Connecticut Commuter Watchdog Panel Moves Forward

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Connecticut commuter watchdog group appears to be back on track.

A member of the newly re-organized Connecticut Rail Commuter Council said the group has elected officers, adopted rules and considered plans to take meetings on the road.

The group met last Wednesday in Stamford after skipping a meeting in December. Jim Gildea, a vice-chairman, said Monday that after some growing pains, the group is now headed in the right direction.

The revamped panel was established last year to replace the Metro-North Rail Commuter Council and includes oversight of the New Haven-Springfield passenger line, expected to operate by 2016.

The advocates represent commuters' interests before Metro-North and Shoreline East, the state Department of Transportation and legislature.

Members of the panel are considering meeting in other Connecticut towns and cities to extend its contacts beyond Stamford.

Earlier this month, Jim Cameron, the panel's former chairman, blasted the group for being too pliant in the hands of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

"They clearly don't want a commuter council with any voice or any teeth," said Cameron, who resigned last fall.

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