At a June press conference, the Bronx Borough President's Office and community and transportation groups applauded the service increase, but warned Metro-North not to count on new passengers until Melrose and East Tremont stations had been upgraded. Metro-North's 2001 capital budget includes $2.1 million for renovations at the stations.

Community activists want Metro North to install signs pointing to the stations soon, not as part of the renovation. Melrose Station's entrance is on 162nd Street, one block off the neighborhood's main street, 161st, along which are the Court Houses, Yankee Stadium and the Civic Center. Long-time residents have been surprised to learn there is a station on 162nd Street, because there are no signs pointing to it.