It's a big week for Metro-North and LIRR riders, who have just received the railroad's sacred "Pledge to Customers." The pledge, which you can print out and laminate via the MTA website, comes with some great American flag clip art and a promise to get you "to your destination safely, comfortably and on time." In particular, Metro-North says employees are going to make sure everyone gets a seat by cracking down on inconsiderate passengers who fill up an extra seat with their stuff.
A Metro-North spokesman did not say what penalties transgressors will face for occupying more than one seat (besides undying shame), but they will at least be verbally reprimanded. The MTA has also pledged to add cars on overcrowded trains, do a better job keeping trains clean, and ensuring that employees will be "helpful and courteous at all times." And both Metro-North and the LIRR have decided to waive the $10 processing fee on refunds for tickets when a service suspension is posted on the MTA website.
Not everyone is satisfied by the pledge, however. Jim Cameron, the chairman of the Connecticut Rail Commuter Council, told CBS 2 last year that the pledge doesn’t adequately address substitute bus service or communication during service lapses. "What prompted Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road to work on a similar document was the lightning strikes that knocked out Long Island Rail Road service in October and a polite political nudging from Senator [Chuck] Schumer," said Cameron. Critics have also blasted the MTA for not promising to buy every rider a pony.
But if the MTA is able to deliver on its pledge to make sure everyone gets a seat, it'll be a big improvement. The Post reports that on the LIRR Huntington branch, 127 morning commuters are forced to stand, on average, east of Jamaica Station. On Metro-North, the New Haven line has, on average, 160 people standing during evening rush-hour. Of course, all they have to do is finally add those new bar cars to solve the problem of people standing, however.
