by One of One-Sixty
SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES EXPRESSED BY RIDERS
(21 members of the public and 2 LIRRCC members)
Customer Service Relations/Communication
· Communication
o Communication is a problem, both at stations and on board on the
diesel fleet. The poor communication often causes riders on the
Montauk line to miss their stops.
(President Dermody said that 40 audio-visual signage units are being
installed this summer and the LIRR and car manufacturer are working
on a solution that will improve signage on diesel passenger cars.)
o Problems at Penn Station or Flatbush Avenue should be announced at
other terminals.
(President Dermody stated that the LIRR makes announcements
regarding service and will be starting a program to notify customers of
system problems and delays by email. New York City Transit is also
advised of problems on the LIRR and make announcements in
selected stations to direct passengers to alternative routes.
o Can Cars be wired to receive audio and video programming, like
systems in use in Europe and proposed for Atlanta?
(President Dermody said that MTA is investigating a number of similar
systems and waiting for responses from vendors that they have
contacted.)
o Some of the communication initiatives you have implemented have
been very useful, but when problems occur, there still seems to be
little information.
(President Dermody stated that as new information systems currently
being installed spread throughout the system, the quality of
information in the system will improve.)
Station / Facility Conditions/Improvements
· Graffiti
o Graffiti is a real problem in the 180th Street/Sutphin Boulevard/Van
Wyck corridor. The LIRR Engineering department has not done a
good job of graffiti clean up. Could security cameras be used to
discourage graffiti artists.
1
SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES EXPRESSED BY RIDERS
(21 members of the public and 2 LIRRCC members)
Customer Service Relations/Communication
· Communication
o Communication is a problem, both at stations and on board on the
diesel fleet. The poor communication often causes riders on the
Montauk line to miss their stops.
(President Dermody said that 40 audio-visual signage units are being
installed this summer and the LIRR and car manufacturer are working
on a solution that will improve signage on diesel passenger cars.)
o Problems at Penn Station or Flatbush Avenue should be announced at
other terminals.
(President Dermody stated that the LIRR makes announcements
regarding service and will be starting a program to notify customers of
system problems and delays by email. New York City Transit is also
advised of problems on the LIRR and make announcements in
selected stations to direct passengers to alternative routes.
o Can Cars be wired to receive audio and video programming, like
systems in use in Europe and proposed for Atlanta?
(President Dermody said that MTA is investigating a number of similar
systems and waiting for responses from vendors that they have
contacted.)
o Some of the communication initiatives you have implemented have
been very useful, but when problems occur, there still seems to be
little information.
(President Dermody stated that as new information systems currently
being installed spread throughout the system, the quality of
information in the system will improve.)
Station / Facility Conditions/Improvements
· Graffiti
o Graffiti is a real problem in the 180th Street/Sutphin Boulevard/Van
Wyck corridor. The LIRR Engineering department has not done a
good job of graffiti clean up. Could security cameras be used to
discourage graffiti artists.
(President Dermody noted that some of the murals in the area were
painted at the request of the community. Chief Terrence Culhane of
the MTA Police stated that his agency is looking for cost-effective
ways of improving security throughout the LIRR system, including
security cameras.)
· Passenger Safety
o The Locust Manor station lacks adequate security and is deteriorated.
(President Dermody said that he would check on the situation.)
o The Nostrand Avenue station has problems with security and ice and
snow removal and lacks a working public address system.
President Dermody said that he would check on the situation.)
· Station Maintenance
o Stations are filthy and Nassau County is not getting its money’s worth
for the funds provided to MTA for station maintenance.
(President Dermody responded that the allocation of maintenance
costs is set by a formula established by the state legislature and that it
would take legislative action to change the formula.)
o Gutters at the Valley Stream station are full of trees and leaves.
(President Dermody said that LIRR staff would investigate the
situation.)
Fleet Condition/Maintenance
· Car Cleanliness
o Why are the exteriors of cars washed so infrequently?
(President Dermody stated that the LIRR goal is to wash cars once
every two weeks. Because of the location of car wash facilities, this
goal is achieved better with electric than with diesel equipment.)
Service Issues
· Train Fleet
o Why are there so few cars with bathrooms on diesel trains?
(President Dermody explained that there is a limited number of cars
with bathrooms and operational personnel ensure that every train has
at least one working bathroom.)
Service/Schedule
o Can additional service be scheduled to accommodate religiously
observant Jews who leave the City on Friday afternoon before rush
hour?
(President Dermody responded that additional service is added before
major holidays and that the LIRR would look at the possibility of
adding more Friday afternoon service on a regular basis.)
o The East End of Long Island is underserved. The Ronkonkoma
branch is facing closure in 2006, but the low ridership that justifies this
is due to the inadequate service.
(President Dermody said the LIRR wishes to avoid service cuts, but
that service decisions are made on the basis of demand, and unmet
demand has not been demonstrated on the East End of Long Island.)
o Why is reverse commute service out of Penn Station better in the
morning rush than in the afternoon.
(President Dermody noted that this is the point of adding the main line
third track – to provide additional capacity so that sufficient service can
be maintained in both directions.)
o Service at the Laurelton and Locust Manor stations is inadequate, and
through trains are not stopped at these stations when scheduled trains
are cancelled.
(President Dermody responded that service frequency on a line is
determined by demand and that when trains are cancelled the
standard practice is for the Movement Bureau to add stops to trains
traveling through but not stopping at affected stations.)
o The LIRR should work with SUNY Stony Brook to promote more
service tailored to the university community.
(President Dermody stated that the LIRR has consulted with the
SUNY Stony Brook administration on the service levels required for
the campus.
o The Greenport train breaks down frequently, and the replacement bus
service drivers seem unfamiliar with their routes.
(President Dermody said that because there is only one set of
equipment at Greenport, substitute bus service is used when there are
mechanical problems. Bus service also is used when maintenance is
performed or when equipment is needed for higher volume service
elsewhere. The contractors who provide replacement bus service are
furnished with maps and drivers should know their routes.)
· On-Time Performance
o On-time performance on the Montauk line is getting worse. If the
service were better, the public perception of the LIRR would be more
positive.
(President Dermody stated that he knows of these on-time
performance problems, is not satisfied with the service, and is working
to improve the on-time performance of these trains.)
· Train Crews
o Can the number of conductors be reduced as fewer fares are sold on
board?
(President Dermody responded that he is constantly looking to adjust
staffing when efficiencies in the system make it possible.)
o What LIRR personnel are required to be in uniform?
(President Dermody stated that the only employees required to wear
uniforms are train service personnel, such as conductors.)
LIRR Capital Improvement Projects/ Plans
o The LIRR needs another yard in central Suffolk County.
(President Dermody noted that an environmental impact statement is
being prepared for a yard on the Port Jefferson Branch. If the next
Capital Program permits, the LIRR will begin the environmental
process for a yard between Ronkonkoma and Yaphank on the main
line.)
o When will the restoration of the Flatbush Avenue terminal be
complete?
(President Dermody said that contracts for the final stage of
construction are being awarded and that platform and lighting work
would be completed this year.)
o Why was the number of seats at the Mineola station reduced when the
station was renovated recently?
(President Dermody said he would check on the reason and respond
to the questioner.)
o An additional East River tunnel is needed.
(President Dermody stated that Penn Station is currently operating at
capacity and that additional tunnel capacity would not improve
operations.)
Miscellaneous
o Could the LIRR implement some sort of educational health and
wellness program for its customers?
(President Dermody responded that the LIRR may be able to use its
seat drops and regular customer communication to promote wellness
and asked the speaker to provide contact information for possible
organizational partners in such an effort.)
4
o The Institute for Rational Urban Mobility thanked President Dermody
for his responsiveness to their organization with regards to Penn
Station and East Side Access issues.
o There is no incentive for the LIRR to improve because other
transportation options for commuting to Manhattan are not viable.
o The LIRR should investigate options for the future of the railroad
including attracting private equity investment, intermodal connection
with ferry service, increased use of the railroad for freight, and the
elimination of grade crossings.
(President Dermody stated that the MTA is considering a number of
financing options, that the availability of alternative routes limits limits
the demand for ferry connections, and that the LIRR is working with
the New York Atlantic Railroad, which handles freight on LIRR tracks,
to improve freight operations.)
o Who will make up the shortfall in the LIRR Pension Plan?
(President Dermody stated that contributions have been dramatically
increased to make up the shortfall and that the LIRR has taken action
to resolve some of the issues raised in the Inspector General’s report.)
5
(21 members of the public and 2 LIRRCC members)
Customer Service Relations/Communication
· Communication
o Communication is a problem, both at stations and on board on the
diesel fleet. The poor communication often causes riders on the
Montauk line to miss their stops.
(President Dermody said that 40 audio-visual signage units are being
installed this summer and the LIRR and car manufacturer are working
on a solution that will improve signage on diesel passenger cars.)
o Problems at Penn Station or Flatbush Avenue should be announced at
other terminals.
(President Dermody stated that the LIRR makes announcements
regarding service and will be starting a program to notify customers of
system problems and delays by email. New York City Transit is also
advised of problems on the LIRR and make announcements in
selected stations to direct passengers to alternative routes.
o Can Cars be wired to receive audio and video programming, like
systems in use in Europe and proposed for Atlanta?
(President Dermody said that MTA is investigating a number of similar
systems and waiting for responses from vendors that they have
contacted.)
o Some of the communication initiatives you have implemented have
been very useful, but when problems occur, there still seems to be
little information.
(President Dermody stated that as new information systems currently
being installed spread throughout the system, the quality of
information in the system will improve.)
Station / Facility Conditions/Improvements
· Graffiti
o Graffiti is a real problem in the 180th Street/Sutphin Boulevard/Van
Wyck corridor. The LIRR Engineering department has not done a
good job of graffiti clean up. Could security cameras be used to
discourage graffiti artists.
1
SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES EXPRESSED BY RIDERS
(21 members of the public and 2 LIRRCC members)
Customer Service Relations/Communication
· Communication
o Communication is a problem, both at stations and on board on the
diesel fleet. The poor communication often causes riders on the
Montauk line to miss their stops.
(President Dermody said that 40 audio-visual signage units are being
installed this summer and the LIRR and car manufacturer are working
on a solution that will improve signage on diesel passenger cars.)
o Problems at Penn Station or Flatbush Avenue should be announced at
other terminals.
(President Dermody stated that the LIRR makes announcements
regarding service and will be starting a program to notify customers of
system problems and delays by email. New York City Transit is also
advised of problems on the LIRR and make announcements in
selected stations to direct passengers to alternative routes.
o Can Cars be wired to receive audio and video programming, like
systems in use in Europe and proposed for Atlanta?
(President Dermody said that MTA is investigating a number of similar
systems and waiting for responses from vendors that they have
contacted.)
o Some of the communication initiatives you have implemented have
been very useful, but when problems occur, there still seems to be
little information.
(President Dermody stated that as new information systems currently
being installed spread throughout the system, the quality of
information in the system will improve.)
Station / Facility Conditions/Improvements
· Graffiti
o Graffiti is a real problem in the 180th Street/Sutphin Boulevard/Van
Wyck corridor. The LIRR Engineering department has not done a
good job of graffiti clean up. Could security cameras be used to
discourage graffiti artists.
(President Dermody noted that some of the murals in the area were
painted at the request of the community. Chief Terrence Culhane of
the MTA Police stated that his agency is looking for cost-effective
ways of improving security throughout the LIRR system, including
security cameras.)
· Passenger Safety
o The Locust Manor station lacks adequate security and is deteriorated.
(President Dermody said that he would check on the situation.)
o The Nostrand Avenue station has problems with security and ice and
snow removal and lacks a working public address system.
President Dermody said that he would check on the situation.)
· Station Maintenance
o Stations are filthy and Nassau County is not getting its money’s worth
for the funds provided to MTA for station maintenance.
(President Dermody responded that the allocation of maintenance
costs is set by a formula established by the state legislature and that it
would take legislative action to change the formula.)
o Gutters at the Valley Stream station are full of trees and leaves.
(President Dermody said that LIRR staff would investigate the
situation.)
Fleet Condition/Maintenance
· Car Cleanliness
o Why are the exteriors of cars washed so infrequently?
(President Dermody stated that the LIRR goal is to wash cars once
every two weeks. Because of the location of car wash facilities, this
goal is achieved better with electric than with diesel equipment.)
Service Issues
· Train Fleet
o Why are there so few cars with bathrooms on diesel trains?
(President Dermody explained that there is a limited number of cars
with bathrooms and operational personnel ensure that every train has
at least one working bathroom.)
Service/Schedule
o Can additional service be scheduled to accommodate religiously
observant Jews who leave the City on Friday afternoon before rush
hour?
(President Dermody responded that additional service is added before
major holidays and that the LIRR would look at the possibility of
adding more Friday afternoon service on a regular basis.)
o The East End of Long Island is underserved. The Ronkonkoma
branch is facing closure in 2006, but the low ridership that justifies this
is due to the inadequate service.
(President Dermody said the LIRR wishes to avoid service cuts, but
that service decisions are made on the basis of demand, and unmet
demand has not been demonstrated on the East End of Long Island.)
o Why is reverse commute service out of Penn Station better in the
morning rush than in the afternoon.
(President Dermody noted that this is the point of adding the main line
third track – to provide additional capacity so that sufficient service can
be maintained in both directions.)
o Service at the Laurelton and Locust Manor stations is inadequate, and
through trains are not stopped at these stations when scheduled trains
are cancelled.
(President Dermody responded that service frequency on a line is
determined by demand and that when trains are cancelled the
standard practice is for the Movement Bureau to add stops to trains
traveling through but not stopping at affected stations.)
o The LIRR should work with SUNY Stony Brook to promote more
service tailored to the university community.
(President Dermody stated that the LIRR has consulted with the
SUNY Stony Brook administration on the service levels required for
the campus.
o The Greenport train breaks down frequently, and the replacement bus
service drivers seem unfamiliar with their routes.
(President Dermody said that because there is only one set of
equipment at Greenport, substitute bus service is used when there are
mechanical problems. Bus service also is used when maintenance is
performed or when equipment is needed for higher volume service
elsewhere. The contractors who provide replacement bus service are
furnished with maps and drivers should know their routes.)
· On-Time Performance
o On-time performance on the Montauk line is getting worse. If the
service were better, the public perception of the LIRR would be more
positive.
(President Dermody stated that he knows of these on-time
performance problems, is not satisfied with the service, and is working
to improve the on-time performance of these trains.)
· Train Crews
o Can the number of conductors be reduced as fewer fares are sold on
board?
(President Dermody responded that he is constantly looking to adjust
staffing when efficiencies in the system make it possible.)
o What LIRR personnel are required to be in uniform?
(President Dermody stated that the only employees required to wear
uniforms are train service personnel, such as conductors.)
LIRR Capital Improvement Projects/ Plans
o The LIRR needs another yard in central Suffolk County.
(President Dermody noted that an environmental impact statement is
being prepared for a yard on the Port Jefferson Branch. If the next
Capital Program permits, the LIRR will begin the environmental
process for a yard between Ronkonkoma and Yaphank on the main
line.)
o When will the restoration of the Flatbush Avenue terminal be
complete?
(President Dermody said that contracts for the final stage of
construction are being awarded and that platform and lighting work
would be completed this year.)
o Why was the number of seats at the Mineola station reduced when the
station was renovated recently?
(President Dermody said he would check on the reason and respond
to the questioner.)
o An additional East River tunnel is needed.
(President Dermody stated that Penn Station is currently operating at
capacity and that additional tunnel capacity would not improve
operations.)
Miscellaneous
o Could the LIRR implement some sort of educational health and
wellness program for its customers?
(President Dermody responded that the LIRR may be able to use its
seat drops and regular customer communication to promote wellness
and asked the speaker to provide contact information for possible
organizational partners in such an effort.)
4
o The Institute for Rational Urban Mobility thanked President Dermody
for his responsiveness to their organization with regards to Penn
Station and East Side Access issues.
o There is no incentive for the LIRR to improve because other
transportation options for commuting to Manhattan are not viable.
o The LIRR should investigate options for the future of the railroad
including attracting private equity investment, intermodal connection
with ferry service, increased use of the railroad for freight, and the
elimination of grade crossings.
(President Dermody stated that the MTA is considering a number of
financing options, that the availability of alternative routes limits limits
the demand for ferry connections, and that the LIRR is working with
the New York Atlantic Railroad, which handles freight on LIRR tracks,
to improve freight operations.)
o Who will make up the shortfall in the LIRR Pension Plan?
(President Dermody stated that contributions have been dramatically
increased to make up the shortfall and that the LIRR has taken action
to resolve some of the issues raised in the Inspector General’s report.)
5
