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NEWS AND NOTICES

Updates on What's Going on at CTrail Shore Line East



Important Travel Notice: Service Changes on December 7th


Some CTrail Shore Line East trains will experience service changes due to construction on Saturday, December 7th. These include some trains not stopping at Madison Station, bus replacements, and temporary track changes, as noted below:

Madison Station Skip:

  • Trains 3613, 3621, 3629, and 3637 traveling from New London to New Haven will not stop at Madison Station.
  • In lieu of those trains, special express bus service will be provided from Madison Station to New Haven Union Station. 
  • Passengers will need to inform the bus driver if they require a stop at any intermediate stations along the route.

Bus Departures:

The replacement buses will depart Madison Station before the trains’ regularly scheduled time. Please note the new departure times: 

  • 3613 will depart Madison at 6:41 a.m. 
  • 3621 will depart Madison at 8:34 a.m. 
  • 3629 will depart Madison at 10:57 a.m. 
  • 3637 will depart Madison at 12:36 p.m. 

 In addition, extra Metro-North connections were added to the schedule if you plan to travel west of New Haven. 

Temporary Track Changes:

Some CTrail Shore Line East trains will also have temporary track assignment changes at the following stations:

  • Clinton
  • Westbrook
  • Guilford
  • Branford

Please pay close attention to station announcements and signage to ensure you board the correct train.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve your CTrail experience.

Remember to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Preferences may need to be updated after each schedule change.

 



Thanksgiving Schedule Update


We will operate on a weekend/holiday schedule from Thursday, November 28, to Sunday, December 1, during the Thanksgiving holiday period.

Please note that the 1638 thru-train will originate in New Haven on Wednesday, November 27, and will not operate on the Metro-North portion of its route.

Important travel information

  • Connecting to another service: If you are connecting to another service, you should check with that operator, as they may have a modified holiday schedule.
  • Trip planning: Please note that third-party trip planning services may not reflect our most recent schedule updates. Always plan your travel using the official CTrail Shore Line East website at ShoreLineEast.com.

Visit shorelineeast.com/schedules for schedule details.

Remember to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Preferences may need to be updated after each schedule change.

We wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!



Adjustments for Trains 1652 and 1638 Beginning November 11


Due to Amtrak construction, CTrail Shore Line East 1652 will depart New Haven Union Station five minutes later at 8:50 p.m. and CTrail Shore Line East 1638 will arrive in New London three minutes later beginning November 11.  

Remember to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Preferences may need to be updated after each schedule change.



Stamford Thru Service Returns to the Schedule


We are happy to inform you that additional service will be available between New London and Stamford starting Monday, October 7. Four new trains were added, and one existing train now extends to Stamford.  

Please take note of the following changes: 

Westbound (To New Haven)

  • NEW CTrail 1633 – A new thru train departing New London at 5:46 a.m. and arriving in Stamford at 7:53 a.m. 
  • NEW CTrail 1695 – Departs New London at 9:05 p.m. 

Eastbound (To Old Saybrook and New London) 

  • NEW CTrail 1600 – A new early-morning train departing New Haven Union Station at 4:25 a.m. 
  • CTrail  1638 – A thru train departing Stamford at 4:13 p.m. and arriving at New London at 6:25 p.m.
  • NEW CTrail 1640 – A new train departing New Haven Union Station at 7:45 p.m. 

Note that Metro-North and Amtrak connections may have changed.  Please visit shorelineeast.com/schedules for a full schedule.

Remember to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Preferences may need to be updated after each schedule change.

 



Weekend Schedule Updates: Sept. 28 – 29


We would like to inform you that essential trackwork will occur near Groton on the weekend of September 28-29 as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance your travel experience. Please be aware that this maintenance will affect the schedule of the following trains:

CTrail Trains 3692 and 3604:

  • New Haven Union Station departure time for train 3692: 6:45 AM
  • New Haven Union Station departure time for train 3604: 9:07 AM

Amtrak Connections: These changes will also impact Amtrak connections during this period.

Visit shorelineeast.com/schedules for schedule details.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to enhance our rail services.

Remember to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Preferences may need to be updated after each schedule change.

 



Guilford Station Maintenance


Starting Thursday, September 5, the stairs inside Guilford Station will be closed for upgrades from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.

This work is expected to be completed by the end of the month. During this time, the station elevators will remain available.

Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our stations and railroad in top condition.

Remember to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Preferences may need to be updated after each schedule change.



Labor Day Schedule Update


In observance of Labor Day, CTrail Shore Line East will operate on a weekend/holiday schedule on Monday, September 2, 2024.  

Please note that if you are connecting to another service, you should check with that operator, as they may also have a modified holiday schedule.

Remember to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Preferences may need to be updated after each schedule change.



Amtrak Schedule Updates


Please be advised that two Amtrak regional trains, accessible only to CTrail Shore Line East monthly and ten-ride ticket holders, now have adjusted departure times due to the conclusion of earlier track maintenance.

The updated times are as follows:

  • Amtrak 86: Departs New Haven Union Station at 2:22 p.m. | Arrives in New London at 3:06 p.m.
  • Amtrak 94: Departs New Haven Union Station at 7:27 p.m. | Arrives in New London at 8:13 p.m. 

Visit shorelineeast.com/schedules for schedule details.

Remember to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Preferences may need to be updated after each schedule change.



Weekend Schedule Updates


Due to ongoing rail system construction projects, several trains will have adjusted departure times on the following weekend dates:

  • August 17th and 18th
  • August 24th and 25th
  • September 21st and 22nd

Please note that these changes will also affect Amtrak connections during this period.

Visit shorelineeast.com/schedules for schedule details.

Remember to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Preferences may need to be updated after each schedule change.

 



Service Alert Issue Resolved


We are pleased to inform you that the technical issues with the service alert system have been identified and resolved.

Our team will continue to monitor the situation to prevent any future disruptions.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.



Service Alert Outage


We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our service alert system. As a result, users may not receive email and text alerts and may be unable to access the subscription page.

We are aware of the issue, and our technicians are working to resolve it as quickly as possible.

For any questions or information, please call 1-877-287-4337 or chat with our Customer Service team.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.



Updates to Train 3663 – Special Sailfest Service


Connecticut’s premier summertime event, Sailfest, is happening in New London on Saturday, July 13th, and Sunday, July 14th, and CTrail Shore Line East is the best way to enjoy the activities! The train will take you to the heart of downtown New London, where all the excitement awaits.

And, if you plan on attending the fireworks display on Saturday, July 13th, Train 3663 will operate on a modified schedule to accommodate the fireworks. Additional details are as follows:

  • The NEW departure time will now be 10:30 p.m.
  • Additional rail cars will be added to accommodate the increased ridership
  • The train will make stops at all of the stations with the adjusted times below:
    • New London: 10:30 p.m.
    • Old Saybrook: 11:06 p.m.
    • Westbrook: 11:10 p.m.
    • Clinton: 11:15 p.m.
    • Madison: 11:20 p.m.
    • Guilford: 11:25 p.m.
    • Branford: 11:34 p.m.
    • New Haven State Street: 11:44 p.m.
    • New Haven Union Station: 11:50 p.m.

NOTE: Metro-North Train 6573 will be held in order to connect with CTrail Shore Line East Train 3663.

Visit shorelineeast.com/schedules for schedule details.

Don’t forget to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you are receiving the most up-to-date information for your travels.



Independence Day Schedule Update


In observance of Independence Day, CTrail Shore Line East will operate on a weekend/holiday schedule on Thursday, July 4, 2024.  

Please note that if you are traveling beyond New Haven, you should check with your connecting operator, as they may also have a modified holiday schedule.

Remember to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Preferences may need to be updated after each schedule change.



The CX Action Plan Annual Progress Report


In June of 2023, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) released the first-ever Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan. The plan was developed by engaging with transit customers, public transit service providers, and other stakeholders to collect feedback and identify actions that can be taken to make transit a more pleasant, reliable, and efficient experience for everyone.

In June of 2024, CTDOT released the CX Action Plan Annual Progress Report – Year 1. The progress report provides updates about projects that impact customer experience for public transportation services statewide. The CX Action Plan Annual Progress Report – Year 1 is now available for review via this link.



Bus Substitutions on June 9


Amtrak will be performing maintenance on Sunday morning, June 9th. During this time, substitute bus service will be provided between Guilford and New London. The affected trains and details of the substitution are as follows:

  • Train 3690
    • The service will operate as a train between New Haven and Guilford, making all stops along the way. Passengers continuing beyond Guilford will transfer to a bus at the Guilford station. This bus will serve all remaining stops between Guilford and New London.
  • Train 3613 (Update)
    • The service will operate as a bus between New London and New Haven Union Station, stopping at Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, and Madison. After stopping at Madison, the bus will head straight to New Haven Union Station.
    • Customers boarding at Guilford, Branford, and New Haven State Street, regular train service on Train 3613 will remain available.

All other services will remain the same. Visit ShoreLineEast.com/Schedules/ for a copy of our schedule.

Remember to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Preferences may need to be updated after each schedule change.



Memorial Day Schedule Update


In observance of Memorial Day, CTrail Shore Line East will operate on a weekend/holiday schedule on Monday, May 27, 2024.  

Please note that if you are traveling beyond New Haven, you should check with your connecting operator, as they may also have a modified holiday schedule.

Remember to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date travel information. Preferences may need to be updated after each schedule change.



Metro-North Service Adjustment Begining April 7


There will be minor adjustments to some Metro-North connections beginning April 7.

Please note that CTrail Shore Line East trains will remain unchanged. The only changes will be to some Metro-North trains and the cross-honor Amtrak 86.

Visit ShoreLineEast.com/Schedules to view the current schedule.

Don’t forget to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information for your travels. Preferences may need updating after each schedule change.



How Are We Doing?


From April 1 through April 19, we’re inviting riders to participate in an online survey to capture insights and feedback regarding their experiences riding the CTrail Hartford Line. As a valued customer, we would like your feedback to help us better understand your expectations and how we can improve our service.

Please share your thoughts on what we’re doing well and how to improve here: CTrail.com/slesurvey

Thank you in advance for your continued support and involvement in shaping the journey ahead!



Winter Storm Advisory


A winter storm is forecasted for our service area on Tuesday, February 13. We are closely monitoring the situation and have pre-positioned crews and equipment to respond as necessary. CTrail Shore Line East will continue to operate on our regular schedule as weather conditions allow.

We encourage customers to take the following precautions:

  • Monitor our website or service alerts for updates.
  • Allow extra travel time due to the potential weather conditions.
  • Exercise caution when on platforms, staircases, and when entering or exiting trains, as surfaces may be slippery.

Additionally, if you have bus or rail connections, we recommend checking with those service providers before traveling to ensure they are operating as scheduled.

Your safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this time.

Don’t forget to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information for your travels. Preferences may need updating after each schedule change.



Presidents Day Schedule


In observance of Presidents Day, CTrail Shore Line East will operate on a weekend/holiday schedule on Monday, February 19, 2024.  

Be sure to check with your connecting operator for travel beyond New Haven, as they may also have a modified holiday schedule.

Don’t forget to review your preferences on our alerts page to ensure you are receiving the most up-to-date information for your travels. Preferences may need updating after each schedule change.