MTA hit with class-action lawsuit by angry commuters

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Commuters are so fed up with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, they are now slapping the corporation with a class-action lawsuit.

Riders have faced consistent cancellations and delays at Penn Station due to breakdowns and other problems, dating back to March.

The group is suing for emotional distress, negligence and breach of "contract of carriage."

They're seeking unspecified damages, and reimbursement of monthly Long Island Rail Road train passes for May.

The lawsuit comes as commuters await big changes this summer. Amtrak officials have said that starting July 7, one-fifth of the trains at Penn Station will be taken out of service through August, for repair work of the station's infrastructure.

Amtrak promises it will do its best to get the work done in as timely a manner as possible.

"Amtrak has been working together with our commuter partners to develop schedules that minimize impact on customers and provide ample time for planning," president and CEO Wick Moorman said in May.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has dubbed it "the summer of hell," and riders are still waiting to hear about plans for the LIRR.

Officials stress they still are working on how to ease the burden LIRR riders will face once the rebuild effort begins on the station.

On Monday, the MTA rolled out its Penn Station battle plan for the peak hours affected by Amtrak repairs, including free buses, ferries and HOV lanes.