HARTFORD — Local legislators met with Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker recently to discuss the future of the Waterbury branch of the Metro-North rail line.
The delegation included state representatives Rosa Rebimbas (R-70) and Teresa Conroy (D-105), and state Sen. Joe Crisco (D-17).
During the meeting, the delegation emphasized the importance for increased communication from the DOT and MTA regarding scheduled and emergency maintenance and repairs, or delays in service to alert commuters who depend on train service, according to a press release.
“Many people in Naugatuck, and the Greater Waterbury area, rely on public transportation to travel around the state and I am pleased Commissioner Redeker understands the importance of improving the service and amenities on the Waterbury branch line,” Rebimbas said in the press release. “The entire delegation looks forward to continue working closely with the commissioner and DOT to make necessary changes to improve the reliability and service on the Waterbury branch line.”
The Waterbury line serves about 460 commuters a day, according to a new release.
The meeting followed a Sept. 4 forum in Naugatuck organized by the Connecticut Commuter Rail Council and the DOT where commuters had the chance to voice their opinions about the line.
The most prevalent complaint at the forum was there aren’t enough trains running on the line.
“The commissioner had some good news to offer, and I appreciate the attention that he and other transportation officials had to offer, but permanent fixes for several long-term problems still remain a long way off,” Crisco said in a press release. “The incremental improvements are appreciated, but the overall situation still remains very frustrating.”
