Senator Phillips' Statement on Call for Amtrak to Pay for Penn Station Mitigation Expenses

"As the sponsor of legislation authorizing the MTA to withhold Penn Station payments from Amtrak and cut LIRR fares, I am pleased that Governor Cuomo agrees that Amtrak, not LIRR commuters, should pay for Penn Station mitigation expenses. 

Having spent many years as a LIRR commuter, I know the harmful impact the extensive delays and cancellations resulting from Penn Station's poor condition are having on riders.  Those riders will continue to be affected all summer long, when Amtrak's Penn Station rehabilitation project takes several tracks out of service and significantly disrupts LIRR service.  

LIRR commuters are already bearing an unfair burden because of Penn Station's condition; they shouldn't bear the additional burden of having to pay for Amtrak's neglect.  Amtrak is Penn Station's owner, and like any landlord, it's up to them to maintain their property and compensate tenants when they incur expenses because of break downs. 

Governor Cuomo's actions are a welcome step, but I would also encourage him to go another step further and join me in urging Amtrak to fund LIRR fare reductions during this project.  I remain willing and eager to work with him on any legislative solution to this issue to ensure that LIRR commuters are protected."