Shore Line East coming to NL on a 'gradual basis'

In African-American spirituals, trains represent death; in New London, they've come to represent something less than finality but more than frustration.

Local legislators said last week that five additional commuter trains had been promised to come in and out of New London during peak weekday hours starting by the end of next month, but the state Department of Transportation a few hours later pointed out that only four trains had been planned.

In a news release timed to be published today, Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced that the total number of new Shore Line East commuter runs into New London starting next month will actually be three.

The good news: The additional rail service will start May 10, and arrangements are being made to add two more midday trains after bridge repairs over the Miamicock River in East Lyme are completed at an unspecified date.

Rell also said talks with marine operators - who have balked at expanded train service because more frequent bridge lowerings might impede river traffic - are continuing in hopes of bolstering Shore Line East runs on the weekend.

"We have already added one new round trip to New London this year, and this additional service will give many commuters the options they are looking for," Rell said in a statement.

"Shore Line East is a popular choice for commuters, college students and tourists who use the New London-to-New Haven corridor every day. My administration remains committed to providing as many 'mobility options' as possible," the governor added.

What Rell didn't mention in her announcement was that state DOT Commissioner Joseph Marie a few months ago had promised local officials that 11 new commuter trains would be scheduled to make round trips to New London starting early this year.

Rell's announcement will leave the city with a total of five Shore Line East trains running in and out of Union Station, versus the 12 that had been promised, though the numbers will increase once bridge repairs are completed.

"All across Connecticut's commuter rail system, we are adding new cars, new trains, new parking and new stations, making upgrades to existing facilities and investing in improved service," Rell said. "I appreciate the efforts of our partners at Amtrak, who have worked closely with us to help Shore Line East grow."

Shore Line East added a 5:52 a.m. train from New London to New Haven a few weeks ago. Starting May 10, three more trains will run over the same route, leaving Union Station at 6:55 a.m., 6 p.m. and 8:35 p.m.; return routes will depart from New Haven at 5:30 a.m., 4:27 p.m. and 8:50 p.m.

Marie said the DOT has been coordinating its train-service efforts with the Connecticut Marine Trades Association to minimize any effects on the commercial boating industry.

"We are rolling out this new service on a gradual basis and are hopeful that we will attract more and more riders," Marie said in a statement.

The DOT had to negotiate the new Shore Line East commuter runs with Amtrak, which operates the service between New Haven and New London on behalf of the DOT. In addition to two stops in New Haven and one in New London, the trains serve Branford, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook and Old Saybrook.