LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD COMMUTER’S COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MAY 14, 2015
A meeting of the Long Island Rail Road Commuter’s Council (LIRRCC) was convened at 4:30 pm on May 14, 2015, in the LIRR East Side Access Readiness Conference Room at 450 7th Avenue, 20th Floor – Manhattan, New York.
The following members were present:
Mark Epstein Ira Greenberg
The following members were on the telephone:
Matthew Kessler Larry Rubinstein
The following members were absent:
Gerard Bringmann Mike Godino
Sheila Carpenter Maureen Michaels
Owen Costello Raymond Pagano
Bryan Peranzo
In addition, the following persons were present:
William Henderson -PCAC Executive Director
Stacey Francis -Rochdale Village
Leigh Fye -Rochdale Village
Rodney Reid -Rochdale Village
Shawn C. Chandler -Rochdale Village
Krysten Brown -Rochdale Village
Approval of Agenda and Minutes
The agenda for the May 14, 2015 meeting was accepted. The Minutes from the April 2 meeting were not approved, as no quorum was present.
Board Report
Ira Greenberg gave the Board report. He began by noting that the confidential close call reporting system (CCCRS) now is in place on the LIRR. The system took some time to establish in part because it required agreement with the LIRR’s unions before it could become active.
Mr. Greenberg said that service as bad as it’s ever been on the LIRR and that there is supposed to be a special report given to the Board on the causes and remedies for the delays that have plagued the Rail Road.
Staff Report
William Henderson gave the staff report, noting contacts that riders had made with the Council. He noted several contacts, including one from a resident who called for trains to increase their use of horns when moving through stations and a person residing near the Hempstead Branch who was concerned about trains laying over near his property.
Member Report
Matthew Kessler stated he was approached by a rider who complained about the non-uniformity of fares on the railroad. In particular the rider complained about the premium that he was charged for a step-up fare between the destination on his ticket and the destination to which he was traveling. Mr. Henderson said that the LIRR does round charges for on-board purchases up, but this is in part an effort to avoid making change.
New Business
Residents in the area of Locust Manor attending the meeting asked whether the Council was receiving complaints about a coyote being spotted on the tracks near the Locust Manor station. They asked what could be done about the situation. Mr. Greenberg said that the MTA Police would respond if called, but that the most effective method of dealing with the situation would be for those seeing the animal to call 911 or 311, and that the dispatchers handling these calls would direct them to the appropriate agency. The residents noted that coyotes are frequently seen in the area and that they have dens in a City park adjacent to the other side of the tracks.
Mark Epstein suggested that a letter be sent advising the LIRR and the MTA Police to advise them of the problem. Copies could be sent to others who may be involved with this issue. Mr. Greenberg stated that he would also raise this issue at the MTA level.
The guests also noted that the Locust Manor station has some accessibility features but that the staircases there accumulate lots of ice. LIRR forces have drilled drainage holes to attempt to clear the water from the stairs, but this was not effective in draining the area. Mr. Epstein stated that he will write a letter about this issue.
The guests also said that an Elevator would be useful at Locust Manor. They said that this would be a positive influence on ridership, as at present those who need to use an elevator must travel to Jamaica Station, because it is accessible.
A question was asked whether the LIRR would install a ticket machine at Locust Manor if Rochdale Village would provide the location for the station. Hector Garcia said that it is difficult to get new ticket machines as they are slated to be replaced with a new ticketing system in the next few years. He said that the cost would be around $100,000 to buy and install a new ticket vending machine, including the cost of the machine itself and the installation and connection of utilities and communication.
The guests asked what would be done to repair the eastbound platform at Locust Manor. Mr. Garcia said that Assemblyman Scarborough had provided funds to improve the station, but that the amount that he gave is not enough to complete improvements on both sides of the station. Nevertheless, both sides of the station will be improved to a consistent standard and the LIRR is paying to repair staircases on the eastbound side of the station. Mr. Garcia said that the stairs to be replaced.
Old Business
Mr. Epstein said that he would like to hear the results of the M9 Focus Groups.
It was noted that the Council should do another Meet the Council session and Mr. Epstein said that he would discuss a June date with Mr. Garcia.
Mr. Epstein commented that the Council is scheduled to hold elections and that they would be held at a subsequent meeting. He asked anyone interested in serving as a Council officer to contact Bill Henderson to let him know.
Bradley Brashears briefly described the Freedom Ticket study that he is working on with the NYCTRC.
Mr. Henderson stated that he believes that a pilot program to increase commuter rail use in the City is justified, especially in view of the neglect of southeast Queens residents’ transportation needs.
Mr. Greenberg stated that he believes that the road block to implementing the Freedom Ticket is the plan to provide a free transfer to the subway.
Mr. Garcia commented that the LIRR is demolishing the Ellison Avenue Bridge this weekend. He said that a press conference on the plan took place that morning.
Larry Rubinstein asked if there will be a shutdown for the construction of the new bridge. Mr. Garcia said that there will be one weekend where all traffic will be shut down. The structure is to be moved to the site in one weekend
Mr. Garcia also noted that 2nd track project work is moving along and that a parking vendor for Wyandanch is to be approved at June MTA Board meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
William Henderson
Executive Director