Following a week of Metro-North service disruptions due to an electrical failure, MTA officials have agreed to reimburse monthly and weekly ticket holders for the New Haven line.
However, representatives on the commuter council argue the reimbursements shouldn’t come from the MTA, but Con Edison.
A 138,000-volt cable feeder, which supplies electricity to overhead wires, lost power Sept. 25 at about 5:30 a.m., disrupting rail service for several days. The cause of the feeder failure is unknown, however, Con Edison officials say it was likely related to work done to disconnect the feeder for upgrade work.
Jim Cameron, acting president of the Connecticut Rail Commuter Council, said that unless Con Edison pays to reimburse commuters, riders and Connecticut taxpayers will be the ones in the end to pay. Metro-North officials say the money to pay for the refund will come from operating expenses, which is subsidized by Connecticut taxpayers.
“Only if Con Ed reimburses Metro-North for the refunds will they not be paid for by the riders and Connecticut taxpayers themselves,” Cameron said in a release. “While the idea of refunds to riders inconvenienced by the Metro-North, Con Ed meltdown sounds great, please keep these facts in mind.”
In an appeal to the MTA, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Oct. 1 also argued Con Ed should pay for the reimbursements.
“IÂ suggest your Board make it clear that it is Con Ed who is ultimately responsible, and that it is Con Ed who should underwrite the refunds,” Malloy said in a statement. “Con Ed should also be responsible for any and all additional costs related to the interim service plan and the ultimate restoration of service.”
