The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Blumenthal wants more fed money to assist Metro-North
WEST HAVEN — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal called Wednesday for further federal funding to aid Metro-North Railroad and help keep the service running while allowing passengers to maintain appropriate social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Blumenthal advocated for his colleagues to pass the HEROES Act, which would include $32 billion to support mass transit, including funding for Metro-North. Metro-North previously received $224 million through the CARES Act, Blumenthal said.
The additional funding is necessary to help Metro-North offset its losses and encourage more trains to be put back on the tracks so people feel they can appropriately socially distance while riding the rails, Blumenthal said.
“This additional infusion and investment of resources is vital. And the country should be demanding that Mitch McConnell put this bill on the floor, give us a vote,” said Blumenthal, during a press conference at the West Haven station. “Safe and reliable transportation is not a luxury. It is a necessity. And equally necessary is the equipment and trains to enable physical distancing.”
Metro-North Railroad
President Cathy Rinaldi agreed more funding is needed.
“We appreciate the Senator’s tireless advocacy on behalf of Metro-North’s customers in the state of Connecticut. We share his commitment to the safety of our customers and our employees, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that the customers who are starting to return to the Metro-North system have the best possible experience,” Rinaldi said in a statement. “Metro-North is the engine that drives the economy in southern Connecticut, and we agree with the Senator that substantial federal funding will be necessary if Metro-North – and the region – are to recover from the devastating effects of this historic public health crisis.”
Edward Valente, general chairman of the Association of Commuter Rail Employees, said that “Metro-North has been devastated financially” during the coronavirus pandemic, as ridership has decreased significantly.
At the same time, he said, workers have continued to do their jobs, “putting our health on the line” to keep the trains running.
Valente called for Metro-North
to run more trains and ideally return to full service.
He said that more than 70 trains have run while more than one-third full since July 1, according to ACRE’s count, which does not allow for social distancing by Metro-North’s definition.
“As we continue to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, let me assure you that the men and women of ACRE will be there for our passengers and will do our part to keep the New Haven line running,” said Valente.