The state announced plans to expand service to New London on the Shore Line East rail line in Southeastern Connecticut by the end of this year.
"Expanding Shore Line East’s service to New London will be a great step forward – not only for commuters, but for tourists, businesses and the overall economy of the region," said Governor M. Jodi Rell. "I have made expanding and improving bus, rail and roadway options for commuters a top priority. I believe that safe, reliable, convenient rail service is one of the best incentives we can offer to get more people to use public transportation."
The state still needs to negotiate with Amtrak and the Connecticut Marine Trades Association to coordinate the pain for rail bridges that accommodate the plans.
Shore Line East currently has stations in Branford, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook and New London.
There is only one evening New London round-trip on the Shore Line East line. Amtrak trains also run in and out of New London each day.
A plan proposed by the Governor would bring two or three additional New London trains each weekday morning and three additional trains each weekday evening by the end of 2009.