Work Part of Capital Improvement Project Which Includes Signalization, Grade Crossing Improvements, Track Resurfacing
 

Late Night Substitute Bus Service to Accommodate Overnight Work Begins Monday May 10  

Substitute Busing on Waterbury Branch Begins June 1

MTA Metro-North Railroad today announced upcoming infrastructure improvements coming to the Waterbury Branch. The improvement work taking place on the branch includes railroad crossing improvements, the replacement of  track ties and track curves, completion of passing sidings and track resurfacing along the branch to ensure smoother rides.

The work, a priority of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), is part of the $116 million capital improvement project, when completed, will enable more reliable Waterbury Branch service.  In order to accommodate this work bus service will be provided as an additional travel option for customers affected. 

This work builds on the successful 2020 program that accelerated construction of the new Waterbury Branch signal system and passing sidings. This year the construction program includes completion of the new passing sidings, at-grade crossing improvements, continuation of tie replacement and track upgrades, and completion of the signal system.

“These improvements will give our Waterbury customers safer and more reliable service for years to come,” said Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad. “We are in lock step with our partners at CDOT to ensure that our customers using the Waterbury Branch will maintain as comfortable a commute as possible while this vital infrastructure work is completed.”

“The Connecticut Department of Transportation has continued to move forward, step by step, to modernize and improve the Waterbury Branch to bolster efficiency, safety, and the overall customer experience,” said CTDOT Commissioner Joe Giulietti. “These upgrades will help support additional rail service on the line in the future, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of our fantastic customers as we enter the final phases of work activity.”

The initial phase of the work will take place overnights, starting on Monday, May 10 and running through Friday, May 28. During that time, buses will substitute for the last train from Waterbury and last two Waterbury-bound trains departing from Grand Central Terminal (GCT) and Bridgeport on weekdays.

Starting on Tuesday, June 1 substitute buses will operate between Waterbury and Bridgeport for all weekday and weekend service for a three-month period, ending on Sunday, Aug. 29. With ridership still reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this second phase of work can be accomplished while minimizing inconveniences to customers.

Bus Service Information for May 10 – May 28

On weekdays, substitute buses will operate between Waterbury and Bridgeport for the last southbound train and the last two northbound trains of the day from Monday, May 10, through Friday, May 28. Buses from Waterbury to Bridgeport will operate 15 to 30 minutes earlier than scheduled trains; buses from Bridgeport to Waterbury will arrive at Naugatuck Valley stations 15 to 30 minutes later than scheduled trains. Weekend service is unchanged.

The following train times will be accommodated by substitute bus service: 

Grand Central-bound:

• The 10:03 p.m. departing Waterbury and arriving at Bridgeport at 10:58 p.m. with a connection to the 11:05 p.m. train departing Bridgeport, arriving at GCT at 12:50 a.m.

Waterbury-bound:

• The 8:10 p.m. departing Bridgeport, with a connection from the train that departs GCT at 6:34 p.m., arriving at Waterbury at 9:11 p.m.
• The 11:48 p.m. departing Bridgeport, with a connection from the train that departs GCT at 10:02 p.m., arriving at Waterbury at 12:48 a.m.

Customers can access full schedule here. Busing information for the extended bus service from June 1 to Aug. 29 will be available in mid-May.

Channels for Service Updates

Information about the planned schedule change noted in this press release, and all planned service changes, is available through the MTA and Metro-North’s many real-time service information sources.

1. MTA.info–The “Service Status” box at new.MTA.info is always the definitive source for the latest status for each line.

Email and text message service updates – Customers are urged to sign up to receive alerts, tailored by specific branch and time of day, by visiting www.MyMTAAlerts.com. 

Twitter – Twitter users can follow @MetroNorth to receive dynamic service updates and customer service support.

TrainTime app – Metro-North unveiled major upgrades to its TrainTime app late last year to keep customers updated by the second. The upgraded app includes real-time capacity tracking to enhance social distancing, real-time train location updated every three seconds and is available in six language.

WhatsApp - Metro-North recently started using WhatsApp to expand the number of customer service channels available to riders and is especially helpful for non-native English speakers. Customers can receive customer service support in their native language through the help of Google Translate.

Facebook – Facebook users can message Metro-North on its Facebook page to speak with a customer service representative.

These communication channels can be accessed while at home or on the go. For customers who are located at stations, the MTA will post the latest service updates on digital signs at station platforms and will make audio announcements over public address systems, and on-board announcements made by train crews.

For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511, the New York State Travel Information Line. Connecticut customers should call 877-690-5114. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.