PCAC Quarterly Report
April - June 2000
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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)
PCAC Bids Farewell to Associate Director, Welcomes New Staff
In May, after four years with the PCAC beginning as Research Associate,
Associate Director Jonathan Sigall moved on to the Long Island Rail Road.
Mr. Sigall's new position is cost benefit specialist in the newly formed
economic analysis unit in the LIRR's Department of Management and Budget.
PCAC members and staff were sorry to see Mr. Sigall leave. They commended
his ability and dedication and wished him success in all of his future
endeavors.
At the same time members congratulated Transportation Planner Michael Doyle who assumed the position of Associate Director. Members also welcomed Joshua Schank as PCACıs Transportation Planner. Mr. Schank is a Ph.D. Candidate in Urban Planning at Columbia University.
PCAC Honors Longtime Member Robert Schumacher
At the June meeting, PCAC Chair Barbara Josepher presented a plaque to
PCAC and Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council member Robert Schumacher.
The PCAC applauded and recognized Mr. Schumacher "for a lifetime dedicated
to improving public transportation." Bob Schumacher was appointed to the
Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council in January 1985. He worked for the
City of New York as a civil engineer until his retirement. In addition
to being an engineer, Mr. Schumacher received a Masters Degree in Urban
Planning from Columbia University.
Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky Resumes Seat on MTA Board
Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky, who was the first PCAC non-voting
MTA Board Member in October 1995, resumed that position in April following
the eighteen-month rotation of LIRRCC Chairperson Lawrence Silverman.
MTA Board Members welcomed Ms. Dolinsky back at a special meeting to approve
the 2000 2004 Capital Program. While Ms. Dolinsky congratulated MTA
Chairman E. Virgil Conway and Executive Director Marc Shaw on achieving
legislative approval for a plan of such magnitude, she urged them to meet
with their detractors to discuss the financing of the plan, which relies
so heavily on debt.
PCAC Report Examines MTA Customer Communications Practices
The report, Mixed Signals: An Assessment
of the MTAıs Handling of Customer Inquiries Received via Mail, Phone,
and Web, was released by the Committee in June. The report details
the results of an examination of the MTAıs handling of customer inquiries
and highlights deficiencies in customer communication policies and practices
at the MTA and its operating agencies. The study found Metro-North to
have the best communications practices of all MTA agencies. The study
also found the MTA to be behind the industry curve because it bars its
agencies from accepting email communications from customers and recommended
that this restriction be eliminated.
Executive Director Moderates Panels at Major Planning Conferences
At the American Planning Associationıs Annual Conference in New York,
Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky moderated a panel on New Transportation
Fare Technology. The panel explored the impact of fare technology on mass
transit operations and ridership. EZ Pass and its effect on toll collection
was examined as well as possibilities for using similar "smart-card" technology
in the public transportation sector to facilitate seamless trips.
Ms. Dolinsky also moderated a panel at the Womenıs Transportation Seminarıs Annual Conference. The panel, Meet the Press, was a discussion with print and television reporters who cover transportation in New York, New Jersey, and Boston. Participants had an opportunity to both hear and quiz the reporters. Frequent turnover of transit reporters is common, making it essential that transportation organizations work with reporters to ensure accuracy and understanding of local issues.
Chicago Transit Authority Consults with PCAC on Public Involvement
Senior staff of the Chicago Transit authority, including Chief of Staff
Beth White and Senior Vice-President for Planning Marcel Acosta, met with
PCAC staff to discuss the history, enabling legislation and accomplishments
of the PCAC. CTA staff was very interested in learning how their own Citizens
Advisory Committee could be re-energized and strengthened and looked to
the PCAC as a model.
PCAC Continues Participation in MTA Planning Studies, Comments on
East Side Access
During the quarter staff attended a Federal Transit Administration meeting
on the MTAıs planing studies and capital projects, meetings on Long Island
Rail Road East Side Access and Metro-North Penn Station Access, and a
public hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement of the LIRR
East Side Access Project.
PCAC submitted comments on the East Side Access document, expressing support for the project and its proposed deep-tunnel option, which would eliminate many construction difficulties. However, the PCAC expressed concern over the effect the project will have on the Lexington Avenue subway line, already the city's most crowded, and stated the need to complete the long-awaited Second Avenue Subway in concert with East Side Access.
PCAC Discusses New MTA Capital Plan
Concerned about the funding plan for the MTA's 2000-2004 capital plan,
which relies heavily on debt, the PCAC addressed the issue with Gary Caplan,
MTA budget director, at its meeting in June. Mr. Caplan said that he welcomed
the opportunity to meet with the PCAC because of widespread opposition
and misinformation about the plan's financing. Mr. Caplan explained that
the new plan is 37% larger than the 1995-1999 plan, but that investment
income and one-shot resources were reduced, necessitating greater debt.
Mr. Caplan also noted that the MTA desired to better structure its "security"
house in order to benefit from bonds with better marketability. To help
upgrade bonds and pay lower interest, under the new plan 16 different
bonds were restructured into four types.
Long Island Rail Road Commuters' Council (LIRRCC)
Council Reelects Officers Lawrence Silverman, Barbara Josepher
In June, the LIRRCC held its biennial elections. Chair Lawrence Silverman
and Vice-Chair Barbara Josepher were reelected unanimously. Mr. Silverman
stated that this would most likely be his last term, since he expects
to stop commuting on the LIRR within the next two years, and that he would
welcome the opportunity to help groom another member to be the chairperson
in the future.
Council Says Goodbye to Thomas Prendergast, Meets Acting LIRR President
In May, the Council awarded a plaque to outgoing LIRR President Thomas
Prendergast in recognition of his outstanding service to the LIRR and
to the MTA. Mr. Prendergast's responsibilities shift to longtime LIRR
employee Kenneth Bauer who will serve as Acting President while an executive
search continues.
Mr. Bauer stopped by the Councilıs May meeting to officially introduce himself to Council members. Formerly vice president and chief financial officer at the LIRR, Mr. Bauer discussed his background and commented that he has a unique perspective as LIRR President. He is the first LIRR President from Long Island and has been an LIRR commuter for 30 years. Mr. Bauerıs goal is to improve the consistency of the railroad's operations and to ensure that the LIRR effectively manages several capital improvement projects.
Council Chair Lawrence Silverman suggested that the LIRR look for a replacement within the organization for the sake of continuity and morale. In May, the council wrote to MTA Chairman E. Virgil Conway requesting the opportunity to be meaningfully involved in the selection process for the next president.
Council Protests Long Island Bus Funding and Service Cuts
LIRRCC Chair Lawrence Silverman actively protested proposed cuts in Long
Island Bus service necessitated by a severe drop in Nassau County funding.
Mr. Silverman stated before the MTA Board that the cuts would have a devastating
impact on the transit dependent population on Long Island.
Both Mr. Silverman and Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky attended a public hearing on the cuts that was filled to overflowing. Mr. Silverman also wrote an editorial for Newsday and appeared on television recommending that Long Island Bus be brought under the financial envelope of the MTA and not left to the vagaries of Nassau County funding.
LIRRCC Instrumental in Achieving West End Staircase at Manhasset Station
Thanks to the Councilıs intervention and funds from State Senator Balboni,
renovations at Manhasset station will now include a west-end staircase.
This addition will improve safety and convenience for approximately 700
families. The LIRR had ignored repeated community requests for the staircase
until the Council became involved in the issue.
Council Discusses Atlantic Terminal, A/C, Customer Communications
Fred Smith, LIRR chief engineer Capital Program Management, discussed
the Atlantic Terminal rehabilitation at the Council's April meeting. Mr.
Smith said that the overbuild portion of the project has resulted in delays
since 1995. When the overbuild, currently a Forrest City Ratner project,
is finally complete in the fourth quarter of 2002, LIRR work on an attractive
new entrance will begin. Lighting, air cooling, ticketing, and passenger
flow will all be improved and a new police office will be located near
Track One.
In advance of air-conditioning season, at its May meeting the LIRRCC heard from Mark Sullivan, LIRR general manager Fleet Support, about the railroadıs activities to prepare. Charles Kalkhof, LIRR chief maintenance officer, and Martin Ascher, LIRR Quality Assurance, joined Mr. Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan described the measures and standards the railroad uses for air conditioning, the air conditioning overhaul, procurement, wash, maintenance and replacement programs, and climate control teams in place since last year.
At the Council's meeting in June, Dr. John Diekman, LIRR senior manager Customer Communications, described new, two-hour service/communication instruction programs training for train crews. Dr. Diekman said that he is trying to make personnel more sensitive to the needs and feelings of customers. Dr. Diekman also said that rules and regulations are being reviewed in order to avoid the potential for unnecessary clashes between personnel and customers.
Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC)
Richard Cataggio, James Blair Reelected Council Officers
In May the MNRCC held its biennial election of officers. Richard Cataggio
was re-elected chair and Jim Blair was re-elected vice-chair, both unanimously.
This year marks Mr. Cataggioıs 15th anniversary as an MNRCC member, and
Mr. Cataggio said that he is proud to be a member of the Council.
Council Chair Addresses Metro-North Committee of the MTA Board
MNRCC Chair Richard Cataggio attended the April meeting of the MTA
Board's Metro-North Committee and spoke during the public speaking period.
Mr. Cataggio said that Metro-North is the best-run commuter railroad in
the country and thanked the railroad for repeatedly addressing Council
concerns. In the main body of his comments, Mr. Cataggio urged Metro-North
to move faster on expanding parking at Harriman and building a connection
to Woodbury Common, two growth areas where parking and service needs will
only increase in the future.
Council Continues to Monitor Service Issues
Recently, Metro-North acted on a number of Council suggestions. A car
was added to crowded Port Jervis Line train #52 at the MNRCCıs request.
Metro-North has hired a consultant to conduct a thorough review of Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance at Grand Central Terminal, including
aspects that affect the visually impaired, after a Council-sponsored walk-through
of the terminal with a visually impaired customer. Also at the Councilıs
urging, a long-requested 5:32 p.m. upper Hudson Line express was added
to the July timetable changes. Crowded trains, worn-through seats, recycling,
availability of Mail & Ride boxes in Grand Central Terminal, and a clean
right-of-way continue to feature prominently on the Councilıs agenda.
Council Helps Ossining Station House Receive Better Lighting and Canopies
for Station Stairways
While the lighting fixtures at Ossining station are very attractive, carriage
lamps along the walls provide little illumination. Metro-North President
Peter Cannito, in a response to Council member Jim Blair, agreed with
the need for better light so chandeliers have been ordered for the station.
The station will also receive significant canopy improvements as part
of the Mid-Hudson Line Station Improvement program.
Council Discusses Planning Studies, System Growth, Service Issues
Howard Permut, Metro-North vice president - Planning and Development,
met with the Council in April. Among the many areas that were covered
were Long Island Rail Road East Side Access and its impacts on Grand Central
Terminal, Metro-Northıs continuing ridership increases, contracting-out
of parking lots to private operators, feeder bus service expansion, new
ticket vending machines, and the opening of Wassaic Extension.
At their May meeting, members heard from MTA planning staff members Lawrence Fleischer and Philip Plotch about the recently completed Long-Term Needs Assessment and Alternatives Analysis study for the I-287/Tappan Zee Bridge corridor study. This trans-Hudson study examined problems and solutions for I-287 congestion and rehabilitation or replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge. PCAC staff and Council members attended public information meetings about the study held in the northern suburbs.
New York City Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC)
Annual Elections Held in June, Changes on Executive Committee
The annual election for NYCTRC officers was held in June. Chair Andrew
Albert, Vice-Chair Stephen Dobrow, and Executive Committee members Michael
Sinansky and Stephen Wilder were re-elected to their current positions.
Mitzie Wilson was elected to the Executive Committee. The Council thanked
Marisol Halpern for her term on the Executive Committee.
Annual Bus Forum A Big Success in Brooklyn
The Council's annual Bus Forum was held at Brooklyn Borough Hall in April
and scheduled in the late afternoon in order to attract a wider audience.
More that 100 people attended, and approximately 50 participants spoke
on citywide bus issues. Senior officials from New York City Transit, the
New York City Department of Transportation, and the New York Police Department
were in attendance to answer questions. Even though at three hours the
forum was an hour longer than usual, not everyone who wanted to address
the panel had a chance to do so during the event.
Council Protests Customer Unfriendly 2/5 Subway Service Plan
Concerned that a proposed change in local and express service on the 2
and 5 lines in the Bronx would result in reduced service in the northeast
and central Bronx and increased West Side crowding, Council representatives
met with Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer and contacted a number
of local elected officials. Thanks to the timeliness of this effort, the
MTA has postponed the changes pending a reexamination of its effect on
riders.
Reduced Fare Programs Expedited at Behest of Executive Director
Executive Director Beverly Dolinskyıs efforts to expedite the implementation
of the Reduced Fare Mail & Ride Program finally achieved success during
the quarter. Shocked that New York City Transit intended to take three
years to rollout the program, Ms. Dolinsky insisted that the task needed
to be accomplished sooner. The program will now be fully implemented by
the end of 2000. The Council also actively supported the implementation
of Reduced Fare benefits for SSI recipients with a diagnosis of serious
mental illness. These benefits were legislated by New York State and slated
by the MTA to commence in July 2000.
Service Diversion Notices Still A Big Problem for Third Straight Year
In its ongoing effort to improve the content and availability of service
diversion notices and pamphlets, the Council wrote to NYC Transit President
Larry Reuter a number of times during the quarter. Frustrated because
many notices have wrong or inadequate information making travel difficult
for customers, the Council first met with Transit personnel to discuss
the problem in 1998, followed by a July 1999 report detailing the continuing
problems. Unfortunately, the problems still persist. Therefore, the Council
has made it a policy to contact Mr. Reuter in writing every time members
or staff find incorrect or misplaced notices.
Council Discusses Service Issues, Capital Projects, Stations
The Council expected to hear about station signage at the April meeting,
but the guest from NYC Transit was unable to attend due to a schedule
conflict. Instead members used the time to discuss various issues including
standard and articulated bus service, problems with service diversion
notice, signage legibility for the visually impaired, and a proposal by
MNRCC member Robert Schumacher for an elevated rail service above the
FDR Drive as an alternative to a new Second Avenue subway.
In May, Joseph Trainor, New York City Transit program manager - Station Complexes, discussed three major ongoing station renovations: Atlantic Terminal; Times Square; and 72nd Street/Broadway. Mr. Trainor gave a detailed update of construction activities at Times Square and 72nd Street. At the time the detailed work plan for the Atlantic Avenue complex was under review. However, Mr. Trainor described current plans including widened cross passageways and ADA elevators.
Anthony Giudice, MTA New York City Transit chief station officer, met with the Council in June. Mr. Giudice told members that, in the future, station agents will have responsibilities that will take them out of station booths. With MetroCard Vending Machines (MVMs) dispensing MetroCards, station agents will assume a new role as customer service representatives, helping customers in stations. Members also inquired about the turnover rate for station agents, station cleaning cycles and practices, policies governing the dispensing block transfers, and procedures followed when escalators go out of service.
