Conn. legislative committee voices concerns about recent Metro-North woes; suggest new vendor [Daily Journal]

Article as it appeared in the Daily Journal

HARTFORD, Connecticut — Connecticut lawmakers are voicing concerns about recent incidents involving the Metro-North commuter rail line, saying some of their constituents don’t feel safe riding the trains.

The General Assembly’s Transportation Committee on Wednesday received an update from state Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker (REHD’-eh-kur), who expressed confidence that the railroad’s condition “is in better shape than ever.”

Earlier this month, there was a deadly derailment on a Metro-North line in New York. In May, there was a derailment in Bridgeport that injured 76 people. Later that month, a track foreman was struck and killed.

Wilton Sen. Toni Boucher (boo-SHAY’) said she’s receiving calls for the first time from constituents worried about their safety. She and other lawmakers suggested Connecticut investigate whether another vendor might better operate the commuter rail line.