A key LIRR leader leaves for Metro-North

The Long Island Rail Road's chief engineer, who led major efforts to maintain and improve aging infrastructure, has left for a similar role at the agency's sister MTA railroad, Metro-North, officials said.

Robert Puciloski, 53, is now assistant vice president-chief engineer at Metro-North Railroad, replacing Robert Walker, who recently retired. At the LIRR, Kevin Tomlinson has assumed the job of chief engineer.

Since taking on that important role in 2009, Puciloski has been credited with playing a big part in several important LIRR projects, including modernization of the railroad's century-old switching and signal system in Jamaica.

Other initiatives included protection and maintenance of track infrastructure during severe weather emergencies, such as the Christmas weekend 2010 blizzard and Tropical Storm Irene, as well as removal of trash from LIRR's right of way.

"Bob Puciloski has served the LIRR for 28 years in a variety of leadership roles. He has a wealth of experience and is a proven manager," Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman Sam Zambuto said. "We are delighted that Bob has decided to stay with the MTA in a new role with Metro-North."

MTA officials would not provide information on Puciloski's new salary. He was paid $166,000 in 2010, according to public records.

Puciloski joins Metro-North just as it has overtaken the LIRR as the busiest commuter railroad in the United States. The LIRR carried about 81 million people last year -- a million less than Metro-North.

SEE PHOTOSLIRR trains and commuters through the years

More than ever, the two railroads are competing for funds and space at Manhattan's two railroad terminals.

Through its East Side Access project, the LIRR plans to link to Metro-North's longtime home, Grand Central Terminal, by 2018. Meanwhile, supporters of Metro-North are pushing for a plan to let the railroad, which serves upstate New York and parts of Connecticut, into Penn Station.

Mark Epstein, chairman of the LIRR Commuter Council, said Puciloski will be missed.

"I think it's a loss to the commuters to not have experienced people like Bob working on the Long Island Rail Road," Epstein said.