Metro-North rolls out 'Way Ahead' improvement plan

MTA Metro-North Railroad yesterday unveiled a new plan aimed at improving safety, service, infrastructure, communications and rider experience.

Known as "Way Ahead," the plan was developed in response to the railroad's growing ridership, changing demographics and evolving customer needs, Metro-North officials said in a news release.

"With reverse commuting and customers taking trips at all hours of the day and night, the system is being used much differently than it was back in the early days of Metro-North," officials said, noting that the railroad logged an all-time ridership record of 86.5 million passengers in 2017.

At the same time, Metro-North's infrastructure continues to age. The Park Avenue Viaduct, for instance, was built in 1893 and now carries 98 percent of the railroad's customers. The Way Ahead plan details ways to renew infrastructure to meet riders' demands for better service, Metro-North officials said.

The plan also calls for improving the day-to-day commuting experience for riders by boosting communication with riders in "every way possible," according to the railroad. That includes messages on social media, on the train, on platforms and mobile apps.

Metro-North also will "rigorously" maintain its stations and platforms to make them cleaner and more inviting for riders, according to the railroad.