Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) spoke at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Joint Budget Hearing last week in Albany, where he focused on safety measures aimed at avoiding disasters affecting trains and railcars like those that have shocked New York in recent years.

“My main concern was learning more about positive train control and ensuring that it is implemented on New York railways as soon as possible,” McDonough said. “It is a safety measure that allows for override of a train that is entering a curve too fast or coming too close to a train on the same railway. It is unfortunate to hear that the completion date has been moved back to December 31, 2018, because projects like these can save lives and should be a top priority in this year’s transportation and MTA budget.”

McDonough is a staunch proponent of public safety and has worked to inform the public on various issues such as phone scams, identity theft and car seat safety. He currently serves as Ranking Republican Member of the Assembly Transportation Committee.