A big change is coming for commuters who have been frustrated with delayed trains.
Metro-North said Monday that 96 percent of its inbound customers will have a shorter morning commute come May 11.
That's when the new schedule will go into effect.
New Haven Line customers will be impacted.
For example, Metro-North is extending a morning train, which right now only runs from New Haven to Stamford.
After May 11, that train will leave Union Station at 6:02 a.m., stop in Stamford at 7:00 a.m. and now continue to Grand Central Terminal, arriving at 7:50 a.m.
"I think they're making a good incremental step to rebuild their credibility," said Rep. Jonathan Steinberg.
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Metro-North said the new schedule will allow for more maintenance to occur during off-peak times like midday, nights and weekends.
The railroad has been under intense pressure to make changes following two recent derailments, the death of a track worker and numerous service disruptions.
“While a step in the right direction, the new schedule falls short on delivering commitments to increase the frequency of trains and minimize travel time," said Gov. Dannel Malloy. "It's been almost a full year since the derailment in Bridgeport and since then, New Haven Line customers have been enduring longer, less reliable train service."
For the first time in four years, all four tracks on the eight-mile stretch between Bridgeport and Southport will be in service.
"This train schedule supports our ongoing efforts to serve our customers while providing our maintenance forces the time they need to inspect, maintain and repair the system," said Joseph Giulietti, president of Metro-North.
Lawmakers will be keeping a close watch.
"Their credibility will rise and fall as to the accuracy of this new schedule," said Steinberg.
