Gerard Bringmann – PCAC

“LIRR to Test Electric Railcars on Oyster Bay Branch”

Gerard Bringmann — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 17:09:16 +0000

“This is another example of the LIRR embracing modern technology to benefit our commuters. This is a potential game changer for our riders in diesel territory, giving them more opportunities for a one seat ride into NYC. It is also particularly fitting to announce this study and the clean air benefits it can bring during Earth Week. It will be good for riders and for the planet.”

-Gerry Bringmann Statement given by PCAC Executive Director, Lisa Daglian

Watch Full Press Conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARqFDSIofuI

MTA News Statement here: https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/mediacontact/public/view.cfm?parm=2E5CB41B-F4DF-F434-9891877E988D3D0E_EBC9704F-B388-9A4D-977E19D29433091E

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LIRR “Service Adjustments” Make No Sense

Gerard Bringmann — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 23:47:11 +0000

“Today’s ‘service adjustments’ were an exercise in frustration for every Long Island Rail Road rider – even worse, it was like being trapped in a Stephen King novel. Fewer trains led to overcrowding when we are still in the middle of the pandemic and the LIRR is trying to encourage people to get back on the rails. Longer waits and more people on platforms gave the illusion of being back to normal, though we are anything but. Unfortunately, this was basically a May 2020 schedule imposed in March 2021 – and on the same day New York City announced it would be reopening its high schools. It doesn’t make sense that service is being cut at the same time the rest of the region is reopening. We understand that the LIRR has a lot of important infrastructure work to do to build the Rail Road of tomorrow. But at the same time, the commuters of today need to be able to get where they’re going safely and on time. Hopefully, the immediate adjustments being made to the new schedule will address some of the worst problems we saw today, but riders shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of the budget woes caused by the state’s withholding of MTA funds. It’s time to reverse that raid and restore the funds – and the trains – so tomorrow is better than today.”

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LIRRCC’s Letter to Newsday: Washington must help MTA

Gerard Bringmann — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 17:05:26 +0000

LIRRCC’s newly appointed Chair, Gerry Bringmann, penned a letter to the editor in Sunday’s edition of Newsday calling for the federal government to provide emergency aid to the MTA.

Below is the letter:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is facing an unprecedented fiscal emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, needing as much as $12 billion to get through 2021.

Without federal relief, Long Island Rail Road riders face deep service cuts, significant fare hikes and reduced cleaning. Layoffs would further erode our fragile economy.

“Ease the pain” [Editorial, July 26] noted that the MTA is “ … a crucial ingredient in a dynamic economy. Supporting [it and other transit agencies] is costly, but letting them languish would be far more expensive.”

It also could be deadly. Service cuts would lead to overcrowded trains and eliminate any possible social distancing — critical to getting through this pandemic. At the same time, system modernization is on hold and in jeopardy. Long Islanders deserve a 21st century system and we were close to seeing that dream realized. Without reliable transit, Long Islanders will give up on the train and opt to drive, clogging the roads and our air.

The LIRR is a vital economic engine for the region. Our recovery cannot happen without critical federal aid now being debated in Washington. The message to Congress must be loud and clear: Long Islanders rely on the MTA and the MTA is relying on you!

Gerard Bringmann,

Patchogue

Editor’s note: The writer is chair of the Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council.

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Gerard Bringmann Becomes LIRRCC Chair

Gerard Bringmann — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 16:01:14 +0000

After the unfortunate and unexpected passing of LIRRCC Chair, Mark Epstein, his colleague and friend Gerard Bringmann is taking the helm of the Council. Mr. Bringmann has served on the Council for 19 years and was the LIRRCC Chair from 2006 to 2010. He commutes from Patchogue on the LIRR, and has been an active voice and advocate for LIRR commuters. The PCAC welcomes him back as the new LIRRCC Chair.

Read Newsday article here: Patchogue’s Bringmann steps in as chairman of LIRR Commuter Council _ Newsday

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