NEWS AND NOTICES

Attention Shore Line East Riders:

Issue 2 of News From The Rails newsletter is available here.

Read Issue 1 here.

Have a story you'd like us to cover in a future issue? We'd like to hear from you. Just email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line "Newsletter."

Thanks for being a Shore Line East customer!

A new Shore Line East timetable will take effect Monday, October 29, 2018.

The following are notes regarding the new schedule:

• Select weekday SLE trains will be replaced by bus service. Look for BUS designation on SLE timetables. Weekend trains are not affected by bus substitutions at this time.
  
  
• The following bus substitutions will return to train service:
  • 1671 Westbound (arr. New Haven 2:42 PM)
  • 1622 Eastbound (dep. New Haven 1:08 PM)
  • 1668 Eastbound (dep. New Haven 8:00 PM)
  • 1670 Eastbound (dep. New Haven 8:15 PM)
    
    
• The following trains will continue to be serviced by bus substitutions:
  • 1621 Westbound (arr. New Haven 5:50 AM)
  • 1627 Westbound (arr. New Haven 6:17 AM)
  • 1645 Westbound (arr. New Haven 8:30 AM)
  • 1649 Westbound (arr. New Haven 8:55 AM)
  • 1675 Westbound (arr. New Haven 4:00 PM)
  • 1687 Westbound (arr. New Haven 7:10 PM)
  • 1602 Eastbound (dep. New Haven 6:25 AM)
  • 1604 Eastbound (dep. New Haven 6:55 AM)
  • 1626 Eastbound (dep. New Haven 2:17 PM)
  • 1638 Eastbound (dep. New Haven 5:16 PM)
  • 1656 Eastbound (dep. New Haven 7:17 PM)
    
    
• The following trains will also be substituted by bus service:
  • 1681 Westbound (arr. New Haven 5:15 PM)
  • 1632 Eastbound (dep. New Haven 3:24 PM)
  • 1646 Eastbound (dep. New Haven 6:45 PM)
    
    
• Amtrak will conclude a major track work undercutting program between New Haven and Old Saybrook before the new schedule goes into effect.
  
  
• Please be aware of the changes in the station platform boarding track designations:
  • Early Morning Westbound trains (before 10:30 AM) will board on track 2 for Branford, Madison, Clinton and Westbrook, and track 4 for Guilford.
  • Early Morning Eastbound trains (before 10:30 AM) will board on track 1 for Branford, Guilford and Westbrook.
    
    
• Please check our stations page for each station's bus pickup and dropoff location.
  
  
• Double-check the schedule for possible minor train time changes.
  
  
• Refer to New Haven Line schedules for NHL schedule changes.
  
  
• Select Amtrak trains allow cross-honoring of Shore Line East Multi-Ride tickets. In addition to existing Amtrak cross-honored trains, additional Amtrak trains will provide cross-honoring service for Shore Line East Customers with a monthly, weekly or ten trip ticket between 10/22-11/16. More information available here.
  
  
• Students at participating U-Pass CT schools can use the U-Pass aboard ALL Shore Line East trains. It is NOT accepted aboard any Amtrak train, including those trains listed on the schedule that accept Shore Line East Multi-Ride tickets. More details at CTrides.com/u-pass.

Download NEW Schedule Effective October 29 2018 Here

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that CTrail Shore Line East (SLE) November monthly passes will be valid through December 31, 2018.  

CTDOT also announced an expansion of Amtrak’s cross honoring program, which entitles Shore Line East monthly, weekly and ten-trip multi-ride ticket holders to ride Amtrak trains between New London, Old Saybrook and New Haven.

In addition to existing Amtrak cross-honored trains, the Amtrak trains below will provide cross-honoring service for Shore Line East Customers with a monthly, weekly or ten trip ticket between 10/22-11/16:

Trains to New Haven

• 173 - Departing New London at 1:05 pm
• 137 - Departing New London at 3:07 pm
• 175 - Departing New London at 4:52 pm
• 177 - Departing New London at 7:15 pm
• 179 - Departing New London at 8:17 pm

Trains to New London

• 172 - Departing New Haven Union Station at 12:57 pm
• 86 - Departing New Haven Union Station at 2:10 pm

Passengers are advised to visit www.amtrak.com for detailed scheduling information.

This announcement continues the campaign that was announced on September 18 to restore reliable Shore Line East service.

Amtrak, under contract with the CTDOT, has continued the extended shifts at their New Haven Rail Yard maintenance shop seven days a week in order to repair out-of-service locomotives and rail cars. In recent weeks, Amtrak has provided additional locomotives to replace locomotives that are under repair and sent locomotives to out of state Amtrak facilities to reduce the repair backlog.

Further progress is being made to improve customer communications. CTrides, which provides Shore Line East customer service, has extended their call center hours until 7 pm on weeknights. Customers are encouraged to call or email customer service with any continuing concerns, so appropriate steps can be taken.

The CTDOT management staff has been riding Shore Line East trains to monitor the rail line and to listen to customers’ feedback and concerns. Customers have noticed cleaner trains, but indicate communication regarding service delays needs to improve greatly. In the near future, customers will be able to sign up to receive customized service alerts by text or email to stay informed of the status of their Shore Line East train. CTDOT is also exploring how existing digital signs at stations can be used to provide real-time information.

View the official Connecticut Department of Transportation news release HERE.

September 18, 2018

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that it is taking several steps to improve communication with CTrail Shore Line East (SLE) rail customers and the reliability of the aging SLE rail fleet. As a result of an Amtrak construction project and the ongoing rehabilitation of locomotives, the service has not been operating at levels customers have come to expect.

Several steps are being taken in response to specific feedback received from customers at public forums and train rides by CTDOT management.

Amtrak, which operates SLE under contract to CTDOT, will expand the hours at the maintenance shop to three shifts, seven days a week in early October, and immediately increase over time allowances to repair out-of-service locomotives and rail cars.  In order to reduce the impact to customers when trains are unexpectedly canceled, buses will be on standby at stations until more reliable service can be maintained. 

To improve communications, CTDOT management staff will be riding SLE trains for the next 30 days to monitor the situation and talk to customers.  SLE customer service hours will be extended until the end of evening peak through the end of October.  Customers are encouraged to call or email CTrides with any continuing concerns, so appropriate action can be taken. Also, by the end of October, customers will be able to sign up to receive customized alerts by text and email to stay informed of the status of their train, instead of having to monitor @SLEalerts on Twitter for information.

Commissioner Jim Redeker and other CTDOT and Amtrak officials will be at New Haven Union Station on Thursday, September 20, from 4-6 pm to meet with SLE customers.

View the official Connecticut Department of Transportation news release HERE.

A new Shore Line East timetable will take effect Monday, July 23, 2018.

The following are notes regarding the new schedule:

• Train 1681 Update: This train will NOT originate in New London. The correct origin for train 1681 is in Old Saybrook at 4:25 PM, with a stop at Westbrook at 4:32 PM before continuing west. All other times and stations on Train 1681 are correct.
• Amtrak will continue a major track work program between New Haven and Old Saybrook, affecting both Shore Line East and Amtrak customers.
• Select weekday SLE trains will be replaced by bus service. Look for the BUS icon on SLE timetables. Weekend trains are not affected by bus substitutions at this time.
• Please check our stations page for each station's bus pickup and dropoff location.
• SLE train 1699 does NOT have a Metro-North connection. Customers should take an earlier train to confirm travel beyond New Haven.
• Double-check the schedule for possible minor train time changes.
• Refer to New Haven Line schedules for NHL schedule changes.
• Select Amtrak trains allow cross-honoring of Shore Line East Multi-Ride tickets.
• All westbound trains at Westbrook, Guilford, and Branford stations will board on Track 1 only.
• All eastbound trains at Branford station will board on Track 2 only.
• All eastbound trains at Guilford station will board on Track 4 only.
• All eastbound trains at Westbrook station will board on Track 1 only.
• All trains at the Clinton and Madison stations will board at the Track 1 low level location, next to station platforms.
• Students at participating U-Pass CT schools can use the U-Pass aboard ALL Shore Line East trains. It is NOT accepted aboard any Amtrak train, including those trains listed on the schedule that accept Shore Line East Multi-Ride tickets. More details at CTrides.com/u-pass.

Please click here for more details on Amtrak's track work project.

Download NEW Schedule Effective July 23 2018 Here

Shore Line East replacement buses are located in designated areas at our stations. We have updated each of our station pages to reflect this information:

Union Station New Haven: outside the western portion of the train station. There are three parking spots designated for Shore Line East buses near the Peter Pan and Greyhound bus bays.

State Street Station New Haven: in front of State Street Station.

Branford Station: south side of Branford station, next to the station building and eastbound platform.

Guilford Station: south side of Guilford station, next to the station building and eastbound platform.

Madison Station: south side of Madison station, next to the station building and eastbound platform.

Clinton Station: parking lot to the west of Clinton station.

Westbrook Station: south side of Westbrook station, next to the station building and eastbound platform.

Old Saybrook Station: south side of Old Saybrook station, outside the Amtrak ticket office by the pizza shop.

New London Station: in front of New London station, on Water Street.

Please refer to the stations page for additional details on Shore Line East stations.

To Our Valued Shore Line East Customers:

For the safety of our valued riders and crew, please remember these important safety guidelines when traveling:

• Remain behind yellow lines whenever you are on a station platform, as trains can travel past at any time and at high rates of speed.
• Train doors are to be operated by Shore Line East conductors only.
• Wait for trains to come to a full and complete stop before boarding or departing.
• Do not ride in car vestibule areas near doorways.
• If you see something – say something! Tell a transit employee or police officer if you see something suspicious or call 800-331-0008.

Thank you for your continued support. Please continue to monitor shorelineeast.com for service updates and please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker today announced that with the signing of the state budget adjustment bill earlier this week, bus and train fare increases and service reductions that had been scheduled to take effect on July 1 have been canceled.

With a pending Special Transportation Fund (STF) shortfall, plans had been made for a 10 percent fare increase for rail commuters, a 14 percent fare increase for bus riders, and service reductions on several rail lines and transit districts. The budget passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Malloy accelerated the transfer of motor vehicle sales tax revenues from the General Fund to the STF beginning this year, stabilizing the STF in the short-term.

Read the official Press Release here.

A new Shore Line East Weekday timetable will take effect Monday, April 23, 2018.

The following are notes regarding the new schedule:

• Amtrak will begin a major track work program between New Haven and Old Saybrook, affecting both Shore Line East and Amtrak customers.
• 14 weekday trains will be replaced by buses beginning on Monday, April 23, 2018 and continuing every weekday through November, 2018. Weekend trains are not affected at this time.
• Morning buses will leave earlier than current train schedule and travel time will be slightly longer.
• Any valid Shore Line East ticket will be accepted for travel on these buses.
• Double-check the schedule for possible minor train time changes.
• Refer to New Haven Line schedules for NHL schedule changes.
• Select Amtrak trains allow cross-honoring of Shore Line East Multi-Ride tickets.
• All trains at Guilford Station will board on track 4 only.
• Students at participating U-Pass CT schools can use the U-Pass aboard ALL Shore Line East trains. It is NOT accepted aboard any Amtrak train, including those trains listed on the schedule that accept Shore Line East Multi-Ride tickets. More details at CTrides.com/u-pass.

Please click here for more details.

Download NEW Schedule Effective April 23 2018 Here

A new Shore Line East timetable will take effect Saturday, March 10, 2018.

The following are notes regarding the new schedule, which can be viewed here.

• Special trains will be available for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Sailfest Fireworks, and Labor Day. Please refer to the posted schedule for details about specific trains.
• Double-check the schedule for possible minor train time changes.
• Refer to New Haven Line schedules for NHL schedule changes.
• Select Amtrak trains allow cross-honoring of Shore Line East Multi-Ride tickets.
• Due to track work weekend trains at Guilford Station will board on track 4 only. Please see the SLE printed timetables for more information on specific trains.
• Students at participating U-Pass CT schools can use the U-Pass aboard ALL Shore Line East trains. It is NOT accepted aboard any Amtrak train, including those trains listed on the schedule that accept Shore Line East Multi-Ride tickets. More details at CTrides.com/u-pass.

Download New Schedule

To our valued Shore Line East customers:

Bureau of Public Transportation

Proposed Fare Changes and Potential Service Cuts

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will conduct public hearings on proposed public transit fare increases for bus, rail and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services; and proposed service reductions to the New Haven Line, New Canaan Line, Danbury Line, Waterbury Line and Shore Line East rail services. Additionally, information meetings will be held on proposed CT River ferry fare increases. No bus or ADA paratransit services reductions are proposed at this time.

Details available here.

We thank you for your continued business.  Please continue to monitor shorelineeast.com for service updates and please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

Thank you.

A new Shore Line East timetable will take effect Monday, October 9, 2017.

The following are notes regarding the new schedule, which can be viewed here.

• Special trains will be available for the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's holidays. Please refer to the posted schedule for details about specific trains.
• Double-check the schedule for possible minor train time changes.
• Refer to New Haven Line schedules for NHL schedule changes.
• Select Amtrak trains allow cross-honoring of Shore Line East Multi-Ride tickets.
• Students at participating U-Pass CT schools can use the U-Pass aboard ALL Shore Line East trains. It is NOT accepted aboard any Amtrak train, including those trains listed on the schedule that accept Shore Line East Multi-Ride tickets. More details at CTrides.com/u-pass.

Download New Schedule

Tweets by @shorelineeast