WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Jim Himes (CT-4), Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), and Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) released the following statements today on the Federal Railroad Administration’s “Deep Dive” report on Metro North Railroad.
“This report confirms that the safety and reliability problems at Metro North stem from a culture that allowed poor performance and lax enforcement of safety procedures,” Himes said. “There is no reason we should accept anything less than safe AND efficient service. I urge Metro North to swiftly address the problems outlined in the report and will closely monitor the railroad’s progress.”
“FRA’s assessment of Metro-North’s operations and safety compliance reaffirms that the railroad’s safety habits must change,” DeLauro said. “Connecticut commuters deserve to have confidence in their public rail system, and I will continue to push for aggressive action to implement and enforce critical safety requirements.”
“It is very clear that this report on Operation Deep Dive is a serious condemnation of Metro-North’s safety culture, and this is unacceptable,” Esty said. “I’m very concerned about lack of training and experience with track inspectors and poor-quality trainers. This report reinforces that there is and has been a dramatic systematic failure on the part of lawmakers to prioritize investments in our infrastructure. Budgets reflect our priorities, and there is blame to be shared by Congress. It’s time to boost our investments in maintaining and improving our rail infrastructure to make sure Connecticut families have safe, reliable train service.”