CT rail fares set to increase

Train fares on the New Haven Line and Shore Line East will increase 1 percent on Jan. 1, 2016. The higher fares are being used to pay for new train cars.

A statement from the state Department of Transportation said as part of legislation enacted to have passengers help contribute toward the cost of the new M-8 rail cars entering into active service, rail fares are being increased by approximately 1 percent across all rail fare types, including weekly and monthly UniTickets (combined bus/rail tickets). Additional 1 percent increases will also take place on Jan. 1, 2017 and 2018 under the legislation.

The increase applies to all tickets for travel to and from Connecticut. New Haven Line tickets for travel within New York State will not be affected.

All of the 405 M-8 rail cars ordered have been delivered to Connecticut. Although the M-8 rail cars are currently in service only on the New Haven Line, the M-8 cars will eventually also be used on Shore Line East.