January 24, 2014

GOV. MALLOY STATEMENT ON METRO-NORTH

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today released the following statement regarding last night's problems that caused Metro-North trains to halt for nearly two hours:

"The power outage on the New Haven Line last evening was totally avoidable and frankly, unfathomable given that it occurred due to inappropriate actions on the part of Metro-North. On behalf of the thousands of Connecticut citizens who rely on this crucial rail service every day, I am outraged that any maintenance procedure would be performed on the signal control system during the peak evening commuter period.

"I expressed my anger and frustration in a call this morning with MTA CEO Tom Prendergast, asked him for a full explanation and an action plan to prevent any recurrence, and also requested that the MTA hire a third-party, independent authority who can serve as an advisor when crucial maintenance decisions like these are made. I have also asked for a face-to-face meeting with Mr. Prendergast and the incoming President of Metro-North, Joe Giullietti, as soon as Mr. Giullietti starts in his new position."

Metro-North, a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), operates the New Haven Line under a contract with the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

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For Immediate Release: January 24, 2014

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy