The added service allows a limited number of electric trains to travel between Harrison and Mount Vernon. Combined with the interim diesel service, this provides about 50 percent of normal train service on the New Haven Line.
Early predictions said it could take until Oct. 14 to fully repair the power problem in Mount Vernon, N.Y., that has disrupted train service. But trains could be fully up and running for commuters by Oct. 8 in New York and Connecticut, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said Monday.
Metro-North warned customers to be prepared for delays, crowded trains and complicated commutes.
Several stations on the neighboring Harlem Line have needed to increase parking in order to compensate the influx of commuters.
Maria Maffucci of Mamaroneck was lucky enough to be able to plan her schedule around the delays.
She said, "I take the train everyday, and I've been leaving later. I have flexibility at my job, and I've found the later trains are coming in on time. I've always gotten a seat, and I just come home later to avoid rush hour."
Tammy Mazzullo of New Rochelle hasn't had the same luck.
"Don't even get me started," she said. "Going home in the evening is horrifying. You have 1,000 people trying to pack themselves onto one train, and they don't open the train until the last minute. It's scary."
However, her morning commute hasn't been affected too badly.
"Going to work isn't so bad, but they really need to regulate these trains better," she said.
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