PCAC Quarterly Report
July - September 1998
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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)
New York City Commuter Rail Riders Now Represented on Councils
Thanks to new legislation that the PCAC proposed, commuter railroad customers who live in New York City now have an official voice on the Long Island Rail Road Commuters Council (LIRRCC) and the Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC). In August, Governor Pataki signed into law a bill adding a Brooklyn representative and a Queens representative to the LIRRCC and a Bronx representative to the MNRCC. Under the legislation, nominations are made by the Borough President of each borough and confirmed by the Governor. Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer and Queens Borough President Claire Shulman have sent their recommendations to Albany.
Council Discusses New Federal Transportation Bill
In September, the PCAC met with Christopher Boylan, MTA deputy executive director - Corporate Affairs and Communications, to discuss the new federal transportation legislation. The law, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), was signed by President Clinton in June. It replaces the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), which expired in March after a six-month extension. The MTA will gain substantially from TEA-21. It could receive as much as $150 million more in annual capital funding than it did under ISTEA. The MTA also received $350 million in funding towards East Side Access, which would connect the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) into Grand Central Terminal. The PCAC campaigned extensively for TEA-21, meeting with legislators in Washington, D.C., and writing to the President and other key Washington officials.
PCAC Advocates for System Expansion
Throughout the quarter, the PCAC actively participated in the MTA's numerous
system expansion studies. Transportation Planner Michael Doyle attended the
first public information meeting for a study examining options for extending
the N subway line to LaGuardia Airport. Council staff continued to make the
case for a Second Avenue subway, stressing the need for this line in several
forums. Staff met with William Wheeler, director of Planning for the MTA,
a representative from the office of State Senator Roy Goodman, and attended
meetings of the technical advisory committee for the Manhattan East Side
Alternatives study. The study is examining options for a Second Avenue
subway along with other measures for improving travel on the east side of
Manhattan.
As work on phase two of the Access to the Region's Core study drew
to a close, the PCAC reiterated its position that the study should focus most
on improving access into Penn Station. Capacity at the station is almost fully
utilized, and the squeeze there will worsen with the LIRR, New Jersey Transit,
and Amtrak all planning to run more trains. Council members and staff attended
project advisory committee meetings for the study. Mr. Doyle testified before
the MTA Board in favor of continuing the project to a third phase.
The Council also played a key role in the Lower Manhattan Access Alternatives study, which is exploring options for improving access to the Financial District for LIRR and Metro-North commuters. PCAC members helped the project team test a survey that asked commuters to identify the aspects of their trip that they would most like to see improved. Council members and staff also were active members in subcommittees helping to evaluate possible transportation improvements for the study area.
Staff Meets with MTA Officials
As a follow-up to an emergency drill he attended in June, Associate Director Jonathan Sigall met with Linda Kleinbaum, director of Policy for the MTA, to discuss issues that arose in the simulation. The drill simulated a collision between an LIRR diesel train and a NYC Transit compressed natural gas (CNG) bus. Mr. Sigall met with Ms. Kleinbaum to review the training that outside agencies receive for handling incidents involving CNG buses.
Mr. Doyle met with Christopher Rohner of the MTA Planning Department to discuss Mr. Rohner's work to improve bicycle policies at the MTA and its agencies. The PCAC has long been a proponent of enhancing bicycle access at MTA facilities. In 1997, the LIRR introduced a new bicycle policy largely patterned after an LIRRCC proposal.
Improvement Sought in LIRR MetroCard Refund Policy
The PCAC took up the cause of LIRR Mail & Ride customers who buy the joint monthly commuter rail pass/MetroCard. Under railroad policy, people cannot obtain a replacement MetroCard if the card on the joint ticket becomes defective. Instead, they receive a credit against their next bill, meaning that they have to pay out-of-pocket for subway fare for the remainder of the month. The amount could be substantial and pose a financial hardship for riders. The PCAC wrote to the LIRR asking that it adopt Metro-North's practice of providing riders with as many $15 MetroCards as are needed to replace the remaining value on the defective card.
Staff Observes Focus Groups on Ticket Machines
Staff observed focus groups held by the LIRR and Metro-North to solicit customer input on the design of new ticket vending machines. Participants were asked to conduct transactions on a mock-up of the machine. They liked some elements of the design, notably that the transaction screens are similar to those on automated teller machines. However, they found some of the screens to be confusing and did not like the overall look of the mock-up. The new machines will be installed beginning in 1999.
MTA Approves Coliseum Sale
In July, the MTA Board approved the sale of the New York Coliseum to the Related Companies and Time Warner for $345 million. The deal concludes a nearly fifteen-year-long effort by the MTA to sell the site. An earlier deal with Boston Properties collapsed after legal challenges and a downturn in the City's real estate market. The PCAC supports the sale since the proceeds will help fund the MTA's current capital program.
Press
Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky and Mr. Sigall were guests on a public affairs program on WCBS-FM. They discussed the PCAC's 1998 report, Customer Communication and Assistance During Emergencies. Mr. Sigall appeared in several stories on the Access to the Region's Core study, including an article in the New York Post and a story on Channel 2.
Long Island Rail Road Commuters Council (LIRRCC)
Council Puts Heat on LIRR Service Problems
The summer of 1998 was one of the worst in recent memory for the LIRR, as hot cars, late trains, and standing-room-only conditions all took their toll on riders. As the problems surfaced, the Council aggressively sought answers, pushed for action from the railroad, and voiced its concern to the media. The efforts paid off, as newspapers and television stations reported on the poor performance throughout the summer. LIRRCC Chairman Lawrence Silverman was widely quoted in the many stories. The news reports caught the attention of Senator Alfonse D'Amato and other key elected officials, who demanded that the railroad move swiftly to make improvements. In September, the New York State Assembly convened a public hearing on the situation, and Mr. Silverman was one of the speakers at the hearing. Also in September, Council members and staff met with LIRR President Thomas F. Prendergast to discuss the problems. Conditions on the railroad have begun to improve. The LIRR is now upgrading its aging diesel and electric fleets and has intensified its car maintenance program.
LIRRCC Launches Customer Courtesy Campaign
Over the summer, the Council received a steady flow of submissions for its "Happy Rails to You" customer courtesy campaign. Announced at a press conference in June, "Happy Rails" is an advertising campaign that the Council hopes to run in order to encourage riders to act with more sensitivity toward each other. The LIRRCC is soliciting ideas for poster designs that would focus on such issues as loud cellular phone conversations, feet or bags on seats, and litter. Winning designs will be announced in October when the Council releases the results of its 1998 Report Card. The Report Card included a question asking people to identify the conduct of other riders that most bothers them.
LIRR Acts on Council Suggestion for Survey
The railroad made a change this year to its annual customer satisfaction survey, heeding the advice of the LIRRCC. Among the aspects of service that customers rate in the survey is the quality of on-train announcements during major service disruptions. The railroad's rating in this area is consistently low. The Council felt, though, that the question was too broad since it only asks riders for their general impression of announcements. Customers are expressing dissatisfaction, but without asking for more information, the LIRR does not know why people are unhappy. The LIRRCC recommended that the railroad ask two questions, one on the timeliness of announcements and one on the sufficiency of the information provided. The LIRR agreed and should as a result have a clearer understanding of what it needs to do to improve. The suggestion was one of the recommendations in the PCAC's 1998 report, Customer Communication and Assistance During Emergencies.
Council Addresses Parking Problems at Syosset Station
Concerned about the parking at Syosset, LIRRCC Co-Chairwoman Barbara Josepher toured the station in July with officials from the Town of Oyster Bay. The town agreed to take several steps to increase the amount of parking and to improve conditions at the lots. In the short term, the town will start enforcement efforts to make sure only permit holders are parking at the station and will look at options for upgrading the deteriorated north parking lot. The town will also explore long-term solutions, including buying more land to expand parking. During the tour, Ms. Josepher also noted other conditions at the station that need to be remedied, some of which the town will address and some of which the Council will work with the LIRR on correcting. These issues include poor access to the platforms from the north parking lot, litter at the station, and deteriorated conditions at the two handicapped ramps.
Meetings
In July, Council members met with Jack Dean, project manger for the MTA's Lower Manhattan Access Alternatives study. Mr. Dean gave a brief overview of the project, which is exploring options for improving access to lower Manhattan for LIRR and Metro-North riders. He also asked for Council input on a survey that was distributed to commuters.
Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC)
MNRCC Active in Planning Efforts
The Council actively participated in two studies that could yield better service for Metro-North commuters on both sides of the Hudson River. Council member George Zoebelein attended a meeting in July for the West Shore Major Investment Study, which is examining options for restoring commuter rail service on the west side of the river. Three potential alignments are being studied, all of which use existing railroad rights-of-way. Two of the routes begin in Rockland County in New York and continue into Hudson County in New Jersey. The other route runs exclusively in New Jersey, starting in Bergen County and also ending in Hudson County. Additional work would be necessary to link the lines into routes providing access to New York City.
In August, Mr. Zoebelein and Transportation Planner Michael Doyle attended a community meeting for the Melrose Metro-North Station study. The study is exploring ways to improve conditions and service at this dilapidated and underserved station at 161 Street and Park Avenue in the Bronx.
Yankee Stadium Station Pursued by Council
Council member Robert Schumacher and Associate Director Jonathan Sigall met with John Kennard, Metro-North director - Capital and Long-Range Planning, in September to discuss the possibilities for constructing a station at Yankee Stadium. Although Metro-North wants to build the station only if the Yankees remain in the Bronx, the MNRCC feels that the station could work even if the team moves. Commuters could park at the stadium, using the ample parking in the area, and then board a train to Grand Central Terminal. At the meeting, Mr. Schumacher suggested that the railroad construct a temporary station to test the idea. Mr. Kennard agreed to look into the recommendation.
Council Helps with Customer Satisfaction Survey
Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky and Mr. Sigall assisted Metro-North in its market research efforts, distributing quarterly customer satisfaction surveys on board trains in July. In June, the Council submitted comments on the survey.
MNRCC Tours Secaucus Transfer Site
In July, Ms. Dolinsky and Council member Ronnie Ackman visited the site of a new commuter rail transfer station under construction in Secaucus, New Jersey. When completed, this facility will make it easier for Metro-North's West-of-Hudson commuters to reach Manhattan. They will be able to transfer at the new station to New Jersey Transit trains directly serving Penn Station. Today, they must travel to Hoboken for connection to the PATH.
Meetings
At the Council's July meeting, Jack Dean, project manager for the MTA's Lower Manhattan Access Alternatives study, met with members to discuss the planning effort. The study is examining ways to improve access to lower Manhattan for Metro-North and LIRR riders. Mr. Dean solicited the feedback of members on a survey that was distributed to commuters as part of the study.
Concerned with the growing parking shortage at many Metro-North stations, the MNRCC met with Charles Zabielski, the railroad's director of Marketing, in August. Mr. Zabielski, who oversees Metro-North's bus initiatives, gave an overview of the different bus routes that currently serve stations and of planned new routes. Earlier in the summer, the Council contacted New Jersey Transit to learn more about its experience with bus service to and from stations. The MNRCC wants Metro-North to follow New Jersey Transit's lead in awarding grants to communities for new routes.
Press
Mr. Zoebelein was quoted in a Rockland Journal News article about Rockland County's plans to study whether it should remain a member of the MTA. He commented that the agency needs to do more for its West-of-Hudson riders.
New York City Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC)
TRC Calls for More Transit Service
With subway and bus ridership surging, Associate Director Jonathan Sigall urged NYC Transit in July to add substantially more service than called for in the agency's plans. At its committee meeting that month, NYC Transit announced that it would increase service on several subway and bus lines. The TRC is concerned that the increases are not enough given that subway and bus ridership is at its highest level in years. In September, NYC Transit went further, announcing plans to add another $44 million in subway and bus service.
MetroCard Swiping Difficulties Of Concern to TRC
The popularity of the MetroCard has created a headache for subway customers. Many people find that they must swipe multiple times or switch turnstiles to gain entry into the system. The issue is one that the Council has long been trying to resolve, and over the summer, the TRC continued its efforts. In July, members and staff met with Atefeh Riazi, NYC Transit vice president and chief information officer - Technology Division. Then in September, the TRC joined the Straphangers Campaign, another transit advocacy group, in a letter to NYC Transit President Lawrence Reuter on the issue. Not all of the ideas were accepted, but both Mr. Reuter and Ms. Riazi support the eventual switch to Smartcards that riders would not have to swipe at turnstiles. Mr. Reuter also agreed to explore the TRC's suggestion to establish refund centers in each borough. Customers with MetroCard problems would be able to go to one of the centers instead of mailing in their card or traveling to NYC Transit headquarters in Brooklyn.
Changes Sought in Proposed Subway Car Design
After viewing a mock-up of the new "B" division subway car, the TRC wrote to NYC Transit President Lawrence Reuter in July with comments on the design. The Council liked many aspects of the car, including ceiling handholds and electronic signs that will display the next station stop. However, the Council did express reservation with some features. It is particularly concerned about the decision to use bench-style seating rather than the L-shaped seating that is used on "B" division cars. NYC Transit opted for bench-style seating to improve passenger flow on the cars, though by doing so, it is giving up 24 seats per train. The TRC reiterated its position in a September letter to Mr. Reuter and at its July meeting. The Council's guest that month was Gene Sansone, NYC Transit chief maintenance officer - Car Equipment Engineering and Technical Support.
Council Finds NYC Transit Customer Information Lacking
Council Chairman Andrew Albert, Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky, Mr. Sigall, and Transportation Planner Michael Doyle met with officials from NYC Transit's Customer Services Department to discuss problems with service diversion notices. In recent months, the TRC has come across many notices that either contain errors or are confusing. Problems were most severe with the notices and brochures for service changes that affected the E and F lines over the summer.
Access to Times Square Subway Station Seen as Problem
In August, the TRC wrote to MTA Chairman E. Virgil Conway, expressing concern with the Times Square subway station renovation project. For the most part, members support the proposed work, but they are concerned that the plans include only one entrance north of 42nd Street. The Council noted in its letter that most of the attractions in Times Square are located above 42nd Street. In his response, Mr. Conway said that the MTA is examining opportunities to maintain or improve access from north of 42nd Street. Ms. Dolinsky sits on a coalition of Times Square businesses and community organizations working on the issue.
Council Discusses One-Person Train Operation
Kevin O'Connell, NYC Transit assistant chief transportation officer - Rapid Transit Operations, was the Council's guest in August. He briefed members on the status of the agency's One-Person Train Operation (OPTO) program. The TRC has long supported OPTO, though it has some concerns that it raised in a September letter to Mr. Reuter. Of most concern is the decision by NYC Transit not to use the cost savings from OPTO to add more service on routes where the program is used. Riders would benefit greatly from more service considering that most OPTO trains run at late night, when service is infrequent. In his response, Mr. Reuter said that more trains are not needed. He did agree, though, to explore the TRC's suggestion that OPTO trains be equipped with closed-circuit television cameras that would enable the train operator to see what is happening on each car.
Staff Observes Focus Groups on Station Flooring
In July, Ms. Dolinsky, Mr. Sigall, and Mr. Doyle observed focus groups held by NYC Transit to solicit customer input on the best type of floor material to use in subway station rehabilitation projects. Participants toured several recently renovated stations to see the different types of material now used, including plain concrete and tiling. All agreed that stations with concrete floors look unfinished. Sentiment on the best type of tile was mixed, though most participants expressed a preference for granite tile because they felt it was the least slippery material. Kenneth Stuart, NYC Transit director - Market Research, discussed these and other results of the groups at the TRC's September meeting.
Press
Mr. Albert was widely quoted during the quarter. In a Daily News story, he said that the rehabilitation plans for the 72nd Street and Broadway subway station were inadequate. He noted that they do not address the facility's most pressing need: wider platforms to accommodate the growing ridership. Mr. Albert also appeared on Channel 4, expressing concerns about the dramatic increase in the number of rapes on the subway system in 1998. He was quoted as well in a New York Times article on plans to suspend J. M, and Z subway service over the Williamsburg Bridge for five months in 1999. Although Mr. Albert understands the need to replace the subway tracks on the bridge, he noted that the closure would greatly inconvenience the 45,000 people who use the J, M, and Z each day.
Throughout the summer, TRC staff was quoted on the need for additional subway and bus service. In a Daily News article, Mr. Sigall noted that the bus service increases proposed in July were a good first step, but he said that more may need to be done. Ms. Dolinsky appeared on New York 1, Channel 4, and WCBS-AM regarding NYC Transit's September announcement that it would add another $44 million in subway and bus service.
In July, Mr. Doyle was quoted in a Newsday column on the customer information campaign for the weekly and monthly unlimited-ride passes. He said that NYC Transit needs to do more to educate customers about the passes. Mr. Doyle was also quoted in a Newsday column on the MetroCard's growing popularity.
Mr. Sigall appeared on Channel 2 expressing support for NYC Transit's plans to equip articulated buses with closed-circuit television cameras. He said that the cameras should deter vandalism by enabling drivers to see what is happening at the rear of the bus.
