The news was welcomed by Bronx community activists and transit advocates.

Metro-North anticipates at least a 260,000 spike in ridership over all the three lines due to recently completed capital projects: the Park Avenue Viaduct, which permits more trains to enter and leave Grand Central Terminal, the purchase of 50 new coaches, and the extension of the Harlem line to Wassaic in Dutchess County. The agency expects that the new services will turn an operating profit (relative to car-mile and crew costs, not capital investment) of roughly $.5 million.

Still, a big question is whether planned improvements to the Melrose and Tremont stations will be completed quickly enough to draw customers to the upgraded service. According to planning documents, $2 million dollars allocated for this work won't be spent until 2001. Melrose Station has had minor improvements in the past year - new lights, a coat of paint. However, the stairways must be fixed, shelter provided and station signs installed. Similarly, East Tremont Station needs stair and platform repairs and new signage on Tremont Avenue. South Bronx civic groups like Nos Quedamos have pushed for Melrose station renovation for years. The station was cited in a recent report by NYC Public Advocate Mark Green as one of the city's worst commuter rail stops (MTR #257).

If the new service is to be a success, riders must be able to find the stations and feel safe waiting in them. Metro-North can't accurately judge the stations' use until their physical conditions are attractive enough to draw riders.