Ridership Increases in 2006 on Connecticut Rail Service

Shore Line East Passes

Five Millionth Passengers Milestone

Connecticut Commuter Rail Service Continues to Gain Riders

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) released ridership figures for 2006 on the Shore Line East (SLE) and New Haven Line (NHL).  Overall, Connecticut rail service continues to show steady increases in both intra-state and inter-state train service.  In June, Shore Line East rail service surpassed its five million riders since its inception in 1991.

“We are working hard to provide high-quality rail service which is a key component of the economy and quality of life in Connecticut,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Ralph J. Carpenter.  “The funding provided over the past two years by Governor Rell and the legislature will improve public transit and rail infrastructure to meet our increasing customer service needs.”

The months of January through June, 2006 showed ridership increases on both Shore Line East and the New Haven Line compared to 2005. The month of May, 2006 marked the highest monthly ridership increase this year on the Shore Line East with over a 20 percent when compared to May of last year.  June 2006 ridership on SLE also reported a 15 percent increase as compared to June of 2005.

“More and more Connecticut residents are utilizing the state rail service for in-state travel as well as travel to and from New York City.  We believe that increased fuel costs, as well as the opening of new Shore Line East train stations have attracted more riders to our rail service,” said Commissioner Carpenter. “We are proud to reach the 5 millionth rider on Shore Line East Service.  As new equipment, new stations and expanded parking becomes available in the near future, we anticipate continued growth in the state’s rail system.”

SHORE LINE EAST RAIL SERVICE

The Shore Line East Service saw the following monthly increases (compared to same months in 2005 -- see attached ridership charts for details):

• January 2006              Up over 5 percent
• February 2006             Up over 6 percent
• March 2006                Up over 10 percent
• April 2006                   Up over 5 percent
• May 2006                   Up over 20 percent
• June 2006                   Up over 15 percent
• July 2006                    Up over 13 percent
• August 2006                Up over 8 percent

In 2005, the Department completed three new train stations in Branford, Clinton and Guilford. These stations offered improved customer service to Connecticut commuters by providing high level platforms to board trains, enclosed waiting areas, and additional free parking. 

Shore Line East (SLE) trains are owned and operated by the ConnDOT and are operated under a service agreement with Amtrak.  Shore Line East carries over 1,700 riders each weekday.  This past month of May, SLE provided an average over 1800 riders per day with service from Monday through Friday. Shore Line East does not operate on Saturday, Sunday or major holidays.  Through service in the morning and evening rush hour is provided between SLE stations and Bridgeport and Stamford.  Customers can also connect at New Haven to Metro-North for service to other New Haven Line stations and to New York City.  Reduced combined Shore Line East/Metro-North monthly commuter UniRail tickets and combined bus and rail UniTickets are available.

Shore Line East riders are encouraged to sign up for e-mail service notifications at www.shorelineeast.com.

NEW HAVEN LINE RAIL SERVICE

The New Haven Line also experienced ridership increases in 2006 when compared to the same months in 2005. (See attached ridership charts for details)

·        January 2006    Up 3 percent

·        February 2006   Up 1 percent*

·        March 2006       Up 1 percent 

·        April 2006         Up 2 percent

·        May 2006         Up 3 percent

·        June 2006        Up 5 percent**

·        July 2006          Up 3 percent

·        August 2006     Up 3 percent

* (February 2005 experienced a higher than average increase in riders due to increased public travel to the New York City to visit “The Gates” exhibit.  Comparing February 2006 to February 2004, ridership increased over 5 percent.)

** (June 2006 above average ridership increase is partly attributed to the U.S. Open Golf Tournament at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, NY. )

Metro-North Railroad operates the New Haven Line and Branch Line Service for ConnDOT.  The New Haven Line is one of the busiest commuter lines in North America, carrying over 115,000 daily commuters.  Out of the 115,000 daily total commuters on the New Haven Line, approximately 80,000 are starting or completing their trip in Connecticut.

  To avoid long ticket lines, purchase your round trip tickets in advance at any ticket office, from any ticket machine, or online through WebTicket. (www.mta.info)  

Attachment – Shore Line East & New Haven Line Ridership Charts