MSA's Research and Intelligence Analysis (RIA) Group continues to follow this morning's Metro-North train derailment and its implications to the Monday morning commute.
Summary of Today's Derailment:
At approximately 7:20 AM a Metro North train enroute from Poughkeepsie to Grand Central Terminal derailed. The latest reports indicate that there have been 4 fatalities in addition to 63 other casualties, 11 of which are in critical condition. Three of the fatalities were reportedly thrown from the train during the accident.
National Transportation Safety Board Investigation:
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators have recovered two incident recorders from the locomotive and one of the other train cars. The information from these devices will be analyzed along with employee and eye witness statements, accident scene measurements, and other available information to determine the cause of the accident. Despite proximity to a CSX train derailment earlier in the year, the Chief NTSB Investigator as well as Governor Cuomo do not believe the incidents are related. The investigation and clean up of the incident will continue and the Governor has stated that commuters that typically utilize this line should expect significant delays. The Harlem Line should be used as an alternative when possible.
Metro-North Special Service Notice (as posted on Metro-North website):
For Monday, December 2, limited Hudson Line service will operate due to the train derailment in the vicinity of Spuyten Duyvil station. Harlem and New Haven Line service will operate regular schedules; customers should expect delays and crowded conditions.
For southbound service, limited train service will operate between Poughkeepsie and Yonkers stations only and connect with shuttle bus service to Van Cortlandt Park-242 Street for No. 1 Subway service into Manhattan.
For northbound service between Yonkers and Poughkeepsie stations only, customers should take the S Shuttle from Grand Central to Times Square for No. 1 Subway Service to Van Cortlandt Park-242 Street. Bus service will operate to Yonkers Station and connect with limited train service to Poughkeepsie.
Special schedules to/from Yonkers and Poughkeepsie stations are posted on the schedules page. Customers are encouraged to ride the Harlem and New Haven Lines as an alternative. Hudson Line tickets will be cross honored for these services.
Additional parking will be provided at the following Harlem Line locations:
• Kensico Dam, 600 Park Drive West, Valhalla – 150 parking spaces, which is walking distance to the Valhalla Station.
• Southeast Station – additional parking along Independent Way, which is walking distance to Southeast Station.
People who do not have to travel are urged to telecommute or carpool if possible.
Customers at stations between Riverdale and Yankees-E.153rd Street stations are urged to use NYC Transit subway and/or bus service. Ludlow customers should use Yonkers Station. Hudson Rail Link buses will operate at Riverdale and Spuyten Duyvil, connecting to No. 1 Subway service.
Additionally, Metro-North is urging customers to continue to check http://new.mta.info/mnr and the news for updates, and listen for station announcements.
Questions can be directed to the Metro-North Help Line at 1-800-METRO-INFO (638-7646).
Follow @MSA_Security on Twitter, or visit our Facebook page for updates.
