The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Wednesday released its final report on its 100-day action plan aimed at enhancing the safety and reliability on the Metro-North Railroad following a series of accidents and fatalities. The report detailed steps taken by Metro-North President Joseph Giulietti since he stepped into office in February and implemented the 100-day action plan in March.
The MTA reported that out of a checklist of 32 initiatives, 21 have been completed and another seven are underway. Two of the initiatives are ongoing efforts, including improving communication with customers, elected officials and other stakeholders, and a “back to basics” plan for train and service reliability, the MTA reported.
In the report, the major issues were categorized into four focus areas: promoting a culture of safety, adopting concrete safety enhancements, restoring reliable service and improving communications. Some of the improvements the MTA highlighted include reorganizing its safety department and conducting a detailed study of train performance and schedules on the New Haven Line.
The action plan outlined that Metro-North must undergo three external reviews. The Federal Railroad Administration’s Operation Deep Dive has been finalized and recommendations have been provided to the railroad. MTA’s Blue Ribbon Panel will examine maintenance and inspection programs at the Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road and the New York City subway system and soon submit a report that assesses whether each agent promotes a culture of safety. The National Transportation Safety Board, which is conducting the third review, is not expected to provide evaluations and recommendations until later this year, the MTA reported.
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy said the MTA has much more to do to “implement a comprehensive and enhanced communications protocol” for its customers and local administrations. He said his administration will work with the MTA to provide appropriate resources.
“During a meeting in my office in February, I asked the MTA to pull together this plan so that riders can get a clear sense of what they’re doing to restore confidence in the railroad,” Malloy said in a statement. “While it’s taken longer than I would have liked, I think they are taking a number of steps that will enhance the daily operations and make the railroad safer. But even with these changes, the MTA has much work to do to improve their performance.”
