WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement regarding last night’s computer problems that caused Metro North service to stop for nearly two hours:
"Metro North's string of accidents and delays is simply unacceptable. From the recent dangerous crashes and derailments to yesterday's infuriating delays -- and especially the lack of information given to passengers stranded on trains between stations for hours -- Metro North needs to reassess its priorities and operations. Yesterday's electrical problems are also a clear demonstration of the cost of not investing in our transportation infrastructure, but money is not the only issue. This is no way to run a railroad. Individuals lose valuable time, we as a society lose productivity, and businesses lose money when the trains don't run on time. I spoke with Metro North President Howard Permut last night and expressed to him the frustrations of my constituents and the urgency needed to handle this matter. I look forward to hearing from Metro North on how they plan to keep riders better informed during what should be infrequent disruptions of service and how they plan to improve the safety of this essential transit system."