MTA should take over track maintenance

To the Editor:

Following a number of significant Long Island Rail Road service disruptions and cancellations caused by Amtrak maintenance recently, I am calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to explore taking over maintenance of the rails in and out of Penn Station and the East River tunnels.

The MTA should re-evaluate its current operating agreement with Amtrak and see what steps can be taken to have the authority to maintain the rails in and out of Penn Station.

The LIRR and its riders have repeatedly been held hostage because of Amtrak’s maintenance practices. That is unacceptable. The recent Amtrak derailment, which resulted in significant cancellations and delays to LIRR riders, showed why the MTA/LIRR, not Amtrak, should maintain the rails in and out of Penn Station.

Amtrak currently owns and maintains Penn Station and the four East River tunnels. Amtrak’s ownership prevents the LIRR from overseeing maintenance operations on its tracks, even though the LIRR operates more than three times as many weekday trains as Amtrak. While the LIRR cooperates with Amtrak on some maintenance and repair projects, it ultimately has no authority over maintenance operations that directly affect LIRR service.

Charles Fuschillo Jr.

New York State Senator, 8th District

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