Shoreline East Service Along the Connecticut Shoreline is Expanded for Commuters

REGIONAL - Growing ridership on Shoreline East rail service has prompted the state to increase the number of stops and the times of service for commuters.

This expansion is only part of the steps outlined in a Connecticut Department of Transportation report submitted to the Connecticut General Assembly earlier this year.

The 6:23 a.m. train heading eastbound from New Haven to Old Saybrook will now stop at the Guilford station at approximately 6:40 a.m.

The 5:20 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. trains heading westbound from Old Saybrook to New Haven now will stop at Guilford at approximately 5:33 p.m., and 8:28 p.m. respectively.

A new midday eastbound train will be added at 1 p.m. from New Haven Union Station to Old Saybrook to allow morning commuters to return earlier in the afternoon.

That train will make stops at all Shoreline East rail stations which includes New Haven State Street at 1:02 p.m., Branford at 1:13 p.m., Guilford at 1:21 p.m., Madison at 1:27 p.m., Clinton at 1:32 p.m., Westbrook at 1:37 p.m., and Old Saybrook at 1:45 p.m.

A midday westbound train will be added from Old Saybrook at 2 p.m. with a 2:13 p.m. Guilford stop before arriving at New Haven Union Station at 2:30 p.m.

This will allow commuters to make connections to Metro-North for destinations west of New Haven.

In the end, this will allow Old Saybrook to have two additional train stops each day and Guilford will have five additional stops.

In November 2005, the new Guilford station opened with boarding platforms on both sides of the rail tracks making it similar to the Old Saybrook station.

"Just two years ago when I opened the Guilford station, I announced the state would be embarking on new and expanded rail service, and now that day has come. I am pleased to say for the first time ever, the state will be providing train service in both directions out of the new Guilford station, as well as expanding rail service midday to allow the public flexibility to travel earlier in the day," said Governor M. Jodi Rell.

Additionally, the DOT has requested Metro-North Railroad make a number of additional service changes on the New Haven and Branch Line which are now in effect.

New Shore Line East schedules are available at www.ShoreLineEast.com and information on the New Haven and Branch Lines is available at www.mta.info.