PCAC Quarterly Report
January–March 2001
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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 Welcomes New Members and Staff, Bids Farewell to LIRRCC Chair
The PCAC ushered in the new millennium by welcoming new members Dennis
Baum and Gerard Bringmann. Mr. Baum, an investment banker from Bedford
with a deep love of railroads and a commuter since 1974, joins the Metro-North
Railroad Commuter Council. Mr. Bringmann, a senior executive at an interior
renovation firm and long-time commuter from Patchogue, joins the Long
Island Rail Road Commuters Council. Mr. Bringmann replaces former LIRRCC
Chair Lawrence Silverman, who was serving at the pleasure of the Governor.
The PCAC was also pleased to welcome back Karyl Berger as Research Associate. Ms. Berger was the PCACıs Transportation Planner from 1987 to 1990 and is quite familiar with the MTA system.
PCAC Thanks Outgoing MTA Chairman, Congratulates Incoming MTA Chairman
On Monday, February 26, MTA Chairman E. Virgil Conway presided over his
final meeting of the MTA Board. At the meeting, PCAC Executive Director
Beverly Dolinsky thanked Chairman Conway on behalf of riders for the many
improvements to the MTA system accomplished under his watch including
the implementation of innovative fare policies, the restoration of Grand
Central Terminal and completion of Grand Central North, the implementation
of EZ Pass, and the purchase of clean-fuel buses for NYC Transit and LI
Bus as well as a new diesel fleet for Long Island Rail Road. At a ceremony
in January, Ms. Dolinsky presented Chairman Conway with a Leadership in
Transportation Award on behalf of New York Universityıs Rudin Center.
In March, PCAC congratulated incoming MTA Chairman Peter Kalikow on his appointment and wished him success. In a letter to Mr. Kalikow, the PCAC outlined the priorities and concerns of the three Councils and requested that he meet with the PCAC Executive Committee to discuss them.
PCAC Supports Increase in Federal Tax-Free Benefits for Riders
Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky, Associate Director Mike Doyle, and
member Ronnie Ackman spoke at press conferences in White Plains and Mineola
convened by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer to announce legislation to increase
the federal tax-free commuter benefit from $65 to $175 per month. Participating
employers are free to offer the benefit to employees who use public transit,
thereby lowering commuting costs. However, current federal parking benefits
far exceed transit commuter benefits, effectively encouraging automobile
use. The PCAC applauded Senator Schumerıs efforts, which hope to raise
the level of benefits for transit commuters to a level commensurate with
those received by automobile users.
PCAC Meets New MTA Inspector General
In February, the PCAC Executive Committee met with new MTA Inspector General
Matthew Sansverie and several members of his staff to discuss his goals
and priorities, his views on performance-based studies, and the role of
the IGıs advisory committee. Mr. Sansverie also attended the March PCAC
meeting and was introduced to Committee members. Mr. Sansverie will be
a guest speaker at a future PCAC meeting.
Greater London Assembly Delegation Meets with PCAC
In March, Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky, Associate Director Michael
Doyle and NYCTRC Chair Andrew Albert met with four members of the Greater
London Assembly (GLA), the equivalent of the New York City Council. The
function of the GLA is to hold London's Mayor accountable for his executive
decisions, to investigate matters of importance to Londoners, and to make
proposals to the Mayor and government organizations. The Assembly members
requested the meeting to better understand key issues that affect MTA
customers, particularly funding and service provision.
In 2000, former MTA Chairman Robert Kiley was hired to head Transport of London and oversee the privatization of the London Underground. In recent months, the PCAC has received many requests from London about Mr. Kiley, his associates, and our transit system.
PCAC Transportation Planner a Transportation Research Board Panelist
PCAC Transportation Planner Joshua Schank attended the 80th Annual Meeting
of the Transportation Research Board in Washington, DC in January. Mr.
Schank gave a presentation to the Subcommittee on Intercity Rail Passenger
Intermodal Interface about the potential for reducing air traffic congestion
through the use of high-speed rail, and also attended several TRB sessions
Executive Director Addresses David Rockefeller Fellows Program
Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky participated in a panel discussion,
Current Transportation Projects and Initiatives How to Move Transportation
Forward, convened for the David Rockefeller Fellows Program. The Fellowshipıs
principle objectives are to provide a forum for the development of private
sector leadership in the public arena, and to broaden the next generationıs
understanding of the challenges facing the city. Ms. Dolinsky spoke about
initiatives that are important to riders, such as real-time information
and good communication. She also addressed the enormous ongoing capital
and operating needs of the MTA agencies.
Council Discusses Worldwide Transit Management with UTRC Director
At the March PCAC meeting, Dr. Robert Paaswell, director of the University
Transportation Research CenterRegion II, gave a presentation entitled
Changing Forms of Transit Governance. Dr. Paaswell discussed recent
research regarding the needs and governance of transit systems worldwide
based on work led by the University Transportation Research Center. Dr.
Paaswell noted the emergence of new, customer-oriented organizational
paradigms in other countries based on funding restrictions, the arrival
of new technologies, and local institutional change.
Long Island Rail Road Commuters' Council (LIRRCC)
Governor Replaces LIRRCC Chair Lawrence Silverman
In January, Governor Pataki appointed Gerard Bringmann to the LIRRCC,
replacing former LIRRCC Chair Lawrence Silverman. The Council notes that
all members serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Vice Chair Barbara
Josepher was named acting chair until ad hoc elections are held. In March,
the Council questioned whether Mr. Silverman should remain the Councilıs
representative on the MTA Board. The Council wrote to Governor Pataki
and the MTA seeking clarification and direction.
The LIRRCC Wants YOU: Council Seeks Kings, Nassau Members
In an effort to fill Council vacancies from Kings and Nassau Counties,
the Council asked the LIRR to include an article in its monthly newsletter,
Keeping Track. In response to the article, phone calls and e-mails from
Nassau County commuters interested in applying for membership have inundated
the Council office. In order to apply, interested commuters must write
to their respective County Executive or Borough President seeking that
a recommendation for appointment be made on their behalf to the Governor.
LIRR President Ken Bauer Guest at Annual President's Forum
In February, the Council held its annual President's Forum. LIRR President
Ken Bauer and senior railroad staff responded to questions and comments
from 15 riders. Mr. Bauer was very responsive to ridersı concerns, which
included the need for timelier and more informative announcements during
peak-hour service delays and the planned schedule for implementing more
through bi-level service to Penn Station.
Council Concerned Over East River Tunnel Safety
The Council wrote to President Bush and the Long Island congressional
delegation stressing the need for a greater funding commitment on the
part of Amtrak for East River tunnel fire-safety rehabilitation work.
At a hearing in March, the Council submitted testimony imploring Congress
to voluntarily do everything in its power to ensure the safety of riders
who pass through the East River tunnels. Although the lion's share of
tunnel users are LIRR riders, both Amtrak and the LIRR share financial
responsibility for tunnel upkeep and safety rehabilitation work. However,
because of an agreement between Amtrak and the LIRR recognizing Amtrak's
stake as the owner of the tunnels, most financial responsibility for the
tunnels falls to Amtrak.
LIRR Responds to Council Criticism, Revises Employee Free-Pass Policy
For several years the Council has been very vocal about LIRR employees
with free passes refusing to follow railroad regulations and stand for
paying customers on crowded trains. In response, the LIRR recently revised
its corporate free-transportation policy making it clear that employees
must stand on crowded trains and establishing severe penalties. The Council
thanked LIRR President Ken Bauer for instituting such a stringent policy.
LIRR Answers Council Call for Cell-Phone Courtesy Campaign
Since 1998 the LIRRCC has been pressuring the Long Island Rail Road to
implement a campaign asking customers to be more courteous to one another
and to focus on loud cellular phone conversations. In 1999, respondents
to the Council's LIRR Report Card rider survey overwhelmingly indicated
a desire for the railroad to undertake a cell-phone courtesy campaign.
In March, the LIRR launched just such a campaign with a brochure reminding
customers to take fellow riders into account and "talk low". The brochure
included a special thank you from the Council.
Council Staff Observes Station-Announcement Focus Groups
During the quarter, staff observed rider focus groups regarding customer
satisfaction with onboard and station announcements. Most participants
felt that announcements on the trains and at Penn Station were above average,
but announcements at home stations in the morning peak were inadequate.
All participants thought that delay announcements should be frequent,
clear and concise.
Council Discusses Railroad Operating Budget
In January, the Council discussed the railroad's 2001 operating budget
with Sheila Keller, LIRR director Management and Budget. Ms. Keller walked
the Council through the LIRR's budgetary process, noting in particular
the importance of the overall MTA budget which determines the railroad's
permissible level of expenditure for the year. The Council criticized
the MTA for a long delay in the release of the MTA 2001 operating budget
which forced the LIRR and other MTA agencies to place their own budgetary
activities on hold until the very end of 2000. Ms. Keller also informed
the Council that a consultant would be hired to elaborate life-cycle maintenance
plans for the new diesel fleet and planned M7 electric fleet.
Metro-North Railroad Commuter Council (MNRCC)
Annual Presidentıs Forum a Success
The Council held its annual Presidentıs Forum on February 8. The turnout
was modest, but Metro-North President Peter Cannito and Connecticut DOT
representative Harry Harris were able to discuss rider concerns in depth.
Most comments centered on the need for increased service system wide and
particularly on the New Haven line in Connecticut.
Council Advocates for Critical Parking Improvements at Harriman
The Council has been corresponding with and speaking to Metro-North staff
including President Cannito about parking capacity and parking access/egress
problems at Harriman. The Council is concerned that Metro-North will lose
market share because of these problems. The Council has also contacted
NYSDOT and was told that NYSDOT is hesitant to construct an additional
driveway from Route 17 into the Harriman parking facility, citing safety
concerns. Mr. Cannito responded to the Council stating that Metro-North
has initiated a short-term project for the addition of a third lane to
the access road, and that the railroad is working to expand all of the
West-of-Hudson facilities to meet existing and future demand.
Door Shut on Openable Windows for M7 Fleet
Openable windows have long been a priority for the Council, but in January,
members learned that the M7 car fleet, a joint Metro-North and Long Island
Rail Road contract, will not include windows that open. Council MTA Board
representative Ronnie Ackman spoke at length in favor of the windows.
However, openable windows were rejected to make Metro-Northıs cars as
similar as possible to the LIRRıs in order to expedite construction and
delivery of the fleet to more quickly meet growing ridership demands.
Station Signs Finally to Have Better Illumination
The Council has called for the illumination of station identification
(ID) signs for some time due to concern that riders on evening trains
cannot see where they are. At the Councilıs February meeting, members
learned that new station signage standards provide for more even lighting
and ensure that every ID sign is lit. Thanks to Council member George
Zoebelein for this suggestion.
Council Remains Concerned over Announcements on Old ACMU Fleet
Council member Jim Blair on many occasions has complained about the unreliability
of announcements on trains, particularly on the ACMU fleet. Mr. Blair
has stressed the importance of notifying customers about train destination
and intermediate station stops. At the Councilıs February meeting, George
Walker, MNR Vice President Operations informed the Council that a wireless
public address system is in development for the ACMU fleet.
Council Discusses Budget and Service Issues with President Cannito
and Senior Management
MNR President Peter Cannito was the Councilıs guest at the January meeting.
Mr. Cannito presented the railroadıs 2001 operating budget. Mr. Cannito
said that ridership is expected to reach 72 million, including 1.6 million
West-of-Hudson riders. In response to concerns about standee problems,
Mr. Cannito said that sometimes the problem appears worse than it is due
to the reluctance of some customers to use the middle seat of a three-seat
bench.
In February, George Walker, MNR Vice President Operations, discussed a number of service related issues with the Council, including the negative impact of this winterıs snowstorms. Mr. Walker explained that the M1 cars have the most trouble in the snow because their motors are not fully protected from the elements. Mr. Walker told the Council that the M7 car specs address all the problems in prior models.
New York City Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC)
Planned Service Changes Seem a Bridge Too Far for Many
NYC Transit entered 2001 amid controversy over major service plans to
implement new 63rd Street tunnel service between Queens and Manhattan
and reroute Manhattan Bridge service due to a lengthy NYCDOT bridge rehabilitation
project. Attention centered on a planned permanent elimination of Queens
G service beyond Court Square to allow room for a new, 63rd Street V train
service to Forest Hills and Transit's refusal to hold formal hearings
on its Manhattan Bridge Reroute Plan. Although Transit held many informal
public meetings about its Manhattan Bridge plan, the agency's steadfast
refusal to hold formal hearings in the face of a growing tide of community
anger made the agency appear arrogant and out-of-touch in the eyes of
many riders.
While the Council understands that Queens Boulevard service is in dire need of capacity improvements, it is not clear that G and V service cannot both be accommodated on Queens Boulevard. Further, the Council sees no reason why several route options called for by community leaders were left out of the Manhattan Bridge plan, including full-time and weekend M and W service between Brooklyn and Manhattan. Most disappointing to the Council, however, is Transit's insistence on basing both of these major service plans on outdated, 1980s era demographic data and ridership characteristics instead of recognizing the populationand politicalstrides that have been made in the worst affected communities, including the Lower East Side and Greenpoint/Williamsburg.
The Council made its concerns widely known throughout the quarter. Council Chair Andrew Albert delivered testimony at Transit's public hearing on the 63rd Street plan in January and a State Assembly hearing sponsored by Speaker Sheldon Silver in March. In addition, Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky raised the issue in her role as the Council's representative to the MTA Board and many conversations took place between Council staff and senior agency management. The outcome of the two controversies remains to be seen.
Annual President's Forum Most Successful Ever
In February, the Council held its best-attended annual President's Forum
ever in the Board Room at MTA Headquarters in Manhattan. More than 170
came to hear NYC Transit President Lawrence Reuter and about half-a-dozen
senior Transit staff field questions and comments from riders. Attendance
was so great that 35 riders had to wait for some time in the building
lobby after the Board Room's fire-code limit was reached shortly into
the forum. In addition, the speaking list was full five minutes after
the forum began.
Many riders came to complain that Transit had removed the long-standing decorations from the elevators at the 190th Street A station in Washington Heights. This caused some unhappiness for other speakers who wanted a wider range of issues to be covered during the forum's limited time. Out of 57 people who registered to speak, 38 were able to do so in the time allotted. Other issues included a request from Councilmember Stephen DiBrienza for public hearings on the 63rd Street plan, as well as rider concerns over the Manhattan Bridge Reroute Plan and bus access problems for disabled riders.
Council Releases Statement on Articulated Buses
After months of considered debate, in March, the Council released a Policy
Statement on the Use of Articulated Buses in Manhattan. The statement
reflects the Council's opinion that articulated buses can be useful on
high-ridership routes on a case-by-case basis. However, increased headways
between buses are unacceptable and represent a worsening of service. This
represents a departure from the Council's previous position on articulated
buses, elaborated in the early 1980s, that modest headway increases would
be acceptable because they present cost savings. In today's climate of
skyrocketing ridership, longer waits are simply not a customer-friendly
option.
Maybe You Can Get There from Here
In January, Council members and staff met with NYC Transit President Lawrence
Reuter and a host of senior management staff to discuss accuracy and adequacy
problems with service diversion notices and posters about which the Council
has repeatedly complained over the past three years. A single diversion-notice
error can easily lead thousands of riders astray. President Reuter informed
the Council that a new initiative is underway to deal with the problem.
Under the plan, communication between all departments that have a hand
in the creation of the diversion notices and their related service plans
will be streamlined and monitored by senior management so that all parties
will have accurate information. The Council was also invited to review
draft notices for selected major diversions before they go to press. The
Council appreciates Transit's renewed focus on this issue. True to its
word, later in January, Council members and staff were invited by the
agency to attend focus groups and review draft notices and posters for
the Manhattan Bridge Reroute Plan.
Executive Director Helps Improve Information Aimed at Reduced-Fare,
Mobility-Impaired Riders
Owing to the efforts of Council Executive Director Beverly Dolinsky, reduced-fare
and mobility-impaired customers now benefit from two key improvements
in the dissemination of payment and accessibility information. Upset over
poor initial Reduced Fare MetroCard Mail&Ride enrolment, Ms. Dolinsky
prodded Transit to improve the program's confusing enrolment brochure.
The new brochure, entitled A New Way to Pay, was written with customer
input and is much clearer about the benefits of the program. In addition,
to help more widely publicize Transit's hotline for riders to call to
find out about escalator and elevator breakdowns in the subway system,
Transit agreed to a request made by Ms. Dolinsky to install posters in
subway cars featuring the telephone number.
Transit Rebuffs Southern Brooklyn Clamor for More Express Bus Service
In January, NYC Councilmember Martin Golden spoke before the NYCTRC to
request support for the implementation of better off-peak and weekend
express bus service between southwestern Brooklyn and Manhattan. The Council
sent a letter to Transit, highlighting a petition of several thousand
signatures in support of the service improvements collected by the Councilmember's
office. Previously, the NYCTRC has also requested that Staten Island express
buses make stops in southwestern Brooklyn neighborhoods on the journey
to and from Manhattan. The response to both requests has been the same-Transit
feels that existing subway service in the area obviates the need for additional
express bus runs. This response ignores that fact that the subways serving
southwestern Brooklyn, the N and the R, are notorious among area residents
for long headways and unreliable service.
Council Reviews Operating Budget, Diversion Planning, Stillwell Avenue
Rehab
At its regular monthly meetings during the quarter, the Council welcomed
senior NYC Transit staff to discuss budgetary, planning, and capital issues.
In January, Harvey Poris, NYC Transit director-Management and Budget,
and Keith Hom, deputy directorManagement and Budget, presented the 2001
operating budget.
In February, Peter Cafiero, directorOperations Planning, led a slide show and discussion of the planned major rehabilitation of the Stillwell Avenue subway terminal in Coney Island.
In March, Lawrence Gould, acting senior directorOperations Analysis, briefed the Council on the many phases of coordination and decision-making that go into the planning of subway service diversions.
