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LIRR Riders' #WeDeserveBetter Hashtag Gains Momentum On Twitter

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A new hashtag is building momentum on Twitter as Long Island Rail Road riders continue to voice their displeasure with recent delays and cancellations.

The LIRR reported good service across the board for Wednesday morning's rush hour, but rider Maria
DaSilva said she knows that can quickly change.

"They cancel trains, then the trains are overpacked," DaSilva said. "I think we all deserve better."

She's not alone.

Since CBS2's report about rider grievances using the new hashtag #WeDeserveDetter aired Tuesday night, more riders have taken to Twitter, complaining not only to the railroad but some also to Gov. Andrew Cuomo about what they see as increasingly unreliable service.

CBS2's Andrea Grymes brought their concerns to the governor Wednesday morning.

"What can you do in the short term to help ease frustrations for riders experiencing recent delays and cancellations?" Grymes asked Cuomo.

"We're spending $26 billion on a capital plan for the MTA, part of which is the LIRR," Cuomo said.

To help bring some relief to the system, Cuomo wants to add a third track between Floral Park and Hicksville, but completion of that could be years down the line.

Commuters want some relief now.

In Tuesday's wind and rain, the railroad reported weather-related signal problems.

Last Friday night, it was an issue with one of the four East River tunnels.

"It seems like once or twice a week, every week there's issues," LIRR rider Lisa LaRocca said. "Over the past year I'd say it's gotten much worse."

A LIRR spokesperson tells CBS2, "Surveys have consistently polled overall customer satisfaction with the LIRR at over 90 percent. But, understandably, on the toughest weather days there can be problems. There is always room for improvement."

Some riders do believe the railroad is doing the best it can.

"Overall I think it's pretty sufficient," LIRR rider Austin Nino said.

The railroad says it does strive to get better everyday.

CBS2 has reached out again to the LIRR for comment.

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