The Long Island Rail Road Commuter’s Council has announced that its President’s Forum with Helena Williams will be held on May 14, from 5 to 7 PM.  In order to facilitate rider attendance, this event will be held in the JFK AirTrain street level concourse, immediately adjacent to the LIRR Jamaica Station.  Riders will be able to easily access this venue and then return to the station platforms to continue their commute home.  Look for the colorful poster (shown on the left) in train cars and in stations for complete details. 

Construction on the Dey Street
passageway linking the
Fulton Street Transit Center with
the World Trade Center (Source: MTA)

At their April meeting the NYCTRC heard Stanley Grill, Vice President – Materiel, explain how the MTA procurement process works. The members were concerned about the construction delays and cost overruns in some of the mega projects such as the Fulton Street Transit Center. Mr. Grill explained that under the NY State Public Authorities law any purchase of goods over $15,000 and construction over $25,000 requires a contract to be let under a “sealed bid” process. These bids are opened publicly and awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. He noted that if the project is too large, sometimes it is necessary to break it into smaller parts in order to attract more bidders, and hence, secure better prices.

The MTA Board does have the power to waive the sealed bid process and issue an RFP (request for proposal). This is particularly desirable in large complex projects where it is desirable to negotiate proposals and assess the offers based on many factors besides price. An example of this is the West Side Yards project. Mr. Grill also touched on other facets of procurement, such as incentives, minority contractors, change orders and liquidated damages.

April 2008
MNRCC Gets a New Take on Commuting

At the April Council meeting Josh Crandall, founder of The Clever Commute, explained how commuters can help each other ease and speed their commute. The principle is based on an exchange of e-mail messages with fellow riders. The idea is to use a mobile e-mail device to navigate delays via timely information from people making the same trip as you. With the help of your fellow riders who are actually there (or have just come through it), commuters can make informed decisions about alternative actions. The messages sent and received are strictly related to the commute and messages are sent only when there is a problem as reported by the commuter community.

The Clever Commute is operational across the NY Metro region for commuter rail lines, subway, bus, light rail and ferry. This innovative idea has spread to a variety of cities in the U.S. and even to London. The Clever Commute has been featured in the media, including the New York Times and the Boston Globe. The service is free and riders can sign up at www.clevercommute.com