PCAC Quarterly Report
October - December 1996
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- Long Island Rail Road Commuters Council
- Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council
- New York City Transit Riders Council
Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee (PCAC)
Staff Addition
In October, Colette Thayer joined the PCAC staff as our research associate, replacing Jonathan Sigall, who is now the PCAC transportation planner. Ms. Thayer is completing her master's degree in public administration at NYU's Wagner School of Public Service, where her area of concentration is public policy. Prior to joining PCAC, Ms. Thayer worked at the Brookings Institution.
LIRRCC Representative to MTA Board Appointed
In December the State Senate confirmed Governor Pataki's appointment of LIRRCC Chairman Lawrence Silverman to serve as the LIRR riders' representative on the MTA Board. At the present time, Mr. Silverman will serve as an alternate and sit on the Board's Long Island Committee.
In April, the PCAC's Board seats will rotate, and Ronnie Ackman, the Metro-North riders' representative, will take over Beverly Dolinsky's position as the non-voting Board member. After Ms. Ackman serves 18 months, Mr. Silverman will become the non-voting Board member.
PCAC Meets with Former MTA Chairman
Robert Kiley, president and chief executive officer of the New York City Partnership and Chamber of Commerce and former MTA Chairman, was the guest speaker at the December PCAC meeting. Mr. Kiley spoke mainly about transit financing and the importance of public investment in infrastructure. Mr. Kiley also commented on the reauthorization of ISTEA and the discussions underway regarding the way in which ISTEA funds are distributed.
Presidents Forum
PCAC's annual Presidents Forum was held on October 2. Metro-North President Donald Nelson, LIRR President Thomas Prendergast, and New York City Transit President Lawrence Reuter responded to questions and comments from the audience. As always, the forum was well attended, and the audience of more than 100 people included many commuter rail users.
City Commuter Working Group
The PCAC Executive Committee decided at its December meeting to form a working group of Queens and Bronx residents who use the MTA's commuter rail services, since the legislation that created the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad Commuter Councils did not provide for representation for residents of these two boroughs. The members of the working group will meet with their respective commuter council quarterly.
Gimbel's Passageway Tour
In November members of the LIRRCC and NYCTRC went on a tour of the abandoned Gimbel's passageway, which once connected the Herald Square subway complex with Penn Station. The tour was held in conjunction with New York City Transit, the 34th Street Partnership, and the Manhattan Mall.
The passageway was in a very deteriorated state, and there would be a significant cost involved to make it structurally sound. Although New York City Transit, the City, and the Partnership all say they would support the reopening of the passageway, no one has offered to fund its rehabilitation or to pay for maintenance and security.
Airport Access
Several PCAC members and staff have attended a series of recent community meetings concerning the Port Authority's planned light rail link between Jamaica Station and JFK. The principal area of discussion has been compatibility with the existing rail network, which wouldenable through service to JFK from Manhattan.
Press Coverage
PCAC Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky was interviewed on WABC and New York One, discussing congestion pricing in response to William Vickrey's winning the Nobel Prize for economics. Sadly, Dr. Vickrey passed away shortly after winning the prize.
Ms. Dolinsky was quoted in a November 11 New York Times article on the MTA Inspector General's investigation into the MTA's contract with Cubic Automated Revenue Group, the firm that is installing the MetroCard system. Cubic's competitors have accused the MTA of improper dealings with Cubic, particularly with regard to a contract modification for automated vending machines. Ms. Dolinsky said that the investigation should be taken very seriously.
Special Meeting on Major Investment Studies
A special PCAC meeting will be held on February 6 to discuss the MTA's ongoing major investment studies, including Access to the Region's Core, Long Island Rail Road East Side Access, East River Crossings, Manhattan East Side Alternatives, and Long Island City Needs and Opportunities. The meeting will take place from 12:15 to 2:00 PM in the 5th Floor Board Room at 347 Madison.
PCAC on the Web
PCAC's site on the world wide web is now fully operational. It contains information about the PCAC and its three councils, as well as our schedule of meetings and links to other transit-related sites. Visitors can see what is on the agenda for upcoming meetings, read our Quarterly Report, or order copies of research reports. If you have not already been to our site, please visit us at http://users.aol.com/permcac [note: old address, do not use - PCAC Webmaster].
Long Island Rail Road Commuters Council (LIRRCC)
Report Card
The Council released the results of its tenth annual LIRR Report Card. Council members distributed over 2000 report card surveys on rush-hour trains earlier in the year. While the railroad continued to earn mostly mediocre grades from its riders, the overall grade improved from a C to a C+, and grades improved in 14 other categories, while declining in only two. Unfortunately, the declines occurred in two critical areas of railroad service — morning on-time performance and morning seat availability.
The Report Card received considerable press coverage by newspapers, radio, and television. Long Island's News 12 prominently featured a discussion of the Report Card on its "Reporter Roundtable," and LIRRCC Chair Lawrence Silverman and members Barbara Josepher and Martin Meise discussedthe results on the station's "At Issue" program.
Town Liaisons
In response to a suggestion by Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, the Council has begun an effort to improve communication with local governments. Each member will now serve as a liaison to a particular town, since towns often play a significant role in issues of importance to riders, such as parking and security.
Alcohol Policy Pilot
The Council recently endorsed a pilot test of a new alcohol policy proposed by the railroad. The pilot will be conducted on the Port Washington Branch and will restrict alcohol consumption to the fourth car of the train. Alcohol consumption is currently unrestricted.
The railroad began this initiative in response to the Council's 1995 Report Card, which revealed that 64% of riders think that alcohol should not be allowed on board. The railroad subsequently conducted its own survey, on which the new policy is based. The Council has asked the LIRR to present its findings from the pilot test before implementing the policy on a broader basis.
Taylor Law
Prior to the November election, the Council wrote to the Long Island congressional candidates asking for their position on placing LIRR employees under the jurisdiction of New York State's Taylor Law, which prohibits public employees from striking. None of the candidates was willing to state a position on the issue.
Bicycle Policy
In mid-1996 the Council proposed a new bicycle policy for the LIRR, which would make it easier for cyclists to get to and from Long Island. In October, the Council received a letter from LIRR President Thomas Prendergast stating that the railroad would begin a review of its policy in late 1996, continuing into early 1997. Mr. Prendergast also said that new rolling stock may allow for more bicycles on LIRR trains.
Penn Station Air Conditioning
This summer, the Council wrote to the railroad regarding the lack of air conditioning in the women's rest room at Penn Station. LIRR Senior Vice President Thomas Waring replied that the air was shut off while repairs were made and, inadvertently, it was never turned back on. Mr. Waring said that the railroad will monitor such service calls in the future to make sure that this situation does not recur.
Council Meetings
At the October meeting, MNRCC member Robert Schumacher and TRC member Stephen Wilder presented their proposal for a covered passageway between the LIRR and subway stations at Hunters Point Avenue.
At the November meeting members discussed several on-going issues, including the LIRR's proposed alcohol policy, reopening of the Gimbel's passageway, and the town liaison initiative.
Press Coverage
Mr. Silverman was featured in Newsday on December 15. The article focused on Mr. Silverman's new role as an MTA Board member.
Mr. Silverman was quoted in an October 16 article in Newsday regarding the MTA Inspector General's audit of the LIRR's on-time performance statistics. Mr. Silverman stated that the report confirmed the findings of the Council's Report Card. Mr. Silverman's letter to Newsday's editor on the this subject was published on October 28.
Mr. Silverman was quoted in Newsday on October 29 in an article regarding the MTA's announcement of discounts for riders who purchase a combination railroad/New York City Transit ticket.
Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC)
West-of-Hudson Contract
The Council has continued to monitor the negotiation process between Metro-North and NJ Transit for the new West-of-Hudson service contract. Finalization of the contract has been delayed because Metro-North cannot make a funding commitment to NJ Transit's Secaucus Transfer project until the MTA's 1995-1999 Capital Program is approved by the Capital Program Review Board.
New Members Sought
In October the Council wrote to Putnam County Executive Robert Bondi and Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus asking them to nominate members to the MNRCC. It has been several years since either county has had representation on the Council.
In December Mr. Bondi informed us that he has contacted several prospective candidates to ask if they are interested in serving on the Council.
Early Departures Reported
During the past summer the Council received complaints of trains departing early from the Hawthorne Station, and we reported them to George Walker, Metro-North's senior vice president of operations. We have since learned that crews are prohibited from departingearly, unless their train has an "H" designation in the timetable. Mr. Walker reported that the railroad's records show that the train in question did run slightly ahead of schedule on one of the occasions we reported. The supervisor has spoken to the crew about this issue and will monitor their future performance.
Suffern Signage
In response to the Council's concern regarding poor signage at the Suffern Station, Metro-North conducted an investigation in November. Council member George Zoebelein had noted that signage directing riders to the station was inadequate, as was signage at the station itself.
Announcements
In response to the Council's complaint that conductors were not announcing stops on Hudson Line express trains, conductors were reinstructed to make full announcements at all stops. They have also been advised to walk through cars calling station stops when the public address system is not working.
Council Meetings
At the Council's October meeting a presentation was made by Frederick Palmer, Metro-North's director of station services and facilities. Mr. Palmer discussed Metro-North's implementation of district managers, which has reduced the complaint response time, created a sense ofteamwork in the field, and reduced the "facelessness" of the railroad from the customer's perspective. Mr. Palmer also spoke about Metro-North's proposed use of multi-functional station agents, as well as the Zero Complaint program, which is currently in development.
At the November meeting Randall Fleischer, Metro-North's director of parking planning and development, discussed parking-related issues with the Council and detailed Metro-North's plans to increase its inventory of parking spaces.
Also at the November meeting, Robert MacLagger, director of operations planning, spoke about Metro-North's plan for wider implementation of ticket vending machines.
Press Coverage
On October 9 Associate Director Alan Foster was quoted in the Gannett News regarding Metro-North's change in its on-time threshold from five minutes and 29 seconds to five minutes and 59 seconds. Mr. Foster said that the change was not expected to make a significant difference.
New York City Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC)
Council Meets with NYCT President
In December TRC members met with New York City Transit President Lawrence Reuter. Topics of discussion included subway service quality, one-person train operation, the new subway car purchase, student passes, free intermodal transfers, and reduced-fare MetroCards.
The Council learned that a mock-up of the new subway car will be available for members to tour and comment on in the near future. NYC Transit will go to the MTA Board in February for approval to award the contract for the first series of cars. The cars are scheduled for delivery 18 months after the contract is finalized.
Staten Island Booth Reopens
In December NYC Transit reopened the token booth in the St. George ferry terminal. The TRC had requested that the booth be reopened because St. George is the only location on Staten Island where seniors and people with disabilities can refill their half-fare cards. Previously, they had to go down a flight of stairs to the Staten Island Railway booth. The reopened booth will be open from 7 AM to 12:30 PM, and will process MetroCard transactions only (no token sales).
Council Proposes G/7 Transfer
In November Associate Director Alan Foster testified at the MTA Board's NYC Transit Committee regarding a proposal to terminate G line trains at Court Square during late nights and weekends to facilitate construction on the Queens Connector project. Mr. Foster stated the Council's recommendation that a free transfer be offered between the CourtSquare Station and the 45 Road-Courthouse Square Station on the 7 line. The free transfer could be provided without constructing an enclosed transfer passageway, through the use of MetroCard technology.
Signage Survey
The TRC will undertake a survey of subway station signage in the upcoming months. Members will evaluate signs at 100 stations in order to determine the prevalence of incorrect, out-of-date, and inadequate signage. The Council's last signage survey was conducted in 1987.
Focus Groups
In recent months the staff has observed a number of market research focus groups conducted by NYC Transit. In October focus groups were held to discuss the design of bus timetables. Many of the participants were not aware that timetables were available and were skeptical about the timetables' accuracy. Nevertheless, the participants said that they like having the scheduled arrival times to use as a guideline.
In a series of focus groups in November, participants had the opportunity to ride a prototype low-floor hybrid-electric bus. The overall reaction was favorable, but there were concerns about the number and placement of seats.
MetroCard vending machines were the subject of another series of focus groups.The prototype machine has a touch screen and accepts cash as well as debit and credit cards. The staff raised concerns about the large size of the machine and whether it will fit into station control areas and out-of-system sales locations.
East River Crossing Study
In October the Council submitted comments on the short list of alternatives for NYC Transit's East River Crossing Study. In response to a suggestion from TRC member Stephen Dobrow, Todd DiScala of the project team said that each element of each alternative will be evaluated independently so that the incremental benefit of each element can be determined.
The short list of alternatives includes, in addition to a "no build" and a transportation system management (TSM) alternative, the following: (1) a new connection to allow B, D, and Q trains to use the Rutgers Street Tunnel, (2) a redesign of Nostrand Junction to increase capacity on the 2, 3, 4, and 5 lines, and (3) a combination of the two.
TRC Calls for Better Scheduling of Service Diversions
The Council wrote to President Reuter concerning recent instances in which multiple service diversions affecting the same customers were scheduled to occur simultaneously. Mr. Reuter replied that the operations planning department takes this into consideration when scheduling track outages, and tries to avoid inconveniencing the same customers twice whenever possible.
Council Makes Suggestions
In response to TRC member Stephen Wilder's suggestion that platforms be marked with paint to inform passengers where short trains stop, Chief Station Officer Carol Meltzer replied that she is reviewing this idea with other divisions to determine its feasibility.
The Council also wrote to Joseph Hofmann, senior vice president - department of subways, with several suggestions that resulted from a November Service & Planning Committee meeting. The Council recommended more frequent announcements at the Times Square Shuttle cautioning riders to be careful of the gap between the train and the platform, and that the announcement should mention the gap specifically instead of referring to the "moving platform," which is not readily visible. The recording was changed in response to our suggestion.
The Council also recommended that a message be included on existing recordings at escalators reminding people to "stand to the right, walk to the left." Mr. Hofmann replied that NYC Transit's office of system safety has determined that walking on escalators is unsafe, and therefore does not want to promote this practice.
Another recommendation was to develop a plan to reduce congestion at the elevators in the 168 Street and 191 Street Stations in upper Manhattan. Field managers at those stations are now monitoring the situation and evaluating improved signage and other options to facilitate the flow of passengers.
In December the Council wrote to President Reuter to suggest that A trains destined for Far Rockaway and Rockaway Park be designated with an airplane symbol, either on the cars' roll signs or on the bodies of the cars. This would immediately let travelers know that these trains are the correct way to the airport, as opposed to the A trains bound for Lefferts Blvd.
Floor Tile Options Reviewed
Mr. Albert and Ms. Dolinsky met with John Tarantino and William Madden of NYC Transit's station design and construction department regarding options being considered for station flooring. As the Council had pointed out early on, the Granirex tiles that have been used in many station rehabilitations are extremely slippery when wet. NYC Transit is now evaluating alternative materials, as well as testing various treatments to make the Granirex tiles already installed less slippery.
Council Meetings
Millard Seay, senior vice president of the department of buses, was the guest atthe October meeting. Mr. Seay spoke about initiatives he has implemented to improve bus service and to provide better information to riders. Mr. Seay answered questions on a number of issues, including NYC Transit's plans to provide additional bus service once the free bus-to-subway transfer is introduced. In addition, NYCTRC Chair Andrew Albert, Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky, and Mr. Foster met with Mr. Seay to discuss NYC Transit's proposed strategic plan for buses.
NYC Transit's acting budget director, Harvey Poris, addressed the Council in November. Mr. Poris presented the agency's 1997 operating budget and answered questions. In addition, Margaret Coffey and Peggy Millstone of NYC Transit marketing services presented the latest car cards in the agency's "ABCs of MetroCard" campaign, designed to educate customers about using the card.
At the December meeting Paul Gawkowski of NYC Transit operations planning presented the findings of the Staten Island Transit Needs Assessment Study.
Press Coverage
Ms. Dolinsky was interviewed twice on New York One, once regarding the slippery floor tiles, and once about the Lexington Avenue/53 Street escalator replacement project, which will impact E and F service for several months.
Mr. Foster was quoted in a November 16 Daily News article regarding NYC Transit's 1997 budget.
