The recently launched Commuter Action Group will hold its first Commuter Speakout event tonight from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m in Southport.
In response to “deteriorating” Metro-North rail service, the group is hosting the event to allow commuters to air their grievances, ask questions and propose solutions to the issues they face.
Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker will answer questions at the event.
Jim Cameron, a former chairman of the Metro-North commuter council launched the Commuter Action Group late January to protest what he calls  “the culture of incompetence and unaccountability” at Metro-North.
Over the last several months, a string of incidences have disrupted rail service for commuters, including two major derailments that killed four and injured more than 100 passengers.
Those expected to attend the speakout include members from the Business Council of Fairfield County, CT Citizens Transportation Lobby, Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority, League of Women Voters, Regional PLAN Association, Transit for Connecticut and Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
The event will be held at the Southport Pequot Library at 720 Pequot Ave.
Regarding the rail commuter speakout… Hats off to JIm Cameron and colleagues for being the voice of the paying public who are subjected to frequent delays, broken equipment, unsafe conditions such as those which have resulted in recent derailments, injuries and deaths. I have had to endure the travails of commuting to NYC for the past 37 years and have seen it all. It galls me that people are having to shell out over $4,000 Net dollars per year for an unsafe alternative to driving to work. If we had to pay a different company that kind of money for a service that breaks down most of the time my bet is that we would fire that provider.
My hope is that the Commissioner and the MTA will listen to our grievances so that future generations of commuters will be able to get to their jobs without fear, worry and further financial burden. We have too many people leaving the State of Connecticut as it is for work, taxes and the like. Let’s try and make it easier to live and work in and around our great State. I look forward to hearing solutions that won’t empty our wallets.
Thanks for the good words Jonathan. I hope both side get to talk and listen tonight…
JIM CAMERON