A Metro North spokesperson said seats are available in most trains for all passengers, but many choose to stand instead of taking a middle seat. But CT Commuter Council Vice Chairman, Jim Cameron countered that crowding is occurring now because ridership has been increasing at a steady clip in recent years, but no new cars have been added. ConnDOT public transit chief, Harry Harris seemed to agree, telling the Stamford Advocate that crowding occurs when the line's thirty-plus year old rail cars must be taken out of service due to weather repair.

Harris also said that rail car cleanliness has been sacrificed due to rolling stock limitations. Dozens of additional train runs have been scheduled over the last year to meet surging demand. As a result, existing cars are working overtime and do not remain in the stations long enough to be properly cleaned.

Additional monies last year allowed ConnDOT to order 10 new rail cars - one train worth - to arrive by next year. Cameron believes that addition will be too small to bring on noticeable improvement. Obtaining money for a larger order of cars should be a top priority legislative priority this year, he said.