DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION APPOINTS NEW RAIL ADMINISTRATOR

Agency Makes Key Hire to Continue Connecticut Rail Progress

    Commissioner Stephen E. Korta II today announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation has appointed Eugene Colonese of Guilford as the new Administrator of Connecticut’s Division of Rail Operations. He will oversee both construction and operations of the rail division, and will be responsible for Shoreline East, the New Haven Line of Metro North, and the rail freight lines that run through Connecticut.

    “Connecticut is fortunate to be able to hire an individual of Mr. Colonese’s caliber to this important position,” Commissioner Korta said.  “He is a capable administrator who knows the railroad business from the ground up.”

    Mr. Colonese brings more than 30 years of rail experience to his new post. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Mr. Colonese began his career in rail in 1971 as a conductor for Penn-Central Railroad.  He was steadily promoted to increasing levels of responsibility and most recently served as Metro North’s Deputy Director for Operations Planning. In that position, he was responsible for the train, equipment and crew planning for five major commuter lines including on-time performance and service strategy.

    “Connecticut is pursuing a wide variety of service enhancements, including railcars and locomotives, new stations and parking, infrastructure improvements and rail maintenance facilities,” Commissioner Korta said. “There is literally no component of our Connecticut commuter rail operations that is not being addressed.  Gene Colonese will be a great resource as we move forward with Connecticut’s aggressive program of rail improvements.”

    The Administrator position has been vacant and filled on an acting basis for more than a year.

###