Malloy demands Metro-North ‘action plan’

Moved by a fatal crash on Sunday in New York, Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy Tuesday insisted Metro-North give him an “action plan” addressing safety issues.

In a letter to the National Transportation Safety Board and Metro-North, the governor also asked for a report from the inspection of the track that followed the May crash of two Metro-North trains near Bridgeport in May, as well as monthly reports of all track, bridge, signal, power, equipment inspection and maintenance action.

One thing motivating Malloy is money.

“Connecticut has invested, and continues to invest, billions in our rail infrastructure, something that I continue to support,” the governor’s letter said. ”However, given many recent events there is understandably a negative public perception of the railroad infrastructure and state of good repair, coupled with deep concerns for our safety. While I know that our rail lines meet or exceed the minimum safety requirements set by the Federal Railroad Administration, our goal must go well beyond the minimum.”

Sunday’s derailment near the Bronx, N.Y., killed four people and injured dozens. It was apparently caused by the commuter train’s excessive speed around a sharp turn.

NTSB member Earl Weener said at a press conference in New York Monday that the train’s brakes were engaged, but “very late in the game” — only six seconds before the crash. Weener declined to say if the train’s excessive speed was the result of human error or faulty equipment.

There were reports Monday the train’s engineer may have fallen asleep and woke abruptly before the crash.