Safety Allegations Surface at Metro-North Railroad

Concerns about safety checks on the Metro-North Railroad have come to light, raising alarm about the integrity of the inspections being conducted.

An internal letter from a long-serving MTA employee, who chose to remain unnamed, claims that numerous equipment checks, including those at Yankee Stadium Station, were improperly documented.

“These employees have filled out forms stating tests were done, yet there’s proof that the GPS indicated otherwise,” the seasoned worker expressed frustration. “The lack of proper signal inspection not only jeopardizes the safety of workers but also of the public.”

While MTA officials confirmed that both mechanic George E. Desmond and inspector Ibn R. Jenkins continue to be employed, allegations against them are serious.

Desmond, employed since 2012, received managerial letters in July alleging fraud. Reports suggest he falsely stated that he completed inspections when, in reality, he often wasn’t present at the stations long enough to conduct them.

GPS data pointed out times when Desmond failed to show up completely, or if he did, he didn’t remain long enough to perform several tests. Records allege he avoided inspections to train a new hire instead.

According to the letter, he even used his company vehicle to go out to eat rather than do his job.

Jenkins reportedly faces similar accusations, lacking in both inspections and proper documentation, which poses risks to the safety and functionality of train signals and equipment, as detailed in his disciplinary letter.

Together, the two allegedly falsified inspections at various locations, including the Yankees and Harlem 125th stations.

Neither Desmond nor Jenkins responded to inquiries for comment.

This issue of missed inspections isn’t new for the MTA. Back in 2021, seven subway truck inspectors were suspended after lying on official forms, signaling a troubling pattern.

Audit findings indicated that other inspectors had also falsified checks in 2024, revealing that around 100 safety tests along the New Haven Line and New Canaan branch were skipped, according to the disciplinary letter.

The controversy has understandably shaken the confidence of some riders. “I think that’s definitely concerning,” noted Olivia Marceda, a 19-year-old student at Fairfield University who frequently rides Metro-North from Grand Central. “There should be more checks in place, and stronger oversight over the staff.”

Contrastingly, Jai Misra, a recent immigrant from Delhi, expressed a more relaxed perspective. “I believe the train services on the MetroNorth are fine, even if testing is sometimes missed. Coming from India, where standards are often lacking, this seems acceptable,” Misra commented.

The derailment of a Metro-North train in 2013, which resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries, still looms large in the minds of many.

An MTA representative assured that all stations and equipment noted in the discipline letter—as well as those involved in the audit—have undergone inspections since the allegations surfaced. “Safety is our highest priority, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any misconduct,” said Justin Vonashek, the president of Metro-North.