First Selectman Addresses Proposed Metro North Fare Increases

WESTPORT, CT — First Selectman Jim Marpe announced Thursday that he has forwarded a letter to the Connecticut Department of Transportation expressing his opposition to the proposed Metro North Railroad fare increases for travel to and from Grand Central Terminal in New York City.

“The proposed fare hikes threaten Westport’s ability to retain its status as a vibrant suburban “community of choice” for commuters to NYC," Marpe said in a release. "The proposed monthly fare from Westport’s two Metro North stations would cost $431, up from $391, an increase of almost $500 per year. Meanwhile, fares for travel within New York State would not change. By July 2021, residents will be paying $1,000 more per year than what they currently pay.”

A public hearing was held on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at UConn’s Stamford Campus. Second Selectwoman Jen Tooker presented the town’s position.

Below is Marpe's full letter:

As the First Selectman of Westport, Connecticut, I am writing on behalf of the residents of my community to urge you to reconsider the proposed Metro North Railroad fare increases for travel to and from Grand Central Terminal in New York City and to not impose a fare increase at this time.

Located in Southwestern Fairfield County, Westport is a vibrant town of approximately 27,000 residents, known for its exceptional public schools, public amenities, and commitment to the arts. Many of these residents also chose to make Westport their home because they enjoy its proximity to New York City, and commute via Metro North on a daily basis. There are over 4,000 railroad parking permits issued for the Saugatuck and Greens Farms Metro North stations, as well as a waiting list that exceeds 750 people. The commercial market in Southwestern Connecticut also employs thousands of workers who utilize Metro North, many of whom do a “reverse commute.” While Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway pass through Westport as routes to and from New York City, both have a significant amount of traffic, especially during peak commuting times, making rail service an attractive and environmentally sensitive alternative depending on frequency and affordability.

Unfortunately, Metro North riders are already paying for longer and less reliable service. Over the past five years, the commuting time to and from Grand Central has increased. A one-way trip is now typically one hour and 15 minutes or more instead of the one hour trip that was possible for many years. In addition to increased travel times, and despite the addition of new rail cars, Metro North trains frequently are “standing room only” which further impacts the quality of service.

The proposed monthly fare from Westport’s two Metro North stations would cost $431, up from $391, an increase of almost $500 per year. Meanwhile, fares for travel within New York State would not change. By July, 2021, residents will be paying $1,000 more per year than what they currently pay. When this higher cost of commuting is added to the increased travel time and failing infrastructure concerns, it is understandable why families might choose Westchester County, Long Island or New Jersey over Fairfield County, Connecticut. And, with the new federal limits on state and local tax deductions, it is considerably more difficult to market Connecticut as a place to live, work and raise a family. The proposed fare hikes threaten Westport’s ability to retain its status as a vibrant suburban “community of choice” for commuters to NYC.

The Town of Westport also requests that the DOT continue to reimburse localities for the bus add-on to rail tickets. Currently Westport receives $45 per Uniticket from the state, which includes the cost of the base fare plus $12 to compensate a discounted fare. CT DOT is proposing to increase Uniticket fares from $33/month to $37/month. We would like to see the state funding also increase by the additional $4 so that we can continue to offer our riders a discounted fare. Otherwise, this increase would impact Westport’s ability to promote public transit due to reduced support for the Westport Transit District.

Westport has grown and thrived in large part because of its proximity to New York City. The continued prosperity of our community and the state of Connecticut is reliant upon attracting a talented workforce. The current proposal will likely make it more difficult to market Connecticut as an option for new residents, particularly families who are relocating from New York City, and even to retain current residents. The situation has the potential to significantly reduce property values, which in turn affects the town’s ability to collect the necessary property taxes to maintain its quality of life.

In conclusion, we ask CT DOT to not impose an increase in its fares at this time. We also ask for a commitment and related action plan to increase rail passenger capacity on Metro North and to reduce Westport to New York City travel times to one hour, with a long-term goal to reduce that time even more over the coming decade.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

James S. Marpe, First Selectman

Town of Westport, CT

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