Photo credit: Andre Moura
by Arline L. Bronzaft, Ph.D., Board of Directors, GrowNYC, Co-founder, The Quiet Coalition, and Honorary Chair, Quiet American Skies
I have been writing on the impacts of transit noise on passengers and nearby residents for many years. I also served as a consultant to the New York City Transit Authority on noise impacts and worked with the agency on programs to lessen transit noise. Thus, this article that Metro North was ending its Quiet Car program certainly caught my eye. I learned from this article that many of Metro North’s riders are very unhappy about losing the opportunity to travel in a Metro North car where they can sit back, relax and not be subjected to the intrusive sounds of other passengers. Such a ride is especially welcoming after a tiring day at the office.
When riders expressed dismay over the removal of the program, Metro North simply stated: “I’m sorry but we do not have plans on restoring the Quiet Car program at this time. Thank you.” Writer Mackenzie Dawson lets us know that this is definitely not the time to remove the Quiet Car. She notes that many passengers use their phones and laptops when traveling, undoubtedly contributing to louder sounds in the cars. Thankfully, we learn the Long Island Rail Road and New Jersey Transit’s Quiet Car are being retained.
My take on Metro North’s response is that the agency is totally unaware of the growing demand for a quieter environment. The agency must also be unaware of literature linking noise to adverse mental and physical health effects. What world are the people who work for Metro North living in? The value of quiet and the dangers of noise are receiving a lot of attention lately. How could Metro North be unaware of this increased focus on noise and quiet? I also wonder what other services for their passengers might they be ignoring?
I hope to speak with someone at Metro North about the need to retain the Quiet Car. Maybe one of our readers will forward this post to Metro North.
