More, New, Faster Trains For Connecticut Metro North Stations: Lamont

CONNECTICUT – Gov. Ned Lamont announced that six new express trains on the New Haven Line and seven new weekday trains on the Waterbury Branch Line have begun service Monday.

On the New Haven Line, three weekday morning rush-hour express trains will depart from New Haven with stops in Bridgeport, Stamford, and Grand Central Terminal. These express trains depart New Haven at 5:09 a.m., 5:41 a.m., and 7:52 a.m. Three weekday evening rush-hour express trains will depart from Grand Central Terminal with stops in Stamford, Bridgeport, and New Haven. These express trains depart Grand Central Terminal at 4:16 p.m., 4:49 p.m., and 6:26 p.m. The express trains operate in as little as 1 hour and 39 minutes between New Haven and Grand Central.

Additionally, new infrastructure and safety improvements on the Waterbury Branch Line allow for seven new weekday trains to be added to the schedule, increasing the number of weekday trains from 15 to 22 – a 47 percent increase. There will be four new southbound trains and three new northbound trains running weekdays. With these added trains, service begins earlier in the morning in both directions and operates more frequently in off-peak hours, providing more options to riders in the Naugatuck Valley.

Governor Lamont announced the expanded services during a news conference that was held Monday morning at the Bridgeport Transportation Center.

"As more people return to rail service, they want faster trains, more options, and increased services," Governor Lamont said. This is all part of the TIME FOR CT initiative, and we are delivering on our promise of improving rail service in Connecticut. These express trains provide the fastest trips in a decade between New Haven and Grand Central. With a nearly 50 percent increase in service on the Waterbury Branch Line, we are showing a renewed commitment to improving and expanding rail service throughout the Naugatuck Valley."

The requirement of wearing a mask on public transportation has been lifted and is no longer being enforced on Hartford Line, Shore Line East, and in rail facilities in Connecticut. New Haven Line services are operated by Metro-North and adhere to New York State mask guidelines. Information about all rail services in Connecticut is also available online here.