CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546
FOR RELEASE: September 18, 2008	FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:    OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS    TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062    Fax: (860) 594-3066    Web site:www.ct.gov/dot

NEWINGTON— The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) announced today that rail commuters on the Waterbury, New Canaan and Danbury branch lines will be surveyed  for ideas on how to improve rail service.  The information will be used as part of a study to determine the long term needs of these branch lines.

On Tuesday, September 23, passengers boarding early morning Waterbury Line inbound trains will be asked to complete a survey. The following day, Wednesday, September 24, passengers on morning peak Danbury Line inbound trains will be surveyed.  Passengers on early morning inbound trains on the New Canaan Line will be surveyed on Thursday, September 25.

The purpose of the commuter survey is to determine travel patterns and preferences of current passengers during peak weekday travel periods in order to help define desired service improvements.

In addition, telephone surveys will be conducted in the towns along each corridor during late September and early October to get input from area residents. 

Participation in both telephone and commuter surveys is strongly encouraged.  The public opinion and travel information collected will be an important component in developing an improvement plan for these corridors.

ConnDOT is evaluating these branch lines in cooperation with the South West Regional Planning Agency, Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials, Greater Bridgeport Regional Planning Agency, Council of Governments of the Central Naugatuck Valley, the Valley Council of Governments, and other state, federal, and municipal agencies and local stakeholders.  ConnDOT has retained Parsons Transportation Group to assist with the evaluation of the Waterbury and New Canaan branch lines.  URS is assisting ConnDOT with evaluation of the Danbury branch.  These initiatives will identify needs, evaluate alternatives, and define improvements for each corridor.  The goal is to develop a plan to enhance the attractiveness of transit as a means of travel along these corridors.

An Advisory Committee, comprised of a wide range of stakeholders, is helping to guide each of these initiatives.  Several public meetings will be held at key milestones to provide opportunity for public feedback about corridor issues and alternatives.

To provide comments or to find out more information regarding these studies, please visit the website for Waterbury and New Canaan branch lines at www.waterbury-newcanaanrail.org and for the Danbury branch at www.danburybranchstudy.com.