(The New Haven Register posted the following article by Ann DeMatteo on its website on May 15.)
NORTH HAVEN, Conn. — Presented with the idea of a commuter rail line from New Haven to Springfield, Mass., residents support two train stops in town that would make regular connections to points north and south.About 20 people, including local officials, attended a public information session this week about the rail line idea.
Kari Watkins of Wilbur Smith Associates of New Haven and Richard Hollis, project director for the state Department of Transportation, conducted the meeting at the recreation center on Linsley Street.
Wilbur Smith Associates was hired by the DOT to conduct an implementation study.
Among the things that are being studied are where to put rail stops. North Haven has a chance for stops at State and Devine streets and near the former Pratt & Whitney Aircraft plant on Washington Avenue.
Watkins said both “minimum build” and “maximum build” options are being considered. With “minimum build,” there would be no new stations and service during only peak hours. The train would stop at existing stations at Union Station and State Street in New Haven, Wallingford, Meriden, Berlin, Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks and Springfield.
The more expensive alternative, for which there are no cost estimates yet, would include new stations and frequent all-day and weekend service, according to Watkins. Potential ridership is being studied.
Residents seemed to favor lower fares for the potential commuter rail line. Watkins said fares may range from $2.25 to $5.
Amtrak, Metro-North or a new commuter operator would run the line, Hollis said.
Louise Keane, a North Haven resident, suggested that a commuter line should run late enough to connect with people who are taking Metro-North home from New York.
Letty and Peter McPhedran also said they support a commuter rail service, if there are later runs from New York that connect to North Haven and if fares are low enough.
More information about the plan can be found by visiting www.nhhsrail.com.