MERIDEN – Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport), Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee, joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Guilietti, State Representative Hilda Santiago (D-Meriden) and State Representative Mike Quinn (D-Meriden) at Meriden Train Station to celebrate the resumption of service on the Hartford Line rail service. The train service has not operated at a full schedule since March 2020 at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Bringing back frequent and convenient public transit is crucial from a workforce standpoint, from an equity standpoint, an environment standpoint,” said Sen. Haskell. “Connecticut businesses rely on public transit to get their employees to and from work. Rail is especially vital for working families who cannot afford a car. And every time someone takes public transit to work, it’s a win for those of us who want the next generation to enjoy clean air and clean water.”
“Today’s a big part of the Connecticut comeback,” said Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz, who noted the state had to scale back rail services at the start of the pandemic in March 2020. “Now, we’re able to reopen as train travel arises, and we’re thrilled that seven more times will be added. We’re here because the people of our state have taken COVID-19 seriously and our Governor has put us in a position where Connecticut is the fourth-most vaccinated state in the country. We want to encourage residents to get back on the train.”
“It is so great to see this reopening, and we owe a lot of thanks to the Governor and Lt. Governor for supporting transportation and our highways going all throughout this pandemic,” said Commissioner Giuletti. “Our Congressional delegation also helped us access important funding. As everyone complains about the traffic coming in, it makes me say ‘thank God, it means we’re starting to return to normal,’ and now we’re going to be going back to normal with our rail service, making sure we can meet those riders’ needs.”
Seven round-trip train lines eliminated in March 2020 will return to the train schedule, while four trains on Shoreline East will be extended from Old Saybrook to New London. Also operating on the line, Amtrak recently increased service between Boston and New York City.