Connecticut Department of Transportation

Shore Line East

Shore Line East (SLE) trains are owned and operated by ConnDOT under contract with Amtrak to provide daily rail operations. SLE commuter operations began in May of 1990 serving seven stations along the 33-mile segment of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor between New Haven and Old Saybrook. ConnDOT extended service to New London in 1996. The State Street Station, which provides access to downtown New Haven, was opened in 2003. Trains do not operate on Saturday, Sunday or major holidays. Shore Line East Service connects at New Haven, Bridgeport and Stamford stations for Metro-North service to New York City. Reduced combined Shore Line East/Metro-North monthly commuter tickets are available.

Shore Line East (SLE) provides on average 1,700 rides per day or 425,000 rides in 2005 for service from Monday through Friday.  Connecticut has experienced significant ridership increases on Shore Line East Service over the past year.  On average up to a 9 percent increase each month has occurred comparing a month in 2005 versus a month in 2004. For example, SLE experienced over a 9 percent increase in total monthly rides for October 2005 as compared to October 2004.  The State is pleased to see more instate commuters utilizing Connecticut’s Commuter Rail Service, and is committed to meeting the needs of our commuters.

What is new on Shore Line East Service?

New Train Stations – Branford, Clinton & Guilford - opened 2005
Shore Line East Service has opened three new train stations to service increase commuters.The Connecticut Department of Transportation constructed the Branford, Guilford and Clinton train stations to replace the older existing lower platform decks.
The new stations have increased access and service to the commuters improving functions such as handicapped accessibility, high-level platforms to allow for level boarding on trains, a commuter shelter area, a convenient commuter drop off area, increased parking and enhanced lighting. A total of five new stations will be built in the coming years. The Madison Train Station has begun construction in 2006.  The Westbrook Station is scheduled for the coming year.

View of the Branford train station
View larger picture 		View of the Branford train station
View larger picture

How will the state handle the increase riders on Shore Line East?

Shore Line East Rail Car Refurbishing
The State of Connecticut has selected Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc to refurbish Shore Line East Rail (SLE) Rail Cars. The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) rail cars were purchased in October 2004 to provide an additional 2000 seats to meet the increased ridership demands on both Shore Line East and New Haven Line Service. A total of 38 Masfersa rail cab and trailer cars will be refurbished in this proposal over the next year.  The first set of newly refurbished rail cars are anticipated to be in service by 2007 to provide for additional seating capacity.

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