promises," by Don Stacom in The Hartford Courant

This report includes information from The Associated Press.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content