Metro-North Railroad has advanced its customer service initiative (CSI) project to enhance customer communications at Grand Central Terminal and outlying passenger stations.
Construction has been completed at 12 of the 20 stations, with two additional stations near completion and expected completion at the remaining six by April 2021.
“While the pandemic has obviously had an enormous impact upon our operations this year, our undivided attention always remains on our customers, and their experience when riding Metro-North,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “These station improvements, which are part of Metro-North’s Way Ahead program, improve our ability to communicate with our customers and help them feel safe and secure while riding with us.”
Stations received a variety of upgrades to better enhance customer experience ranging from safety upgrades to customer communication upgrades. The installation of Help Points -- sleek metal enclosures that contain an emergency call box with a direct line to MTA Police Department and is topped with a high intensity LED beacon that provides high visibility and helps deter potential crime -- and CCTVs will enhance customer safety on platforms.
The new arrival and departure boards provide real-time updates to trains. A customer will know from the platform whether their train is on schedule or if there is a delay along the line, and the capacity of each train car as the train approaches the platform. Upgraded elevator monitoring will alert Metro-North personnel to any potential outages and allow for quicker turnaround on those outages. Platforms were given new displays and public address systems, allowing Metro-North to notify customers of any track changes or delays in real-time.
The Harlem-125th Street, Port Chester and Riverdale stations are now equipped with Wi-Fi capability on the platform, with more stations anticipated to be brought online in the future.
The following station construction is complete, with full hardware installation completion by April 2021:
- Harlem-125th Street
- Harrison
- Larchmont
- Mamaroneck
- Melrose
- Morris Heights
- Mount Vernon East
- New Rochelle
- Pelham
- Port Chester
- Riverdale
- Wakefield
The following stations are near completion:
- SpuytenDuyvil
- Tarrytown
The following stations are expected to be completed by April 2021:
- Harriman
- Nanuet
- Ossining
- Poughkeepsie
- Rye
- Tremont
The CSI project is a part of the Way Ahead plan, Metro-North’s strategic plan that includes initiatives designed to set the standard for safety, reliability and innovation in the delivery of excellent customer service. In its first two years, the plan has taken substantial steps to achieving its mission.
