The following is a press release from State Rep. Gail Lavielle, thanking Metro-North for restoring the Danbury Line’s early morning through-train service from Danbury to Grand Central, a cause she advocated for over the past few months.
Metro-North on Monday announced new commuter rail timetables that will take effect on Sunday, May 11. In response to heavy demand from Danbury Line commuters, the schedule changes include the restoration of through-train service on the first morning weekday train from Danbury to Grand Central. State Representative Gail Lavielle (R-143), who advocated strongly for the Danbury Line schedule change, made the following statement:
“I want to thank Metro-North and President Joe Giulietti for being so responsive to the many Danbury Line commuters who asked to have the early morning through-train service restored,” said Rep. Lavielle. “I hope that this heralds a new culture of listening and responsiveness at the railroad. Danbury Line commuters have long felt that their needs were not a priority for Metro-North. The combination of the delays related to the malfunctioning signal system, weather-related disruptions, communication issues, and the elimination of early through-train service that had been available for years had left them feeling extremely discouraged. Evidence that their needs are being understood and met will go a long way toward restoring their confidence. There’s still much more work to do, but this schedule change in response to their requests is a good first step.”
In February, responding to many requests she had received from constituents, Lavielle circulated a petition to restore the early morning through-train service from Danbury to Grand Central. Riding the early morning trains, she collected more than 200 signatures. She raised the issue at a commuter forum in Southport and then submitted the petition to Giulietti and CT Department of Transportation commissioner James Redeker. Giulietti informed her that the railroad would consider including the requested schedule change in its new timetable.
When the new timetable takes effect, the first morning train from Danbury will leave at 5:28 am... Passengers boarding the train at Danbury Line stations will be able to continue straight through to Grand Central and keep their seats all the way, with no need to change trains.
“I especially want to thank everyone who called and wrote to tell me about the need to restore the through train,” said Lavielle. “All the commuters from the towns along the Danbury Line who helped to gather petition signatures, spoke at public forums, and wrote to Metro-North should be very proud of what they did. It was a real team effort that got results.”
State Rep. Gail Lavielle represents Wilton, Norwalk, and Westport. She is Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee and of the Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Transportation.
Thank you Representative Lavielle for being a true advocate for our District !! We are so fortunate to have your energy, skills and thoughtful leadership representing us. Well done on this particular Metro North issue, but we know it is just one of many ways you fight for us – every day. Thank you !