Murphy, Blumenthal, Esty Call on Metro-north to Provide Plan for Upgrades & Better Service in Wake of Low Ridership

Press Release

In response to a recent report that ridership on Connecticut's three Metro-North branch lines have declined, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) sent a letter asking MTA-Metro-North Railroad to provide a detailed plan for improving service and increasing ridership on the Waterbury, Danbury, and New Canaan Branch lines. In a letter to MTA-Metro-North Railroad President Joseph Giulietti, the members of Congress cited clear examples of when service improvements along the branch lines have led to increased ridership, and when lapses in service have led to decreased ridership. They emphasized the importance of reliable train service to Connecticut residents and argued that upgraded train service along the three branch lines will increase ridership.

"Recent reporting and MTA ridership data suggest that consistent lapses in services on the Waterbury, Danbury, and New Canaan Branch Lines have led to a decline in ridership. With that in mind, we write today to convey our deep concern about this trend, particularly because its cause--poor service," wrote the members of Congress. "Riders are frustrated, and they want better service. Better service will increase ridership, which will increase investment, creating a virtuous cycle benefitting commuters of all stripes. Therefore, we respectfully ask you to provide us and branch line riders with your plan for improving service and increasing ridership on the branch lines in the near- and long-term."

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