The state announced Thursday that four weekday trains will be added to Shore Line East service next month, filling gaps in the existing schedule and improving connections between New London, New Haven and Metro-North service.
The new trains will begin operating Oct. 5 and are being funded through an additional $3 million allocated to the state Department of Transportation in budget adjustments approved by lawmakers during the most recent legislative session.
The expansion will add two eastbound trains from New Haven to New London and two westbound trains from New London to New Haven. All four will stop at every Shore Line East station.
The new eastbound trains will leave New Haven Union Station at 2:55 p.m. and 5:55 p.m., arriving in New London at 4:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m., respectively.
The 5:55 p.m. train will also connect in New Haven with an existing Metro-North Super Express train that leaves New York City at 4:11 p.m. and Stamford at 4:44 p.m.
The new westbound trains will leave New London at 4:40 p.m. and 7:28 p.m., arriving at New Haven Union Station at 5:49 p.m. and 8:37 p.m., respectively.
CTDOT said the schedule additions were made in response to feedback gathered through a Shore Line East customer satisfaction survey and interactions with riders. The agency said commuters identified lengthy gaps in the existing schedule as an impediment to using the service.
The updated schedule will be posted online in the coming days after track assignments are finalized with Amtrak and Metro-North, state officials said.
