NEWARK, N.J. — Patrons of the Long Island Rail Road have given the LIRR what a rider advocacy agency calls an overall grade of C-plus, calling the train crews and morning on-time performance the best things about the railroad, according to the Newark Times-Ledger.
The survey by the Long Island Rail Road Commuters Council, which indicated conditions overall have improved since last year, cited lack of cleanliness of onboard restrooms as the worst feature of the railroad .
Restrooms at Jamaica and Flatbush Avenue stations both got C-minuses.
“Rider perceptions of change in the provision of LIRR service have improved in 2002,” the survey concluded.
Riders who think LIRR service has improved (45 percent) increased by 10 percent from 2001 and riders who think service has gotten worse (10 percent) declined by 10 percent. Those who think service has not changed (45 percent) stayed about the same as last year.
Riders were less satisfied with security onboard trains at Jamaica station and at their home stations, giving security a C-plus.
“It is probable that riders’ dissatisfaction with security has been influenced in part by events of Sept. 11, 2001,” the survey said.
Comments of respondents differed greatly, with top issues for riders on the Port Washington branch cited as scheduling of trains, train equipment and communications. Survey participants said they want another peak hour train from Broadway to Penn Station between 7:20 a.m. and 8:07 a.m., an additional train between 6:33 and 7:27 a.m. leaving from Manhassat and more frequent evening rush period trains.
Port Washington line riders also asked for newer and bilevel trains and an automated ticket machine at the Bayside station. They also want more announcements, fewer pamphlets on seats and more information posted on video monitors at stations. They also want conductors to remind riders not to put their personal items on seats.
Riders gave their highest grade (B-plus) for overall service to the Port Washington, Long Beach, Far Rockaway and Babylon lines, a distinct improvement over last year when Port Washington was the lone branch to get a grade as high as B-minus.
Commuters said on-board restrooms were a problem on every line except Oyster Bay and Port Jefferson.
Among other LIRR branches:
Babylon line commuters most want more frequent trains and more available seating at peak hours.
Far Rockaway riders want more frequent trains and improved on-board cleanliness.
Oyster Bay branch riders want better train scheduling, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning and communications.
Montauk Branch commuters cite concerns about frequency of service, with the need for more trains after 5 p.m.
Port Jefferson line riders want better scheduling of trains.
Huntington/Hicksville Branch riders’ key issues include scheduling, communications, parking and station improvements.
West Hempstead line commuters cited as their most important issues train scheduling, overcrowding on the 5:33 p.m. from Penn Station to West Hempstead and more weekend service.
The Long Island Rail Road Commuters Council surveyed 1,108 people, including 51 percent women and 49 percent men. More than half were between the ages of 30 and 49 and 18 percent between 20 and 29. Some 14 percent were 50 to 59.