WATERBURY — A new weekend train schedule that takes effect on Nov. 9 will add a late-night train to the Waterbury Branch.
The new schedule will allow train riders to leave Waterbury as late at 10:10 p.m. — two hours later than the current last train.
Also, an 11:41 p.m. train will leave Bridgeport and arrive in Waterbury at 12:39 a.m., giving train riders traveling from Bridgeport, or anywhere else on the New Haven Line, an extra hour to catch the last train to Waterbury.
The changes only affect Saturday and Sunday schedules. The addition of a late-night train pushes preceding train departures back about an hour, allowing trains to run every three hours in both directions — instead of the current four-hour interval.
James Gildea, vice chairman of the Connecticut Rail Commuter Council, who has advocated for better service on the Waterbury Branch, applauded the new weekend schedule.
“In my opinion, the enhanced schedule is a plus,” Gildea said. “Anytime you add service to a line, especially a line that has had no service added to it since April 2008 — with the addition of a second morning train — it creates a positive situation.”
He said he would prefer to have seven trains running on weekends — the same number as during the week. But, he added, “I’m open to seeing how the six-train scenario plays out.”
Gov. Dannel Malloy announced the change Wednesday during at press conference in New Haven. He said the addition of a new train, along with more frequent weekend service, is in response to customer requests.
The Waterbury news was a footnote to Malloy’s announcement that off-peak weekday and weekend trains on the New Haven Line will begin running every half-hour between New Haven and New York City, also starting Nov. 9.
The DOT operates the New Haven Line and the state’s three branches, including Waterbury, under contract with Metro-North Railroad.
Other improvements to the Waterbury Branch are underway, including a new signal system with passing sidings and positive train controls that will improve safety.
During the last four years, the state has invested almost $11 million in Waterbury Branch projects, according to a news release.
