Group feels snubbed over rail bill of rights

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - A rail advocacy group says a new bill of rights for Metro-North passengers is not taking into consideration what riders want.

The Connecticut Rail Commuter Council drew up its own rail riders' bill of rights, sent it to the MTA , and never heard back. Now the rail line is coming up with its own bill of rights, and reports are commuters are feeling a little snubbed.

This all started back in July on the hottest day of the year. A train lost power in Westport and folks were stuck in the strain for almost an hour with no air conditioning. Some people needed medical attention when the train finally made it to a station.

The commuter council took suggestions and drew up a list of seven passenger rights, including clean restrooms, air conditioning, and ideas for how to keep people from getting stranded when a train breaks down. The Stamford Advocate reports the council sent the list to the DOT and the MTA, but never heard back.

Now, members hear that Metro North is coming out with its own bill of rights, without any dialogue with commuters. Council members are not happy about the lack of communication.

A Connecticut Department of Transportation spokesman told the Stamford Advocate that the commuter council's views will be taken into account. The Advocate reports a Metro North executive was surprised the council was mad saying, "We thought you'd be glad we put our arms around it."

Read more on this story at stamfordadvocate.com