Metro-North on time performance improves

Metro-North trains were on time 94.4 percent of the time last year — the best track record by the commuter line in six years.

“We are very pleased to report significant and improved train performance, while continuing to improve safety for employees and customers,” said Catherine Rinaldi, MetroNorth’s president.

“This year we improved our on-time performance for 13 consecutive months while operating more service than the prior year,” Rinaldi said.

Statistics released by the railroad on Monday show cancellations were down 55 percent and there were 41 percent fewer trains delayed more than 15 minutes.

The railroad also saw 63 percent fewer trains operating with less than their normal complement of cars. Trains traveled 64 percent more miles before experiencing a mechanical malfunction and causing a delay.

Metro-North said the improved performance follows an overall enhancement program aimed at transforming “customers’ day-to-day commuting experience.”

In 2019, Metro-North said it installed more than 50,000 new cross ties, 28 new switches and over eight miles of continuously welded rail.

The railroad also surfaced almost 111 miles of track, replaced five railroad grade crossings, installed a new cab signal system for the Port Jervis line, renewed components of the Cos Cob moveable bridge and installed 1,800 feet of fencing.

“That is only made possible by the dedication and commitment of our workforce, who rise to the challenge every single day,” Rinaldi said.

James Cameron, founder of the Commuter Action Group and a Hearst Connecticut Media transportation columnist, praised the railroad for improving performance.

"Let's give the railroad credit where it's due,” Cameron said.

“On-time performance is increasing thanks to a lot of effort, even though the trains are not running as fast as anyone would like,” Cameron said. “Nor is branch line service keeping up with improvements on the mainline.”

Cameron noted it took decades of neglect and under-investment to get the railroad into its current state and it will take many more years to dig out of the hole.

“The governor’s dreams of 30 minute travel times between Hartford, New Haven, Stamford and Grand Central Terminal is an admirable goal but will never be achieved without adequate funding and a lot of patience on the part of commuters," Cameron noted.

Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Cars are parked in the lot of the Springdale train station in the Springsdale section of Stamford on Jan. 6. Statistics released by the railroad on Monday show cancellations were down 55 percent and there were 41 percent fewer trains delayed more than 15 minutes