Watch CBS News

#WeDeserveBetter, Say LIRR Commuters Frustrated By Delays

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Packed trains, crowded platforms and delays have left Long Island Rail Road commuters saying, "We deserve better."

As CBS2's Magdalena Doris reported, customers hope the #WeDeserveBetter hashtag catches on, and gets the attention of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

With every commute, complaints roll in.

"They're always like really packed; like, no one can sit down, so we're all like squished in," said LIRR commuter Michelle Velasco.

Now, some frustrated LIRR riders have used the #WeDeserveBetter hashtag on Twitter, asking Cuomo to step up. Michael Fish tweeted that he his family had had to have dinner without mom several times because of LIRR delays.

John G. LaPlante complained that the LIRR has had delays or major service suspensions nearly every day since New Year's Eve.

CBS2 brought the concerns to Cuomo and the MTA on Tuesday. Initially, the MTA said the tweets from LaPlante and Fish were just a couple of tweets.

The agency then sent a statement touting a 90 percent customer satisfaction rate, room for improvement, and highlighted the progress to come.

"I still don't understand how it's going to make my commute effective, and like get me to where I'm going on time," said LIRR commuter Craig Washington.

Cuomo's administration also focused on the upcoming funding project, and referred to CBS2 to past statements from the governor. In one statement from January, Cuomo said commutes for Long Islanders are out of control.

"Either you get ahead of the problem, or that problem is going to consume you," Cuomo said.

Cuomo is pushing hard for a third track stretching between Floral Park and Hicksville, which could take years to complete. Riders are not holding their breath.

"I hope they finish it before the Second Avenue Subway," said LIRR rider Susan Schneider.

The Long Island Rail Road Commuter Council said getting a huge capital program approved would help.

"It means that there would be new cars, a more robust signaling system, and an expanded track program," said Ellyn Shannon of the LIRR Commuter Council.

The governor's administration said the capital program is expected to pass in April.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.