New Haven Independent

Posted by: transit user | March 25, 2008 8:20 AM

Just a reminder to all working on this issue that the Connecticut Rail Commuter Council leaders as well as those of other so-called public transportation advocacy groups like the Connecticut Public Transportation
Commission are not independent agents elected by commuters to represent them but are appointed by state officials.

Posted by: on whalley | March 25, 2008 8:29 AM

When did they stop allowing bikes on the trains? Is this a recent thing? I've taken my bike on it plenty of times in years past. Granted I haven't ridden it in a few years now.

I wonder if they lift the restriction for the 5 borough bike tour. It's a craptastic ride anyway. The roads are all torn to hell with potholes that rival those on Whitney Ave and the entire time there are "officials" yelling at you for riding too fast.
Nothing quite like tucking in and sweeping through a turn to have to some fat loudmouth in a neon yellow jacket jump out suddenly and shout "SLOW DOWN!"

Posted by: Edward_H | March 25, 2008 10:34 AM

ONWHALLEY

When did they stop allowing bikes on the trains? Is this a recent thing? I've taken my bike on it plenty of times in years past. Granted I haven't ridden it in a few years now.

I believe currently Metro North has the right to refuse bikes on Peak travel trains. Other than that you need a 5$ bike permit.

Posted by: DingDong | March 25, 2008 2:26 PM

No bikes are currently allowed on at rush hour; max. 4 bikes per train at all other times. Exceptions are made, I believe, for the 5-boro bike tour.

Posted by: David Streever | March 26, 2008 9:25 AM

Yea, and the allowance is ALWAYS a matter of conductor "discretion": Imagine trying to come home to discover you are not allowed to bring your bike? Wait for the next train, and be denied again...

It's a joke. The Shoreline East is welcoming of bikes, and makes room for them. I've routinely taken my bike on shoreline east, and the only request they have ever made, even during busy times, was to remove my front tire & stand the bike up so as to take up less room.

The worst part about this is Eugene Colonese e-mailed us to say that bike parking would be on the new trains, back in September.

With neither an excuse nor an explanation, he has removed this.

Posted by: Ned | March 26, 2008 9:41 AM

Metro North runs special trains for the 5 borough bike tour (which used to be fun - twenty years ago, before it got mobbed...). Where is there room for bikes on trains? Secure bicycle parking garages might be a better use of resources, or get a folding bike.

Posted by: david streever | March 27, 2008 9:12 AM

I'm totally comfortable with secure bike parking--on trains.

I don't believe the bike has to be attached to my body. If I can lock it up somewhere, that would be wonderful.

Posted by: DingDong | March 27, 2008 9:45 AM

See http://www.caltrain.org/info_bicycles.html for info San Francisco's combination of bikes and commuter trains.