Nov 24, 2008 7:57 pm US/Eastern
Feds Step In To Investigate LIRR Derailments
Riders Say Incidents Unacceptable Considering Massive Fare Hikes And Cuts Planned For 2009 And Beyond
QUEENS (CBS) ―
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LIRR train derailments have New Yorkers demanding they be treated better considering how much additional money they are being asked to fork over during these trying economic times.
CBS
For the second time in a week there has been a train derailment that has impacted thousands of tri-state area residents.
Now, federal investigators are trying to determine why train troubles continue to plague the Long Island Rail Road.
As crews scramble to make repairs and get commuters home safely and swiftly, federal railroad administration officials are blanketing Jamaica, investigating the derailment. It's the second as the same station in a week and the third this year.
Needless to say, commuters have had it.
"How dare they!" one said.
"And they're charging more money," added another.
"I'm worried about my safety," said a third.
The LIRR president responded:
"We are doing what we can... tomorrow morning impact__," Helena Williams said.
Commuters are demanding answers after two eastbound trains collided in March, two westbound trains sideswiped each other last Wednesday and another train jumped the tracks Sunday as it approached Jamaica.
"I'm hoping this is a wake-up call for the LIRR to fix what's wrong," said Gerry Bringmann, chairman of the LIRR Commuters Council.
Federal railroad administration investigators said three factors could explain the accidents -- the tracks, the trains and operator error.
"We suspended worker without pay pending investigation," Williams said.
Riders reacted with anger and frustration. Despite delays, derailments and safety questions, the LIRR plans next year to raise fares 23 percent and then up them another 5 percent in 2011. On top of that, many cuts are planned. They include:
* Cancellation and combination of trains.
* Reduction of off-peak and weekend schedule.
* Postponement of gap repairs.
* Closing of ticket booths.
In addition, the LIRR is planning to cut 327 jobs by 2010.
LIRR President Williams said the three incidents are unrelated and that passengers are safe. So far, repairs are costing the railroad $1 million.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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