Conn. legislation targets MetroNorth fare rules

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — An organized commuters group is lobbying for legislation in Connecticut requiring MetroNorth Railroad to make good on prepaid fares made useless when monster storms shut the rail line into New York City.

The Connecticut Rail Commuter Council is backing legislation that would force MetroNorth to allow commuters to use tickets if service is canceled for more than 48 hours. The group says MetroNorth should be required to replace lost time as airlines make up for canceled flights.

Republican Rep. Gail Lavielle, who introduced the legislation, says commuters should not be forced to pay for service they did not receive.

A spokesman says the Connecticut Department of Transportation will not comment.

A spokeswoman for MetroNorth says the Metropolitan Transportation Agency, which runs MetroNorth, is not subject to Connecticut laws.