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The petition started by Katie Fredericks, 20, can be found here at Change.Org.
"Every train station along Metro-North's New Haven Line has a restroom -- as well as a coffee shop in most cases -- except Fairfield Metro," she says on the website. "Why should commuters be forced to settle for a sub-par station? For a project that cost the Town of Fairfield, the State of Connecticut, and the Federal Government an estimated $30 (million) to $40 million, the lack of these basic amenities is inexcusable.
"We are not asking for anything that was not promised to us in the original plan -- which was supposed to cost a small fraction of the final expenditure. Sign this petition if you agree that a coffee shop and restrooms are necessary additions."
The Fairfield Metro train station was opened in December 2011 after lengthy delays and cost overruns.
The petition has more than 250 supporters thus far. Some of its supporters have left comments on the petition.
"Who builds a train station (or any public facility) without a bathroom? Complete idiocy!!!," said Phil Ryan of Trumbull.
"This station has been open for years but is named after a real estate development that doesn't exist. In its absence, real restrooms are needed and a coffee shop (not a trailer 100 yards away) would be a minimum to bring us up to the standards of other stations on the line. Also, it needs a more appropriate and less confusing name? Fairfield East, Black Rock or Ash Creek would all describe the location in a way 'Metro' doesn't," said Tom Lloyd of Fairfield.
Meredith Fredericks of Bridgeport said, "It's inexcusable that this expensive 'station' is basically a covered bridge. It should have more ticket machines, a coffee shop or restaurant and bathrooms."
Jim Cameron, a longtime commuter advocate from Darien, said, "Commuters deserve basic amenities... heat (shelter) in the winter, secure and safe lighting... and BATHROOMS!"
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