Danbury Branch Riders Can Voice Concerns at Public Forum With DOT Commissioner

WILTON, CT — Riders of the Danbury Branch line will have an opportunity to discuss service improvements with the Department of Transportation Commissioner next week.

A forum will be held at Wilton High School's Clune Center on April 10, hosted by State Rep. Gail Lavielle, giving residents the opportunity to talk with DOT Commissioner James Redeker . The representative announced that a bipartisan group of legislators from the area have co-introduced a bill which would require the reallocation of previously authorized bonds for incremental improvements to service.

“We’re holding this forum as a part of a bipartisan effort during the current legislative session to identify improvements that could be made cost-effectively to Danbury Line service in the near term,” said Lavielle in a press release. “The best way to understand what kinds of changes would really make a difference is to hear directly from commuters who ride the trains every day. That is why this will be a listening session and not a presentation. It’s an opportunity for people to bring their comments and suggestions about the service directly to Commissioner Redeker and their area legislators. If there are things that can be done now to improve their daily commute, we should see that the necessary steps are taken.”

The proposed bill does not request new bonding, and the legislators hope that the bill will identify smaller measures that can improve service as opposed to a full electrification of the Danbury line given the uncertain financial future of the state.

Suggestions at the forum may help shape the bill

The April 10 forum is meant to accommodate residents of all towns along the line. Redeker along with area legislators will be there to listen to concerns from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to arrive at any time during that period.

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