LongIsland.com
Robert Anderson, 61, of West Islip, allegedly engaged in a scheme to defraud the MTA out of ticket revenue. Photo by: Shutterstock Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) Inspector General Carolyn Pokorny have announced the arrest of a Long Island Railroad (“LIRR”) conductor for allegedly engaging in a scheme to defraud the MTA out of ticket revenue. Robert Anderson, 61, of West Islip, is charged with four counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony; eight counts of Petit Larceny, a class A misdemeanor; and eight counts of Official Misconduct, a class A misdemeanor. Anderson has been employed by the LIRR since 2014.
Frank Franklin II / AP
The union that represents 500 Long Island Rail Road train operators has filed for federal mediation during a potential contract impasse.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen applied to the National Mediation Board for assistance in negotiating a new contract with the LIRR.
Kevin Sexton is the union chairman. He told Newsday that the decision to seek mediation was due to a comment by the MTA chief financial officer who suggested some union workers may have to forego future raises.
MTA Chairman Patrick Foye said the transit agency will be able to implement all negotiated wage increases and contract negotiations after the MTA receives $6.5 billion in funding from the coronavirus relief package.
This lost pooch punched an express ticket home. An English bulldog was reunited with his owner after some eagle-eyed Long Island Rail Road workers spotted him.
Frank Franklin II / AP
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has told the MTA to restore service cuts that were made Monday to the Long Island Railroad.
This comes after commuter complaints of unsafe overcrowding on the trains, and pressure from local, state and federal elected officials.
“I understand the financial constraints. I understand there s a reduced ridership,” Cuomo said during a conference call. “But it s smarter to have fewer people on a train during this period, even if it s not cost-effective.”
The new schedule reduced weekday service to approximately 75% of pre-pandemic levels. The LIRR had increased service to 90% of pre-pandemic levels.
LIRR announced late Monday night that they are adding nine trains between two rail lines beginning on Tuesday, after a newly reduced schedule created delays and crowding concerns.