(HARTFORD) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today outlined his expectations and priorities for Metro-North Railroad’s (MNR) performance in light of MNR’s anticipated May schedule change. Since the new MNR President Joseph Giulietti began his position in February, Governor Malloy and Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker have been in active discussions with Mr. Giulietti as MNR works to implement its 100-Day improvement strategy for Connecticut service in order to restore the New Haven Line to a “best-in-class” railroad.

In a letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and MNR, Governor Malloy urged MNR to use the change as an opportunity to focus on the goals of safety, reliability and optimal trip times while addressing customer complaints about late, crowded and slow trains.

Governor Malloy wrote, “I expect that the new schedule will reflect your commitment to deliver a comprehensive program of safe, reliable and fast service in Connecticut. Indeed, Connecticut will not approve the new schedule without it.

“This is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to the safe, reliable and timely service that Connecticut residents expect and deserve.

“From what I have been told, the schedule changes are adding minutes to train times and reducing the target for on-time performance – and we have not received an adequate explanation for either.

“Safety is our number one goal, but safety, reliability and optimal trip times are mutually attainable goals.  The May schedule must achieve the right balance for all three; customers must be confident that the railroad is safe, trip times are as short as possible, and that they can expect trains to be on time at least 95 percent of the time. We must have a clear explanation of why these goals cannot be achieved together at this time and a firm target for achieving them.”

**Download: Governor Malloy’s letter to MTA and MNR re: May 2014 Schedule Change