Governor Rell Announces Plans to Expand

Regular Shore Line East Service to New London

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            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that plans are under way to implement long-awaited expanded service to New London on the Shore Line East rail line in Southeastern Connecticut by the end of this year.

            “Expanding Shore Line East’s service to New London will be a great step forward – not only for commuters, but for tourists, businesses and the overall economy of the region,” Governor Rell said. “I have made expanding and improving bus, rail and roadway options for commuters a top priority. I believe that safe, reliable, convenient rail service is one of the best incentives we can offer to get more people to use public transportation.

            “The people of Southeastern Connecticut have been patient – and their patience is about to pay off,” the Governor said.

            “We have long been committed to increasing service to and from New London,” she said. “We still have some negotiating to do with Amtrak and the Connecticut Marine Trades Association so that we can coordinate the operation of the three movable rail bridges that accommodate rail and marine traffic. However, I know the DOT and our Department of Environmental Protection are working with the interested parties and we hope to reach a deal soon so service can commence in December of this year.”

            Shore Line East (SLE) has stations in Branford, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook and New London. Currently, there is one evening New London round-trip SLE train. (There are also Amtrak trains in and out of New London each day). The plan envisions two or three additional New London trains each weekday morning and three additional trains each weekday evening by the end of 2009. Additional weekend service is also anticipated.

            “Governor Rell has kept this effort moving forward and I am pleased that all parties have reached this point,” DOT Commissioner Joseph F. Marie said. “Commuters in Southeastern Connecticut have requested expanded service, and we listened. We will continue to work with all interested stakeholders to get this service in place by the end of 2009 and bring even greater service frequency to New London in the future.”

            “Amtrak supports the goal of our Connecticut state partners to expand Shore Line East passenger rail service and we look forward to working with them to make it a reality,” said Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman.