Politics & Government

In Wake of Metro-North Derailment, Malloy Calls for Safety Action Plan

The Connecticut governor pens a letter to MTA and Metro-North outlining specific requests relating to inspection reports, maintenance programs and communication.

The following is a press release from Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy:

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today asked Metro-North Railroad to provide an action plan addressing safety issues on its system following the tragic train derailment Sunday morning in the Bronx.  

In addition, Malloy has asked that the report from the inspection of the track that followed the Bridgeport derailment be provided immediately, as well as monthly reports of all track, bridge, signal, power, equipment inspection and maintenance action.

In a letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Metro-North, Malloy wrote, “Connecticut has invested, and continues to invest, billions in our rail infrastructure, something that I continue to support. However, given many recent events there is understandably a negative public perception of the railroad infrastructure and state of good repair, coupled with deep concerns for our safety.  While I know that our rail lines meet or exceed the minimum safety requirements set by the Federal Railroad Administration, our goal must go well beyond the minimum.”

Malloy has requested that the action plan address communication, safety reporting, inspection and maintenance programs, remedial short-term action plans, and longer term capital investment programs to upgrade the infrastructure.

“Too often, there seems to be an insufficient sense of urgency in communicating news and updates among senior management when an incident occurs,” Malloy wrote. “When major incidents occur, immediate communication with officials at every level of government is critical.


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