I am writing in response to your editorial published on May 21 regarding transit infrastructure in Connecticut; the editorial is absolutely correct the state must make the investments necessary to make sure that the recent train accident NEVER happens again and that, even with the recent upgrades to the Metro-North New Haven line, much more needs to be done.
It is my position that the rail line should be transformed in order to utilize “magnetic-levitation” technology, which would be more energy efficient and reduce pollution. It’s also my position that, in order to reduce traffic and pollution on Interstate 95, work should be done on transferring trailers, especially diesel powered refrigerated trailers, from tractor trailers onto railroad cars powered by electricity. The transfer of diesel-powered refrigerated trailers onto electric-powered railroad cars would not only reduce traffic and pollution, it would also insure the integrity of a rather perishable product. It would also create good jobs in Connecticut in the process of providing cleaner air and protecting our environment.
The recent death of a Metro-North worker in West Haven provides more evidence that a very large amount of work needs to be done on improving transit infrastructure in our state and hopefully the General Assembly will be up to the challenge.
James Callahan
Naugatuck