MTA chairman 'not satisfied' with LIRR performance
<p>MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota, who oversees the Long Island Rail Road, says he is "unconvinced" by LIRR President Patrick Nowakowski's explanations as to why service has been repeatedly delayed in recent months. </p>
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Jan 24, 2018, 10:52 PM
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Updated 2,532 days ago
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MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota, who oversees the Long Island Rail Road, says he is "unconvinced" by LIRR President Patrick Nowakowski's explanations as to why service has been repeatedly delayed in recent months.
Delays were up 27 percent from November to December, and there were 18 service interruptions in the first 18 days of January.
Nowakowski blamed the problems on a host of issues, including Amtrak, inclement weather and the lack of a centralized LIRR command center.
At an MTA meeting in Manhattan Wednesday, Lhota said there has to be a greater sense of urgency to improve service on the railroad and treat riders with more respect. He said that staff changes are being made to make that happen.
"I'm not satisfied with the performance," said Lhota.
Lhota said he is not currently considering replacing Nowakowski.
The LIRR is the busiest commuter railroad in the country. Last year, it had more than 89 million passengers.
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