CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: March 20, 2012

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Quiet Car Program Expands to All New Haven Line Rush-Hour Trains on April 2

          The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced that, beginning April 2, all morning and evening peak-hour New Haven Line trains will have “quiet cars” for customers who would like an environment free of cell phones, loud conversations and all manner of beeps and buzzes.

          The last car on all AM peak trains and the first car on all PM peak trains will be designated as quiet cars, as a result of successful pilot program that began in Connecticut January 9, 2012. The program will also include trains on the Harlem and Hudson rail lines, which, like the New Haven Line, are operated by MTA Metro-North Railroad. Trains will quiet cars will be designated with a capital Q and coincide with the new spring timetable.

            In a recent survey of New Haven Line customers, 92% of the respondents said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the “CALMmute” program. And 83% said they favored expanding the program to all morning and evening peak-hour trains.

            “It is clear from the survey that our customers not only like the quiet car program but want it expanded,” said Connecticut Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker. “If we are going to entice more people to use public transportation, we need to make it as attractive as possible. This is one small step we can take to improve the overall customer experience.”

            The program is voluntary in nature.  Customers can converse in the quiet car but they must use subdued voices. However conductors will issue "Shhh!" cards to customers who are non-compliant.

            “Commuters will be delighted that their calls for Quiet Cars have finally been answered,” said Jim Cameron, Chairman of the Connecticut Rail commuter Council. “This new amenity should make commuting on Metro-North even better.”

            In addition, announcements will be made informing and reminding customers of the location of the quiet car and its restrictions. The use of electronic devices in the quiet car will be prohibited including cell phones, iPods, DVD players, laptops, etc., unless the device can be used in a manner that does not create any noise. If headphones are used, they must be at a volume that cannot be heard by others.

            “Quiet cars are a hit,” said Metro-North President Howard Permut. “With very few exceptions, people have quickly adapted to the new etiquette. With people working longer hours and with the proliferation of electronic devices, the need for quiet cars has never been greater. Metro-North is delighted to offer this new amenity to all rush hour customers.”