State lawmakers recently sent a letter to Long Island Rail Road President Phillip Eng, informing him that they planned to host hearings about the dismal state of the railroad.
State Sen. Todd Kaminsky was recently appointed a chair on the New York State Senate Committees on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions and Transportation, and sent the letter along with Sens. Leroy Comrie, Timothy Kennedy, John Brooks, Monica Martinez, Kevin Thomas, James Gaughran and Anna Kaplan.
“Statistics reveal what commuters know quite well — that the LIRR’s recent performance is subpar and in desperate need of a thorough review and revamping,” the letter reads. “In light of the legislature’s role in funding the [Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s] budget, as well as fulfilling our role as representatives of the riders who rely on your service, we plan to exercise our oversight authority in an effort to seek collaborative solutions to remedy the unstable situation.”
The letter also requested Eng’s participation in the hearings, but no timetable was given for when they would occur. A request for comment from the LIRR about the letter was not returned at press time.
The letter stated that the hearings will seek the participation of riders, workers and experts “who can each illuminate the causes for the dire situation of Long Island’s commuter rail system.”