|
|
Governor Urges: ‘Ride the Train, Avoid the Strain’
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced additional holiday trains will begin operating Saturday on both Metro-North’s New Haven Line and Shore Line East and encouraged commuters to use the state’s quick and easy rail network this holiday season.
“As the holiday season arrives, many will be traveling around Connecticut and New York City, and rail service provides a safe, efficient and economical way to travel,” Governor Rell said. “On Shore Line East, children 11 and under travel free and on the New Haven Line, children fares are nominal. Parking is also more convenient – usually free at most train stations on the weekends. So look to Connecticut’s rail service as an option for your holiday travels.”
The New Haven Line will run its Shoppers Specials trains as part of increased rail service in and out of New York City. The Saturday trains will run through December 27 and the Sunday trains through December 28. A total of 35 trains have been added on Saturdays on the New Haven Line with 21 additional trains on Sundays.
Shore Line East (SLE) service will increase on the Fridays after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year to provide hourly train service for customers traveling between Connecticut and New York City. Four additional trains will be added to SLE regular weekend service – two in the morning and two in the evening – on each Friday after the holidays.
Limited Commuter Connection bus service will be provided on the Friday after the holidays for commuters. Commuters should consult their holiday schedules.
SLE weekend service began last year as a pilot during the Christmas holiday offering a total of 11 trains. Permanent weekend rail service began the summer of 2008 offering a total of 16 trains, eight in each direction.
On the New Haven Line, the holiday getaway begins Wednesday, November 26, the day before Thanksgiving, with nine extra trains departing Grand Central Terminal between 1 p.m. and 4:10 p.m. in addition to the regular weekday schedule.
On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, the New Haven Line will provide additional inbound morning service for customers going to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. There is also expanded outbound service starting in the late morning and continuing until mid-afternoon for customers traveling to suburban destinations. Finally, there is expanded evening service for customers returning to New York City.
To speed departures from Grand Central and the Harlem-125th Street stations, from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. customers must present a ticket to a conductor or station agent at the gate before entering the train platform. Therefore, customers traveling into the city should purchase a round-trip ticket at their departing station to save time on the way home.
Off-peak fares apply all day on Friday, November 28, the day after Thanksgiving. Fewer people will be commuting but many shoppers and sightseers will travel into the city in the late morning and return in the early afternoon. Friday’s unique schedule provides plenty of service to accommodate all.
Schedules for Saturday and Sunday, November 29 and 30, also include additional trains including the Shopper Specials trains.
Special Thanksgiving Holiday timetables for the New Haven Line are available in Grand Central Terminal as well as all outlying Metro-North ticket offices. For information, call (800) METRO-INFO; in New York City call (212) 532-4900. (The hearing impaired may call (800) 724-3322 via teleprinter). For schedule and parking information visit the Web site www.mta.info.
Special holiday timetables for Shore Line East will be available at Old Saybrook Station and Union Station in New Haven, as well as other SLE stations and online. Consult the timetable for Shore Line East at www.shorelineast.com or call (800) ALL-RIDE for schedule details including the new weekend service details.
© Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of NorwalkPlus.com, Norwalk Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar.
Related Articles:
Connecticut spokesperson named for 2009 Travelers Walk MS - Jan 2, 2009 - 3:49 AM
The 3rd annual Holiday Express Train Show rolls into town - Dec 26, 2008 - 3:57 AM
Four Watertown businesses cited for selling alcohol to minors - Dec 23, 2008 - 5:14 PM
Governor Rell says thousands to benefit from Generosity of Care and Share campaign - Dec 22, 2008 - 2:12 PM
Whitby School holds a Fashion Show fundraiser - Dec 18, 2008 - 11:54 AM
CURRENT HEADLINES:
Top of Page
|
|
|
