Press Releases
05/12/2020
Bus Service on the Danbury Branch Rail Line beginning Saturday, May 16
The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced the start of substitute bus service on the Danbury Branch commuter rail line, beginning Saturday, May 16, 2020. Ridership has been down since the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic; buses will allow riders to maintain social distancing, and will have the added benefit of allowing rail line infrastructure improvements to progress more quickly.
Connecticut rail service has seen a significant decline in ridership overall, the result of increased teleworking and requests by Governor Ned Lamont for citizens to “Stay Safe, Stay Home.” The Department also announced increased cleaning of buses and trains to keep frontline employees and customers safe.
The Department of Transportation and Metro-North are working together on a $15 - $20 million capital improvement project, which will provide reliable infrastructure on the Danbury Line rail service. The capital work include track improvements with the installation of 16,000 to 18,000 wood cross ties between Wilton and Danbury, surfacing the track between Norwalk and Danbury, cleaning up and disposal of old cross ties, repairs to three bridges and five grade crossings and removal of fiber cable from old metal and wood poles, and disposal of the poles.
The substitute bus service will be provided by Leprechaun Bus Service and will provide travel options for those who must still travel.
All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Danbury Branch Line customers may purchase rail tickets using the Metro-North ticket mobile app or through Metro-North Ticket Vending Machines located at many Danbury Branch and New Haven Line stations.
The Department strongly encourages the public to reserve bus service for ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY such as getting to and from work or for procuring essential needs such as food and medication. Customers should practice social distancing while waiting at bus stops and while riding the bus (The Centers for Disease Control recommends a distance of six feet from others, when possible). Customers are encouraged to wear masks while traveling on board buses and trains. Customers who feel sick should not use public transportation.
Updated Danbury Branch Line substitute bus schedules will be posted to the following web site. Customers are encouraged to check the schedules and status of service before they travel.
Danbury Branch Line: mta.info/mnr
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot