NEWS AND NOTICES

Exciting News — Beginning Tuesday, May 24, 2022, the long-awaited M8 Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains will begin service on Shore Line East!!

Electric trains are cleaner, emitting fewer carbon emissions compared to diesel trains, and include additional rider amenities such as electric outlets on each seat, updated restrooms, and improved luggage racks.

All trains will run an M8 set. However, due to current infrastructure and operational limitations, trains 1646 and 1697 will have bus service between Old Saybrook and New London. Please note that bus travel times listed on our schedule are approximate and may vary due to traffic.

In addition, select trains have minor time adjustments to accommodate the M8 operation.

The full schedule can be found here.

Be sure to sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.

2022 CTRIDES’ DRIVE LESS CONNECTICUT CHALLENGE: MAY 1 – MAY 31

Drive Less and Travel Greener to Fight Climate Change

This May, CTrides, the commuter service program of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), is conducting the Drive Less Connecticut Challenge (“Challenge”), a month-long effort to call attention to the need to cut down on harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the use of private vehicles, a major factor causing Climate Change. CTrides is challenging residents, employees, and students throughout the State to pitch in to drive a little less by using Connecticut’s extensive system of trains and buses, or to carpool, vanpool, walk, bike or telecommute. The goals of the Challenge include preventing over a half a million pounds of GHG emissions and eliminating 25,000 car trips. Information about the Challenge is available at CTrides.com/DLC.

Connecticut has a climate goal of a 45% GHG reduction by 2030 and of 80% by 2050. Transportation accounts for the largest share of GHG emissions in the state, 38%, and accounts for 67% of the air pollution. Without the help of those who work and live in the state to cut down on driving whenever possible, Connecticut may fail to meet its targets and weaken efforts to fight Climate Change.

The Challenge is easy to join. Just download the CTrides app or go to CTrides.com/DLC, to set up a free account and start recording trips on any non-solo vehicle trip. The CTrides app offers a trip planner that gives you travel options to your destinations. Everyone who joins the Challenge will get entries into the drawing for valuable prizes. Every time you record a trip on an eligible mode, you get an entry into the drawing. And anyone setting up a new account in May will get 5,000 bonus points that can be used for food, entertainment and retail discounts.

The CTrides app and the CTrides website at CTrides.com/DLC provides full information on the DLC Challenge. It also tracks the progress of the impacts everyone is making during May to meet the Challenge’s goals. Participants will receive an email each week that details the contribution they are making to meeting these goals. Prize winners will be chosen in a random drawing at the end of the Challenge. The final results will be published shortly thereafter.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct virtual public hearings on proposed additional rail service, a proposed rail fare discount and proposed additional bus service, including three new bus routes.

Proposed changes for rail include increased service on the Waterbury Line and discounts on CTrail ten trip tickets. Proposed changes for bus service include extra trips on CTtransit Hartford area routes, 512 (Berlin Turnpike) and 24 (Windsor-Bradley Int’l Airport-Windsor Locks). Proposed new bus services include CTtransit New Haven area Route 282 (East Grand Avenue), CTtransit Express Route 940 (Waterbury-Meriden) and a CTtransit Hartford area route, the Bradley-Union Connector.

At these hearings, CTDOT will provide information and accept public comments on the service and fare proposals and the Service and Fare Equity (SAFE) analysis. The SAFE analysis evaluates the proposed changes to determine if they will cause a disparate impact to minority persons or a disproportionate burden to people with low incomes, as defined by the FTA Title VI circular. The proposed service and fare changes may be viewed on the Department’s website at www.ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges and will be available as of Wednesday, April 27, 2022. The public comment period will run from April 27 to May 30, 2022.

The hearings will be conducted virtually via Zoom’s online platform and toll-free conference call feature. The public hearings will also be live streamed via Microsoft Teams Live Event and YouTube. All public hearings will be recorded and published online for later viewing.

For more information on how to attend the public hearings, information on the proposed changes, and to access the SAFE analysis please visit:www.ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges.

To request a copy of the SAFE analysis by mail, please email us at  dot.proposedtransitchanges@ct.gov  or by leaving a voicemail at (860)-594-3612. Please allow one week for processing and delivery. If your organization would like to request a virtual presentation of the SAFE analysis, please email or call using the contact information listed above. The CTDOT will make every effort to accommodate your request.

How to participate in the virtual public hearings:

• Registration is encouraged; however, it is only required for those would wish to provide a comment during the hearing. To register, please visit www.ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges or call (860)-594-3612, and leave a voicemail with your full name and contact information. Registration will be accepted up to the day of the hearing and will remain open for the duration of the hearing.
• A link to attend the public hearings and public information sessions will be posted on www.ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges.
• Individuals can listen to the meeting by calling Toll Free 833-548-0282 and entering the Participant Code for the select date when prompted at the time of the hearing.

  DATE	Participant Code
  Wednesday, May 11, 2022	863 7738 8625
  Thursday, May 12, 2022	854 7558 9773

• Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Zoom provides closed captioning. Also, the live meetings will be shown simultaneously on Microsoft Teams Live Event, which offers non-English translation options. Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT’s Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least 5 business days prior to the hearing. Language assistance is made available at no cost and efforts will be made to respond to requests for assistance.

Recordings of the hearings and formal presentation will be posted to YouTube with closed captioning, including non-English translation options. Links will be provided at www.ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges.

How to submit comments: 

• You may make a comment at any time from April 27th to May 30th, 2022 by email, phone, US Mail or the local libraries, using the information below.
• To make a comment during a public hearing: Register for the hearing at www.ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges or by calling (860)-594-3612.
• Email:dot.proposedtransitchanges@ct.gov
• Voicemail: (860) 594-3612
• US Mail: COMMENT ON PROPOSED FARE AND SERVICE CHANGES, Bureau of Public Transportation, P.O. Box 317546, Newington, CT 06131-7546.

A copy of the SAFE analysis will be available at the following public libraries. Written comments will also be accepted at these locations:

–  Waterbury’s Silas Bronson Library, Main Branch, 267 Grand Street, Waterbury

–  New Haven Free Public Library, Ives Main Library, 133 Elm Street, New Haven

–  The Public Library of New London, 63 Huntington Street, New London

–  Hartford Public Library, Downtown Branch, 500 Main Street, Hartford

–  Bridgeport Public Library Main Branch, 925 Broad Street, Bridgeport

For general questions please email us dot.proposedtransitchanges@ct.gov or call (860)-594-3612.

Today, April 20, 2022, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that there will no longer be a mask mandate on CTtransit, Hartford Line, and Shore Line East services and facilities in Connecticut. The decision to make masks optional is the result of the Transportation Security Administration ending enforcement of the mask mandate earlier this week following a ruling by a Federal judge in Florida.

“For the last two years, our transit operators have provided masks to the public and enforced mask mandates on public transit. Now that the federal mask mandate for public transit is no longer in effect, masking will no longer be enforced, but is still strongly encouraged per current CDC guidelines,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.

As public health directives evolve, CTDOT will respond accordingly and adhere to any future mandates or directives.

Residents are reminded that New Haven Line services in Connecticut are operated by Metro-North, and are adhering to orders consistent with New York State. Please visit new.mta.info for the most recent information on Metro-North mask requirements.

For information on mask requirements for other transit providers in Connecticut, residents are asked to visit their websites or call for the most recent updates.

The renovation project at the Clinton station is complete and starting on Monday, April 4th, trains will now have access to both tracks. Clinton Station will now see an additional 12 weekday and 9 weekend trains.

In addition to new boarding assignments and increased service at Clinton station, there are new times for Metro-North connections.  Visit ShoreLineEast.com/schedules for a full schedule update.

Sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.

We are taking preventive measures to keep you safe during COVID-19. To read more about the precautions taken and what you can do to help, visit the Safety First section on our website.

On March 27th, Metro-North will be increasing service on the New Haven Line with the addition of 34 trains, including additional express train service. This increase means more frequent service between Grand Central Terminal, Stamford, and New Haven and reflects the growing demand for rail travel along the corridor.

Updated connections can be found at ShoreLineEast.com.

Be sure to sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.

We are taking preventive measures to keep you safe during COVID-19. To read more about the precautions taken and what you can do to help, visit the Safety First section on our website.

We want to let you know about a new safety policy going into effect immediately. This policy will require conductors to keep the train car door closed before departing a station and whenever the train is in motion. This also means that once the doors are closed, conductors will no longer be able to open them to pick up passengers arriving late at the platform.

As always, we are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience and would like to remind you about the travel tips below to ensure a smooth trip:

Travel Tips

• Purchase Tickets Before Travel: You can purchase tickets ahead of time using our CTrail eTix app.
• Arrive Early: Get to your station before the scheduled departure time.
• Stand Back: Always stay behind the yellow lines at train stations.
• Keep Doors Closed: Opening a door when a train is in motion is prohibited and dangerous.
• Listen: Pay attention to the station and on-board announcements.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation. For travel information, go to ShoreLineEast.com.

Remember to always wear a mask or face covering onboard trains and stations. And be sure to sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our Alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.

We are taking preventive measures to keep you safe during COVID-19. To read more about the precautions taken and what you can do to help, visit the Safety First section on our website.

In observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday, CTrail Shore Line East will operate on a weekend/holiday schedule on Monday, February 21st.

Remember to always wear a mask or face covering onboard trains and stations. And be sure to sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.

We are taking preventive measures to keep you safe during COVID-19. To read more about the precautions taken and what you can do to help, visit the Safety First section on our website.

CTDOT wants to hear from public transportation passengers around the state about your experience riding the bus or train. We are conducting one-hour focus groups to hear about your experience taking public transportation, including what currently works well, what is not working so well, desired improvements, or other ideas. This information will help shape future programs, policies, and investments in public transportation services in ways that deliver positive customer experiences.

If you are interested in learning more about participating in a public transportation focus group meeting, please sign-up via the following link. Focus group participants will receive a $75 gift card for their time. Please note depending on the number responses received, we cannot guarantee that everyone will be selected to participate.

Attention CTrail Customers:

Rail service will resume across the state on Sunday, January 30.

Below is an update of the most current service plan:

• CTrail Shore Line East – Resuming regular weekend service with the adjustments below:
  • 3613 – Canceled (Train 3621 (8:18 AM departure) will be the first train out of New London)
  • 3690 – Canceled (Train 3692 (6:50 AM departure) will be the first train out of New Haven)
• CTrail Hartford Line -Resuming regular Sunday service with the adjustments below:
  • Amtrak 405 bus – Canceled (Affected customers should take Amtrak 157)
• Metro-North service on the New Haven Line – Resuming regular Sunday service
• Metro-North service on the New Canaan Line / Danbury Line / Waterbury Line – Resuming regular service
• Amtrak Regional service will resume on Sunday with possible cancelations and adjustments. Customers should check https://www.amtrak.com/alert/modified-service-due-to-winter-storm.html for details.

Due to residual impacts from the storm, customers should monitor our website, and check their connecting operators website for updates, as changing conditions may cause delays, cancellations, or schedule adjustments.

If you are traveling, allow extra travel time, stay clear of platform edges, and use extra caution when boarding/exiting trains.

Remember to always wear a mask or face covering onboard trains and stations. And be sure to sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.

We are taking preventive measures to keep you safe during COVID-19. To read more about the precautions taken and what you can do to help, visit the Safety First section on our website.

Attention CTrail Customers:

Connecticut is forecasted to experience a severe winter storm this weekend. As a precaution, CTrail Shore Line East / Hartford Line / Metro-North service on the New Canaan Line/ Danbury Line / Waterbury Line, and Amtrak will suspend service for Saturday, January 29.

Metro-North service on the New Haven Line will operate a reduced hourly schedule between New York and New Haven.

Customers should avoid any unnecessary travel.

As soon as it is safe to do so, our crews are ready to assess and fix any weather-related damage so we can resume service as conditions safely allow.

Be sure to sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.

We will provide updates on our website as they become available.

We are pleased to announce that service will be adjusted on the three CTrail Shore Line East trains below beginning Monday, January 24th. These changes, while minor, will reduce delays and improve the reliability of trains on the CTrail Shore Line East.

• Train 1600
  • Previous Departure time from New Haven Union Station – 5:00 AM
  • New Departure time from New Haven Union Station – 4:55 AM

• Train 1637
  • Previous Departure time from New London – 6:20 AM
  • New Departure time from New London – 6:15 AM

• Train 1645
  • Previous Departure time from New London – 7:25 AM
  • New Departure time from New London – 7:18 AM

Refer to the full schedule at ShoreLineEast.com for details.

Be sure to sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.

We are taking preventive measures to keep you safe during COVID-19. To read more about the precautions taken and what you can do to help, visit the Safety First section on our website.

Connecticut is forecasted to experience inclement weather from Sunday, January 16, into Monday, January 17. We are monitoring the situation and are prepositioning crews and equipment in preparation for this event.

Customers should avoid any unnecessary travel.

Service disruptions may occur during, and after the weather event, so please monitor our website for service updates.

As a reminder, customers should allow extra travel time, stay clear of platform edges, and use extra caution when boarding/exiting trains.

Customers should also review our schedule prior to travel as we are operating on a modified schedule for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Be sure to sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.

Connecticut is forecasted to experience inclement weather this weekend and into Monday with sub-zero temperatures and possible snow. We are monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure that our crews and equipment are prepared for this event.

As a reminder, we ask customers to:

• Monitor our website for service updates
• Allow extra travel time
• Stay clear of platform edges
• Use extra caution when boarding/exiting trains

Be sure to sign up for service notifications and update your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you have the most up-to-date travel information.

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, CTrail Shore Line East will operate on a weekend/holiday schedule on Monday, January 17th.

Be sure to sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.

We are taking preventive measures to keep you safe during COVID-19. To read more about the precautions taken, and what you can do to help, visit the Safety First section on our website.

A winter weather advisory is in effect from this evening, Thursday, January 6, and continues into Friday morning, January 7. We are monitoring the situation and are prepositioning crews and equipment in preparation for this event.
Service disruptions may occur during and in the storm’s immediate aftermath, so please monitor our website for service updates.

As a reminder, customers should also allow extra travel time, stay clear of platform edges, and use extra caution when boarding/exiting trains.

Be sure to sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.

During the upcoming holiday period, CTrail Shore Line East trains will operate on the following schedules:

• Friday, December 24th, 2021: Weekday Service
  • (New Haven Line (Metro-North) will operate on a Weekend schedule)
    
• Saturday, December 25th, 2021: Weekend/Holiday Service 
• Friday, December 31st, 2021: Weekday Service 
• Saturday, January 1st, 2022: Weekend/Holiday Service 
• Sunday, January 2nd, 2022: Weekend/Holiday Service 

Please refer to the following websites for connection information:

Click here for Amtrak Northeast Corridor schedule information.
Click here for New Haven Line (Metro-North) schedule information.
Click here for CTrail Hartford Line schedule information.

We are taking preventive measures to keep you safe during COVID-19. To read more about the precautions taken and what you can do to help, visit the Safety First section on our website.

Remember to sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.

We wish you a happy and safe holiday season!

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and the Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS) launched an 18-month pilot program offering Aira at no cost to individuals who are blind or have low vision. Aira is a service that enables a person to connect with highly trained, live agents in real-time, for assistance using the Connecticut public transportation system and other essential services.

The Aira service uses a smartphone’s camera to stream live video to an agent who provides the user with instant access to visual information about their surroundings.

As part of the pilot, individuals are asked to participate in a short and fully accessible research survey that will help the CTDOT and ADS assess the impact Aira has on improving mobility. It will take around 10-15 minutes to complete. At the end of the survey, the participant will receive an access code to begin using Aira.

Learn more at Aira-CTrides
“This is an innovative way to use technology to enhance the mobility opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision and provide access to all of the essential services offered in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said.”

Additional information from the State of CT can be found here.

The CTrail eTix app will be unavailable due to maintenance on Thursday, November 18, from 10 PM – 11 PM.

New ticket purchases will not be possible during this period, but tickets purchased before November 18 at 10:00 PM EST will still be available for use.

We recommend customers purchase tickets in advance by using a Ticket Vending Machine or visiting a Ticket Window where available.

We thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete our scheduled maintenance.

Greetings:

All of us at CTrail Shore Line East wish you a happy and safe upcoming Thanksgiving holiday!

As you start to plan your travel, please note that CTrail Shore Line East will operate on a weekday schedule for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25, 2021, and Friday, November 26, 2021.

• Customers are advised to check ShoreLineEast.com prior to travel for service updates.
• Traveling early in the day when possible is recommended on CTrail Shore Line East trains.
• Reminder to all passengers: masks are still required on all public transportation services and in stations until further notice. We are taking preventive measures to keep you safe during COVID-19. To read more about the precautions taken, and what you can do to help, visit the Safety First section.
• Remember to sign up for alerts or update your preferences on our alerts page for the most up-to-date travel information.
• View the official CTDOT press release here.

Thank You,

Connecticut Department of Transportation