The Stamford Advocate has some interesting new quotes on the M-8 Railcar delay:

(Connecticut Rail Commuter Council Spokesman Jim) Cameron cites statements by Rell in her February 2005 budget address addressing her surcharge proposal and the new rail cars, stating that commuters would not pay fare increases until the cars were in service.

“Our commuters have suffered long enough with unreliable, outdated train cars that should have been replaced long ago,” Rell said. “They deserve quality service, clean stations, and adequate parking. And they should not be asked to pay for improvements until they actually see them, sit in them or park in them.”

But when queried about the fact that delivery delays will mean fare hikes taking effect months before the railcars are in service:

Adam Liegeot, a spokesman for Rell, said that the administration was unable to comment whether Rell might consider delaying the fare increase.

“This surcharge has been set in statute and is due to take effect on Jan. 1,” Liegeot said. “Soon, thanks to Gov. Rell, Connecticut will have world-class, modern rail cars that will be a model for the rest of the nation.”

This is inexcusable – production and delivery delays are a way of life in our transit system and Governor Rell knows it – if she wants to make rally cry promises for commuters, she needed to be prepared to move the effective data of that hike to coincide with the actual delivery date.

No one should be standing up and beating their chest that New Haven Line railcars are a model for the rest of the nation, because for over a decade they have been the standard-bearer of irresponsibly maintained commuter rail equipment.

I’ve seen the interior demo unit and they really they’re nothing special – they’re just new and have a controversial red color scheme. Light years ahead of what we have now, for sure – but it’s not like were getting a Shinkasa bullet train or anything. I actually think the newest M7′s look more austere.

The railcars are only half the problem with Metro-Norths lack of modernity and maintenance. The other half is the antiquated rail system it runs on, most of which looks like it was personally designed and installed by Nicola Tesla.

So let’s all pat ourselves on the back later and get back to work on making a better New Haven Line while there is finally a modicum of momentum.

The Advocate story also mentions that some station platforms will need to be extended to accept the M-8. We were supposed to get our first cars for testing this month – why is this just being brought up now, and why aren’t the platforms already being prepared?

Read the rest of Martin Cassidy’s Story in The Stamford Advocate.