September 29, 2013

GOV. MALLOY ADVISES METRO-NORTH COMMUTERS TO PREPARE FOR CONTINUED DELAYS ON MONDAY

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy on Sunday afternoon is warning Connecticut commuters who plan on traveling into New York on Monday and into the upcoming week to be prepared for significant delays and consider making alternate plans as Metro-North and Con Edison make repairs to the electrical outage on the New Haven Line.

"Connecticut commuters should not even be in this situation," said Governor Malloy. "For the last five days, I have been making it clear to Con Ed and the MTA that a delay like the one they initially proposed was completely unacceptable. While I'm glad they moved their deadline up at my urging, I want to reemphasize that they need to alleviate this problem as quickly as possible."

"All indications right now point to another tough commute," continued the Governor. "Even with some electric service restored, there will be very limited service and significant overcrowding on trains. If at all possible, I would urge residents to consider working from home or shifting their time of travel to off-peak periods. If you have to drive, considering carpooling. Our state Department of Transportation is continuing to do their best to ensure that travel on the roadways moves as efficiently as possible during this situation."

Although temporary transformers were installed this weekend that will allow electric trains to operate from New Haven straight through to New York beginning on Monday morning, there will continue to be a very reduced schedule compared to a normal peak period, with trains expected to run at only 50% of AM peak capacity on the New Haven Line. The Waterbury Branch will still be operated on Monday with substitute buses.

In addition to the train service, regional park-rides are being established for access to Harlem Line trains, which will have added cars to handle the crowds. Combined with additional park-rides, the overall plan will deliver about 65% of normal peak capacity.

Monday's New Haven Line schedule will be posted on Metro-North's website on Sunday afternoon. New Haven Line tickets will continue to be honored on the Harlem Line.

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For Immediate Release: September 29, 2013

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy