Summary of "MTA Board - Long Island Rail Road Committee Meeting - 5/21/2008"

The MTA Board Long Island Rail Road Committee meeting on May 21, 2008, covered a broad range of operational, financial, safety, and capital project updates, as well as leadership transitions within the Long Island Bus and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) systems.

Key Points:

1. Leadership Transition:
- Neil Yellen, after delivering his 114th and final monthly report as head of Long Island Bus, announced his move to become Senior Vice President of Administration at LIRR.
- Joseph Smith, currently Senior VP of NYC Transit and President of MTA Bus and Long Island Bus, will take over reporting for Long Island Bus.
- Committee members praised Neil for professionalizing Long Island Bus despite longstanding challenges and expressed confidence in Joseph Smith’s leadership.
2. Long Island Bus Operations and Performance:
- Operating statistics for the first quarter of 2008 were within acceptable ranges.
- On-time performance was strong (100% in March and Q1).
- Safety improved significantly with a 56% reduction in lost-time injuries and a 50% improvement in customer injury rates compared to targets.
- Financially, expenses were 6% below budget, with fuel and workers compensation costs higher but offset by savings in salaries, health costs, and maintenance contracts.
- Ridership was slightly above budget (+0.5% in March) but down 2.2% from last year, influenced by fewer weekdays and holiday shifts. However, the first quarter ridership was up 2.7% over budget.
- Revenue was 3.2% above budget and 1.6% higher than last year.
- Inventory management showed excellent results with turnover rates exceeding goals.
3. Financial and Ridership Report for LIRR:
- March ridership was up 1% compared to 2007 despite a fare increase and one fewer workday.
- Commuter ridership grew modestly, with a significant rebound in April (9% increase in commuter ridership).
- Revenues through March exceeded budget expectations by 2.5%, with a $22 million favorable variance in expenses due to vacancies, health insurance, pension savings, and timing.
- Hiring remains a priority to maintain service quality and reduce overtime.
4. Service Reliability:
- April 2008 saw record on-time performance (95.97% overall; 98.35% AM peak), the best in over 30 years.
- Eleven 100% on-time rush hours were recorded.
- Special event service for Shea Stadium opening day was successfully managed.
5. Safety and Security:
- MTA Police reported a slight decrease in reportable crimes in April.
- A late-night train patrol initiative launched in February resulted in 20 cases handled, 18 summonses, and 7 arrests, improving crew and passenger security.
- Police presence on trains and at stations is being maintained and expanded.
- Operation Lifesaver, an educational program on grade crossing safety, has been intensified following two recent grade crossing accidents.
- Enforcement and outreach efforts, including signage reviews and community education, are ongoing to reduce dangerous behavior at crossings.
6. Capital Projects:
- Major milestones include awarding a $10.5 million contract for a new maintenance repair facility and continuing the fit-out of the Jamaica Central Control Building.
- Design work underway for escalator replacements at three stations, with construction expected to start in 2009.
- The Bayshore pedestrian overpass project is progressing with strong local support.
- The MTA Police Central Islip facility design is complete but over budget; options for adjustment or additional funding are under review.
- Public outreach efforts for the Queens Interlocking upgrade include a new informational video and extensive communications to prepare riders for service disruptions starting June 16, 2008. The project will improve track conditions and signal technology, leading to smoother and more reliable service.
7. Procurements:
- Nine procurement actions totaling $12.8 million were approved, including a significant 5-year agreement with Oracle for financial system integration.
- Several non-competitive contracts support services for disabled and blind workers, as well as maintenance on new CNG engines and transmissions.
8. Committee Remarks:
- Members emphasized the importance of maintaining service quality despite budget constraints.
- The transition of leadership was warmly acknowledged, with confidence expressed in continued progress.
- The committee highlighted the need for ongoing public communication and outreach, especially regarding safety and capital projects.