New Express Trains Providing the Fastest Trip to Grand Central Terminal in a Decade
(BRIDGEPORT, CT) -Six new trains on the New Haven Line and seven new trains on the Waterbury Branch Line started running today.
On the New Haven Line, three influx-morning and evening rush-hour express trains preparing for departure from New Haven to Grand Central. These express trains leave New Haven at 5:09 a.m., 5:41 a.m., and 7:52 a.m.. The morning trains depart from Grand Central at 4:16 p.m., 4:49 p.m., and 6:26 p.m.; these are the evening trains returning to New Haven at 6:26 p.m., 4:49 p.m., and 4:16 p.m.
With new infrastructure and safety improvements, the Waterbury Branch Line will now have 22 weekday trains, a 47% increase. There will be 4 southbound and 3 northbound trains, providing riders in the Naugatuck Valley with more options.
Today, Governor Lamont announced the expansion of service at a news conference, which was being held this morning at the Bridgeport Transportation Center. The Governor said that he would be joined by Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe Giulietti, MTA Metro-North President/Long Island Rail Road Interim President Catherine Rinaldi, and others.
Governor Lamont campaigned with a promise to provide increased and improved train service. As more and more people choose rail service, the need for fast and frequent trains will go up. To handle this increasing demand, Governor Lamont is fulfilling his promise to invest in improved and expanded rail service.
Governor Lamont has funded the new express trains and Waterbury Branch Line train services. The Connecticut Department of Transportation worked closely with Metro-North to identify available crews and equipment, operate test trains on the proposed schedule, and design a new operating package before the express trains came into service.
“Through Governor Lamont’s priorities outlined in TIME FOR CT, and with our strong partnership with Metro-North, we are bringing increased services, faster trains, and additional amenities to Connecticut’s rail passengers,” Commissioner Giulietti said. “With faster trains during peak hours and historic service levels, we are fulfilling the governor’s promise and vision for improved train service for riders throughout Connecticut.”
“Metro-North has excellent relationships with the state of Connecticut,” President Rinaldi said. “Our partnership has helped bring faster service for customers who travel between Connecticut and New York City, and maintain an excellent level of service on the Waterbury Branch.” As riders return to the system, Metro-North is improving the attractiveness of weekday service with trains and seating capacity to accommodate them.
The requirement of wearing a mask on public transportation has been lifted. Services that abide by the CDC’s guidelines said to wear masks and not use public transportation if you feel sick. New Haven Line services are operated by Metro-North and follow New York State guidelines for masks.