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MTA Taps LIRR President To Replace Elliot Sander

Posted by
on May 21st, 2009 at 11:16 pm

The resignation of MTA CEO/Executive Director Elliot Sander continues to make news as the MTA has named his interim successor. The interim successor will be none other than Long Island Rail Road President Helena Williams. She will officially take over on an interim basis pending approval from the MTA Board at their May 27th meeting. The agency sent me a press release about it earlier today with complete details:

MTA Chairman H. Dale Hemmerdinger today announced that Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) President Helena E. Williams will serve as interim Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, pending MTA Board approval at its regularly scheduled meeting on May 27. Williams’ appointment will remain in effect until a new Chairman and CEO is nominated by Governor Paterson and confirmed by the State Senate. Williams will retain her title and responsibilities as LIRR President.

“This is a time of transition at the MTA, but it is critical that we continue to serve our customers without missing a beat,” said H. Dale Hemmerdinger, Chairman of the MTA Board. “Helena Williams is doing a terrific job at the Long Island Rail Road and will be an excellent steward for the entire transit system until a new Chairman and CEO is appointed.”

“I am honored to be asked to step in temporarily – pending approval of the MTA Board – to serve in this position while continuing my duties as President of the LIRR. As we all know, the subway, bus, bridge, tunnel and commuter rail systems are the lifeblood of our city and of the entire New York metropolitan region. I’ve spent much of my career at the MTA, so this will be an exciting challenge.”

A labor lawyer by training, Williams has served as president of Long Island Bus and the LIRR during a combined 15 years at the MTA. She also served as deputy county executive to Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. Under her leadership at the LIRR, the Rail Road has reached record on time performance and improved communications with customers. She is a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law.

I feel this is a good pick on an interim basis as it is someone who knows the ins & outs of what is going on within the MTA during its current financial crisis. She has done a tremendous job since being hired by Elliot Sander to serve as LIRR President in June 2007. I have noticed an improvement in many areas under watch & expect that to continue in the future.

She would be an interesting candidate as the permanent CEO/Executive Director. However the chances of her having the “interim” tag removed seem remote with the obsession Gov. Paterson has with failed predecessor Marc Shaw. Don’t you just love Albany!

xoxo Transit Blogger

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0

LIRR To Provide Extra Service To Start Memorial Day Weekend

Posted by
on May 21st, 2009 at 8:24 am

Yesterday, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) announced it will be providing extra service for the start of the Memorial Day weekend. Here are the complete details via a press release I received yesterday:

The MTA Long Island Rail Road will provide additional service this Friday, May 22, for those starting the Memorial Day holiday weekend early. The extra service includes eight additional eastbound trains between 2:02 PM and 3:48 PM. There will also be a special Memorial Day weekend package fare to Calverton National Cemetery on Saturday,
May 24, for those wishing to visit the grave of a loved one.

Extra Train Service for Friday, May 22:

Babylon Branch:

• 2:25 PM express to Lynbrook, then all stops to Babylon.

• 3:00 PM stopping at Jamaica, Rockville Centre, then all stops to Babylon.

• 3:31 PM express to Rockville Centre, then all stops to Babylon.

Port Jefferson Branch to Hicksville and Huntington:

• 2:02 PM stopping at Jamaica, Carle Place, then all stops to Huntington.

• 2:22 PM stopping at Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Jamaica, New Hyde Park, then all stops to Huntington.

• 3:24 PM stopping at Jamaica, Mineola, Westbury and Hicksville.

Port Washington Branch to Great Neck:

• 3:40 PM stopping at Woodside, Flushing Main St., then all stops to Great Neck.

Far Rockaway Branch:

• 3:48 PM stopping at Locust Manor, Laurelton, Rosedale, Valley Stream and all stops to Far Rockaway.

MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY, MAY 25:

The LIRR will operate on a Sunday schedule on Memorial Day.

SPECIAL TRIP TO CALVERTON CEMETERY, SATURDAY, MAY 23:

On Saturday, May 23, the LIRR will offer a special escorted package trip to Calverton National Cemetery for persons wishing to visit the gravesite of a friend or family member.

The LIRR’s special escorted package includes discounted round trip rail fare from Penn Station, Woodside, Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, Jamaica or Mineola and air-conditioned motor coach bus transportation to the cemetery. On the way to Calverton National Cemetery, the bus will make a stop so that flowers and coffee or tea can be purchased. Additional bus service within Calverton to the various sections and gravesites will also be provided. Customers are advised to bring their own lunch, since there are no food concessions located at Calverton.

The one-day special package fare is $31 for adults, $27 for children ages 5-11. The train departs Penn Station at 9:16 AM and Jamaica at 9:38 AM. Passengers from Woodside should board the 9:28 AM train and Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn customers should board the 9:12 AM train and transfer at Jamaica to the Ronkonkoma train. Customers from Mineola should board the 9:28 AM train and transfer at Hicksville to the Ronkonkoma train. Passengers for Calverton should board the rear car of the train. The transfer for the bus to Calverton will be made at Central Islip Station.

Return service will be on the 3:40 PM train from Ronkonkoma, stopping at Mineola (4:31 PM), Jamaica (4:39 PM), Woodside (4:48 PM) and Penn Station (4:59 PM). Connecting service is available at Jamaica, arriving Flatbush Avenue at 5:12 PM. Tickets are sold at Penn Station, Flatbush Avenue, Woodside and Jamaica and must be purchased at least 30 minutes before train departure time. Customers boarding at Mineola Station should purchase tickets in advance, since the Mineola ticket office is closed on weekends.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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5

MTA To Extend G Line To Church Ave

Posted by
on May 21st, 2009 at 8:13 am

When I last blogged about the Culver Viaduct project in February, it was to talk about the MTA announcing the awarding of a $179M dollar contract for the project. However the story originally dates back to 2007 when the MTA announced that the Smith-9th Streets station will be closed up to 1 year due to the project. A year later, news got worse as the project faced delays & would cost more.

Now fast forward to the present when the MTA has officially announced the extension of the G Train to Church Ave due to this project. The news came in the form of a press release which they sent out yesterday afternoon:

Beginning July 5 and lasting approximately four years, extensive reconstruction of the Culver Viaduct will require the extension of the G Line subway service to Church Avenue in Southern Brooklyn. While designed to accommodate this major structure rehabilitation, the extension will provide additional service south of Smith-9th Street, save travel time for many customers and provide additional transfer options.

This change is necessary because rehabilitation of the steel and concrete structure, opened in 1933 as part of the IND system, requires the removal of two tracks from service for the duration of the project, eliminating the area at 4th Av-9th Street used by G trains to reverse direction.

The $257.5 million engineering and construction project will see the complete renovation of the structure and replacement of the signaling system and tracks. The project area stretches from the tunnel portal south of the Carroll Street station to the portal south of Fourth Avenue. The project calls for the reconstruction of the concrete deck slab, deck waterproofing, and the installation of new low-vibration track. The Fourth Avenue interlocking will be upgraded with new switches and signals, as well as new signal controls that will be Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) ready.

“This is an important long-term reconstruction project that will renew this 76 year-old structure and its systems. The work actually increases travel options for many of our customers along the F and G Lines,” pointed out MTA New York City Transit President Howard H. Roberts, Jr. “Riders utilizing the line between Church Avenue and 4th Ave-9th Street will benefit from more frequent service.”

As part of the reconstruction project, G trains will operate on the local tracks south of Smith-9th Street to Church Avenue in Brooklyn at all times, providing service to five additional stations: 4th Av-9th Street, 7th Ave, 15th Street-Prospect Park, Fort Hamilton Parkway and Church Ave. At Church Ave, G trains will reverse direction south of the station – where there are four tracks, providing a better operating environment which will help improve reliability for both the F and G lines.

Customers will benefit from the extension of the G with the availability of new, direct connections with the M R lines at 4th Av-9th Street eliminating the additional transfer to the F. Additionally, riders making the connection to A and C trains at Jay Street-Borough Hall will now have the additional option to utilize the G to make the connection at Hoyt-Schermerhorn which will make for speedier trips.

As a result of the extension, it is estimated that on a typical weekday, 8,700 riders will save an average of three minutes.

I am real curious to see how much of a positive effect this extension will have on both lines. Many transit buffs have wanted to see the G or V serve Church Ave to provide the best possible service to customers. I am sure they are happy at this news which has pretty much been a foregone conclusion to some for the last couple of years.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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1

LIRR To Restore Service To Belmont Park

Posted by
on May 19th, 2009 at 11:31 pm

Most of the media coverage about the potential “doomsday scenario” service cuts focused on bus routes & the NYC Subway itself. However for horse racing fans, their attention was on the loss of LIRR service to Belmont Park. I am a member at a horse racing forum which featured a big thread about this issue. Most were upset at what seemed to be the permanent loss of service. However with Albany passing a funding package, the MTA has now announced that they will restore the service to Belmont Park. Here are the complete details from the press release they sent me earlier today:

MTA Long Island Rail Road service to Belmont Park for the spring racing season is expected to be restored starting May 28, pending MTA Board approval on May 27. Current fares to Belmont will remain in effect through June 16. On June 17, new fares will go into effect. The LIRR’s “Belmont Special” package ticket includes rail transportation, and a $1 discount off the regular $2 grandstand admission to the track. The track is closed for racing on Mondays and Tuesdays, with the exception of Monday, May 25, Memorial Day.

The LIRR will provide extra train service for the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6. On the day of the big race the LIRR will operate 18 trains to Belmont, most direct from Penn Station beginning at 9:59 AM. There will also be frequent westbound service back to Jamaica and Penn Station starting at 4:06 PM and continuing until 9:00 PM. Further details will be provided in a future news release.

“We’re delighted to be able to restore this service,” said LIRR President Helena Williams. “The LIRR has provided train service to Belmont since 1905. On Stakes Day and during the season, the LIRR is the best way to get to this beautiful park to enjoy thoroughbred horse racing.”

“The anticipated restoration of Belmont Park service is tremendous news for all racing fans,” said New York State Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John D. Sabini. “Governor David Paterson delivered on behalf of all transit riders by driving more funding to the MTA when it really mattered. Having the LIRR service restored will be a boost for the Belmont meet at a time when enthusiasm is perking up across the nation
for what I expect will be a very exciting Belmont Stakes.”

“This is great news for the many people who rely on the LIRR to get to Belmont Park,” said Hal Handel, executive vice president and chief operating officer for The New York Racing Association, Inc. “We would like to thank the MTA for recognizing the historical significance of the ‘Belmont Special’ and its importance to New York racing fans.”

Fares from New York, Brooklyn and Woodside:

NY, Brooklyn,Woodside: Purchased at Station – One Way – $6.00 (through June 16)/ $7.00 (starting June 17) Round-trip- $11.00 (through June 16)/ $12.00 (starting June 17)

Purchased On-Board Train – One Way – $10 (through June 16)/ $13 (starting June 17) Round-trip – Not available

Jamaica: Purchased at Station – One Way – $5.00 (through June 16)/ $6.00 (starting June 17) Round-trip- $8.00 (through June 16)/ $9.00 (starting June 17)

Purchased On-Board Train – One Way – $9.00 (through June 16)/ $11 (starting June 17) Round-trip- Not available

Round-trip fares from Long Island with transfer at Jamaica:

Zone 3 (Rosedale, St. Albans, Queens Village, Hollis) – $8.00 (through June 16th) – $9.00 (starting June 17th)

Zone 4 (Far Rockaway, Lynbrook, Hempstead, Mineola) – $9.75 (through June 16th) – $11 (starting June 17th)

Zone 7 (Long Beach, Massapequa, Hicksville, Oyster Bay) – $11.50 (through June 16th) – $13 (starting June 17th)

Zone 9 (Babylon, Deer Park, Huntington, Northport) – $14.50 (through June 16th) – $16 (starting June 17th)

Zone 10 (Bay Shore, Sayville, Ronkonkoma, Patchogue, Port Jefferson) – $17.75 (through June 16th) – $20 (starting June 17th)

Tickets for the “Belmont Special” can be purchased at LIRR stations in advance or on the day of the trip — this ticket will not be sold on the train. The special package ticket to Belmont is not available for travel from stations on the Port Washington Branch.

Weekly and monthly ticket holders can use their tickets for travel to Jamaica and need only purchase a $8.00 round-trip package ticket (through June 16), $9.00 as of June 17 at an LIRR station prior to boarding the Belmont Special to cover the fare between Belmont Park and Jamaica. Round-trip tickets are not sold on-board trains. One-way tickets for travel between Jamaica and Belmont, sold on trains to use in conjunction with a monthly or weekly ticket, are $9.00 (through June 16), $11 as of June 17. A one-way ticket from Jamaica to Belmont, purchased at an LIRR station to use in conjunction with a monthly or weekly ticket, is $5.00 (through June 16), $6.00 as of June 17.

Belmont Package tickets are also available at LIRR Touch Screen ticket machines at stations – just press the “Getaways/Packages” button on the first screen; then select “Belmont Park.” Payment can be made with cash, ATM/Debit or Credit Cards. The ticket office at Belmont is closed and there are no ticket machines at Belmont.

To avoid higher on-board fares and save time, customers should purchase round-trip tickets in advance. (Please note: CityTicket is not valid for travel to or from Belmont Park.)

xoxo Transit Blogger

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0

Riders Say The C Is Just Below Average

Posted by
on May 19th, 2009 at 10:02 pm

Brooklyn bound C train entering 2nd Avenue station during a G.OBrooklyn bound C train entering 2nd Avenue station during a G.O. Resized photo courtesy of Eye On Transit.

I honestly thought I was done with the 2008 Rider Report Cards until I received an e-mail with one final set of results. The line in question is the C Train which finished with a C-. This is an improvement from the D+ it earned in 2007. Lets go straight to the breakdown:

C Train Riders Top 10 Priorities; 2007 priority rank in ( ):

01. Reasonable wait times for trains ( 1 )

02. Minimal delays during trips ( 2 )

03. Adequate room on board at rush hour ( 3 )

04. Train annoucements that are easy to hear ( 6 )

05. Station announcements that are easy to hear ( 4 )

06. Cleanliness of stations ( 5 )

07. Sense of security in stations ( 7 )

08. Cleanliness of subway cars ( 8 )

09. Sense of security on trains ( 9 )

10. Station announcements that are informative ( 10 )

—-

Complete C train riders priorities 2007 priority rank in ( ):

01. Reasonable wait times for trains ( 1 )

02. Minimal delays during trips ( 2 )

03. Adequate room on board at rush hour ( 3 )

04. Train annoucements that are easy to hear ( 6 )

05. Station announcements that are easy to hear ( 4 )

06. Cleanliness of stations ( 5 )

07. Sense of security in stations ( 7 )

08. Cleanliness of subway cars ( 8 )

09. Sense of security on trains ( 9 )

10. Station announcements that are informative ( 10 )

11. Courtesy and helpfulness of station personnel ( 13 )

12. Working elevators and escalators in stations ( 14 )

13. Train announcements that are informative ( 11 )

14. Comfortable temperature in subway cars ( 12 )

15. Availability of MetroCard Vending Machines ( 15 )

16. Signs in stations that help riders find their way ( 16 )

17. Lack of scratchitti in subway cars ( 19 )

18. Ease of use of subway turnstiles ( 17 )

19. Signs in subway cars that help riders find their way ( 18 )

20. Lack of graffiti in subway cars ( 21 )

21. Lack of graffiti in stations ( 20 )

Click here for the breakdown of votes in this section.

—-

Now here is the graded breakdown for all 21 categories; 2007 grade in ( ):

01. Minimal delays during trips C- (C-)

02. Reasonable wait times for trains D (D)

03. Adequate room on board at rush hour C- (C-)

04. Sense of security in stations C (C-)

05. Sense of security on trains C (C-)

06. Working elevators and escalators in stations C- (C-)

07. Signs in stations that help riders find their way C (C)

08. Signs in subway cars that help riders find their way C (C-)

09. Cleanliness of stations D+ (D+)

10. Cleanliness of subway cars D+ (D+)

11. Station announcements that are easy to hear D (D)

12. Station announcements that are informative D+ (D)

13. Train announcements that are easy to hear D (D)

14. Train announcements that are informative D+ (D+)

15. Lack of graffiti in stations C (C)

16. Lack of graffiti in subway cars C (C)

17. Lack of scratchitti in subway cars C- (C-)

18. Courtesy and helpfulness of station personnel C (C-)

19. Comfortable temperature in subway cars C (C)

20. Ease of use of subway turnstiles B- (C+)

21. Availability of MetroCard Vending Machines B- (B-)

Click here for the breakdown of votes in this section.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Well a little over a year has passed & not much has changed on the C Train. This has pretty much been the status quo throughout the system. As was usually the case, the top 3 priorities that bothered riders in 2007 did so in 2008. The C Train was no different as riders still feel they should have lower wait times, less delays, & more room to ride in comfort. Isn’t that the dream of every subway rider though? Overall I can’t say much more as my 2007 analysis still rings true today & arguably even more so. So you can click here to read that in its entirety.

P.S. I apologize for not getting to this sooner as I received the official results days ago.

xoxo Transit Blogger

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