BOSTON — The Massachusetts congressional delegation has asked Amtrak CEO David Gunn for a face-to-face meeting to discuss the recent firing of the Amtrak official in charge of running the MBTA’s commuter-rail system, as well as to answer questions about Amtrak’s future plans in the Commonwealth, the Boston Globe reported.
”Because of the seriousness of this issue, as well as our concern regarding Amtrak’s plan in Massachusetts, specifically the Northeast Rail Corridor and the commuter-rail operations, we request that you make time available as soon as possible,” the 10-member delegation wrote in a letter sent yesterday.
Gunn was on the road and unavailable for comment, his office said.
The delegation said it was concerned about the ”implications” of Kevin E. Lydon’s firing. The delegation ”has been uniformly and energetically supportive of Amtrak, and we urge you to keep in mind the importance of working with us,” the letter said.
The state’s two senators — Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry — did not sign the letter.
Lydon said he was dismissed because he refused an order to implement layoffs that, in his opinion, would have created safety concerns. Amtrak officials have refused to comment.
Amtrak has had a contentious relationship with Massachusetts officials over the last several months, beginning with Gunn’s threat to shut down the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s and other commuter-rail services run by Amtrak if Congress did not provide short-term funding.
Members of the Transport Workers Union of America have also called on Gunn to meet with local workers to explain Lydon’s firing and what the future may hold. Gunn thus far has refused, according to the union president, Charles Moneypenny.
”Mr. Gunn’s very deliberate disrespect for Massachusetts workers is creating an unhealthy and volatile situation,” Moneypenny wrote in a letter sent to the congressional delegation on Monday.