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Yonkers Riders Give Metro-North A Thumbs Up

YONKERS, N.Y. – Yonkers residents have a message for the operators of the Metro-North: keep up the good work.

Data released Monday by the Metropolitan Transit Authority shows that more than 90 percent of riders were satisfied with the service of the Metro-North railroad this year, tying a record high.

In Yonkers, many riders said they didn’t have much to complain about in terms of train service.

“I’m pretty satisfied with everything,” everyday rider Greg Feil said. “It comes on time. It leaves on time. I haven’t had any dissatisfaction.”

In June, the MTA surveyed 5,855 east-of-Hudson riders and 730-west-of-Hudson riders, asking them to rank from one to 10 how satisfied they were with everything from ticket prices to courtesy of employees.

Out of the nearly 70 categories included in the questionnaire, nearly every one improved from last year. In addition, the overall 93 percent satisfaction rate tied 2010 for the highest rating since the surveys began in 1988.

As she waited to board the train to Poughkeepsie, Yonkers resident Jasmine Gilbert searched hard when asked if she had any issues of concern.

“I can’t really complain about anything,” she said after a long pause. “Nothing really comes to mind. I guess that means they’re doing a good job.”

This comes as encouraging news for MTA officials after satisfaction levels last year took a hit when a snowstorm and hurricane disrupted service.

“We are gratified that the 2011 drop in satisfaction has been reversed,” Metro-North President Howard Permut said in a statement. “What is especially gratifying is the high percentage of customers who are very satisfied with our service. It is up to 40 percent in 2012, even better than 2010.”

There is, however, always room for improvement.  From lower ticket prices to more choices at the vending machines, some riders have noticed a few areas of concern. Yonkers student Nadia Carmon said earlier this summer that she would like to see better upkeep of the train’s restrooms.

“The bathrooms could be a little cleaner,” she said. “I don’t like to use them because they can be unkempt at times.”

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