December 3, 2013

GOV. MALLOY ASKS METRO-NORTH TO PROVIDE ACTION PLAN, SUBMIT MONTHLY REPORTS ON EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE ACTIONS

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today asked Metro-North Railroad to provide an action plan addressing safety issues on its system following the tragic train derailment Sunday morning in the Bronx. In addition, Governor Malloy has asked that the report from the inspection of the track that followed the Bridgeport derailment be provided immediately, as well as monthly reports of all track, bridge, signal, power, equipment inspection and maintenance action.

In a letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Metro-North, the Governor wrote, "Connecticut has invested, and continues to invest, billions in our rail infrastructure, something that I continue to support. However, given many recent events there is understandably a negative public perception of the railroad infrastructure and state of good repair, coupled with deep concerns for our safety. While I know that our rail lines meet or exceed the minimum safety requirements set by the Federal Railroad Administration, our goal must go well beyond the minimum."

The Governor has requested that the action plan address communication, safety reporting, inspection and maintenance programs, remedial short-term action plans, and longer term capital investment programs to upgrade the infrastructure.

"Too often, there seems to be an insufficient sense of urgency in communicating news and updates among senior management when an incident occurs," the Governor wrote. "When major incidents occur, immediate communication with officials at every level of government is critical.

** Download : Letter from Governor Malloy to the MTA/Metro-North Railroad

###

For Immediate Release: December 3, 2013

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy