CT Seeks To Spend $12.7B On Rail Service In Next 5 Years: Officials

WESTPORT, CT — Connecticut needs to spend about $12.7 billion over the next five years on improvements to its commuter rail system to meet the needs of the 21st Century passenger and workforce, according to local and state officials.

At a news conference Friday at the Westport Train Station, state Sen. Will Haskell (D-Westport) laid out the challenges facing the 43 million riders who travel on Metro-North trains each year.

"From the moment I was elected, I've been hyper-focused on Connecticut's trains," Haskell said. "Why? My constituents rely on them every day. I've heard from folks about the need for faster and more frequent service, and for better quality of life during the ride – Wi-Fi and cell service being among the biggest pressure points."

The recently completed Connecticut Rail Plan, a report updated every five years, outlines many of the upgrades needed to improve the rail system, such as repairing train bridges and track infrastructure to shave minutes off commuting times.

For example, by 2035, commuting time on Metro-North from New Haven to New York could be 25 minutes shorter, if rail upgrades are realized.

Other improvements include establishing service from Connecticut to Penn Station in New York, and within Connecticut to Bradley Airport outside of Hartford.

Funding for the improvements will come primarily from federal and state investment, and Metro-North.

"The CT Rail Plan addresses all of these needs and sets a path for the next five years of Connecticut rail service," Haskell said. "Our train services provide vital connections for millions of riders each year, and I'm glad we have a cohesive and thorough plan to bring them into the 21st century."

In addition to the New Haven Line, the report suggests improvements to the Waterbury, New Canaan, Danbury and Shoreline rail lines.

"Connecticut's commuters depend on Metro-North and the state's other commuter rail systems," said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. "One of the most encouraging points of focus in the Rail Plan is to improve both the frequency and the speed of commuter trains. More trains on the schedule provide commuters with more flexibility and enhances their ability to plan out the best schedule for them. When those trains run faster, they'll spend less time commuting and more time at work, or even better, with their families. I'm looking forward to seeing how these goals are reached in our next half-decade."

The coronavirus pandemic, and move toward work-from-home employment, has had a significant impact on rail ridership, but according to state Department of Transportation Senior Advisor Carlo Leone, commuters are returning to train service.

"Connecticut’s rail system continues to experience strong recovery with increasing ridership and expanded services across the state," Leone said, adding that Gov. Ned Lamont has been supporter of improved rail service. "Our vision for the Connecticut Rail Plan is to foster a vibrant passenger rail and freight system that is safe, connects communities, and supports economic growth in Connecticut and throughout the region. We thank the state legislature, members of the public, and transportation stakeholders for providing us critical feedback on how the rail system has served them, and how it can improve for the future."

Added Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport), "Did you know commuter trains can achieve 15.6 more miles per gallon per passenger than the most efficient cars on the road today? That's a testament to the role public transportation and trains can play in fighting greenhouse gas pollution. The CT Rail Plan discusses potential use of alternative fuels and electrification of rail lines in Connecticut, and I'm especially happy to see the Department of Transportation focusing on system resiliency against severe weather as well."

The full Connecticut Rail Plan (with an executive summary of the document), can be viewed by visting: https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/Publictrans/Office-of-Rail/Connecticut-State-Rail-Plan.