METRO-NORTH COMPLAINTS: Grassroots Watchdog Group Formed to Empower Commuters

Posted by Paula Antolini

Lately There Seems to Be a Fever-Pitch Frustration and Anger Towards Metro-North from Residents, for Numerous Problems.  Now Your Voice Can Be Heard.

Due to the growing problems with Metro-North Railroad, 22-year Darien resident Jim Cameron, a 25-year Metro-North commuter and former Chairman of the Connecticut Rail Commuter Council for 19 years, decided to take action. He founded the grassroots organization named the "Commuter Action Group" in 2013, with its aim to give commuters a voice to let their complaints be heard, even as they are on the train. The group has no dues or fees.   

Cameron believes in empowering rail commuters so their concerns can be heard by the railroad, the CT Department of Transportation (DOT) and state and federal lawmakers. He formed the group after receiving input from hundreds of commuters hearing their ideas and concerns.

Besides being an outlet for complaints, the organization's website includes updates, news and links to pertinent information including a "Fire Metro-North / Sound Off" page. Here detailed comments are posted including info. about Date of Problem, What the Issue Is, Which Railroad, Origin/Destination or Station, Car Number and a Description of the Problem.  Interestingly, the complaints on this page also include comments from railroad employees. Complaints cover a wide range, such as train temperature, constant too-short trains causing crowding, cleanliness of cars, late trains, poor announcements, issues of people "reserving seats" while trains have standing room only, doors closing too quickly and not allowing all to board, and on and on and on!

You can also use the "Commuter Speak Out" link to find out about actual local gatherings to discuss these issues.  For instance, there is a meeting on February 18, 2014 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Avenue, Southport CT 06890-1496 (easy walk from the Southport Rail Station, and phone: 203.259.0346) which includes the CT DOT Commissioner Jim Redeker.

The "Commuter Manifesto" includes a "statement of expectations by the Commuter Action Group" with topics that include "Safety First, Fast Accurate and Honest Communications, Responsive Customer Service,  Open and Transparent Operations, and Leadership that Listens," stating "We will listen to you if you will listen to us: we’re in this together."

The "News Coverage" link leads you to a page with all the latest news about the Commuter Action Group.  There is also a page where you can register to "Get Updates."

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The Commuter Action Group can be found here:

MAIN WEBSITE: http://ji503.wix.com/commuteractiongroup

COMPLAINT PAGE: http://ji503.wix.com/commuteractiongroup

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CommuterActionGroup

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTRailCommuters

EMAIL: CommuterActionGroup@gmail.com