Connecticut Transit System Faces Delays and Funding Challenges Despite Ongoing Upgrades
Connecticut's transit system is undergoing significant upgrades and experiencing both progress and setbacks. New train stations are being built in Windsor Locks and Enfield, with Naugatuck also slated for a new station as the Waterbury line remains closed until May 2027 for major improvements. Renovations are underway at New Haven's Union Station, and 60 new railcars from Alstom are expected for testing later this year. Metro-North ridership has recovered to about 90% of pre-COVID levels, with strong weekend numbers and nearly 98% on-time performance. However, Shore Line East service and ridership have not returned to pre-2020 levels, with the Connecticut Department of Transportation reverting to diesel locomotives due to disputes with Amtrak over overhead wire usage. Commuter rail fares increased by 10% in 10 months, and major projects like the Walk rail bridge replacement in Norwalk face delays, now projected for completion in 2031 instead of 2029. Several long-promised projects, including the electrific...
