Being the president of the largest commuter railroad in the United States is no easy feat, but Phil Eng leaves the LIRR with significant accomplishments that have improved the lives of commuters and Long Islanders. He and his team excelled even through the nation’s worst health crisis. Under his leadership, the LIRR has the best on time performance in its history and is close to finishing major expansion projects like Third Track and East Side Access that will change the way people can travel, opening up real possibilities for reverse commuting and supporting economic development. His innovative approaches to money-saving essential work – such as temporary platform extensions at Forest Hills and Kew Gardens that improve the ride and travel time – are inspirational legacies. We wish him all the best.
Cathy Rinaldi is an excellent choice to step into this tough job. She knows the LIRR because she worked there, and she knows the key issues facing commuters and railroads as we emerge from the COVID crisis. She is no stranger to major projects, as Metro-North is undertaking significant capital work, and with East Side Access coming into Grand Central, the marriage of these two roles at this time makes sense. We look forward to working with her in her new role on behalf of riders from Wassaic to Montauk.
CONTACT: Kara Gurl, PCAC: 718-839-3625/ [email protected] Lisa Daglian, PCAC: 917-612-2292/ [email protected]