CTDOT Announces Upcoming Infrastructure Improvements on the Waterbury Branch; Substitute Busing Necessary

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) recently announced the continuation of infrastructure improvements on the Waterbury Branch this spring and summer, requiring substitute bus service to replace train service. The construction program includes completion of the new passing sidings, at-grade crossing improvements, continuation of tie replacement and track upgrades, and completion of the signal system.

The scheduled construction activities will require two phases of work that will require busing of Waterbury Branch customers:

• The initial phase of the work will take place during overnight hours beginning on Monday, May 10, 2021, and continuing through Friday, May 28, 2021. During this period, buses will substitute for the last train from Waterbury and last two Waterbury-bound trains departing from Bridgeport on weekdays (details below).

• The second phase will begin on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, and continue through Sunday, August 29, 2021. During this period, substitute buses will operate between Waterbury and Bridgeport for all weekday and weekend service (details below). Express bus service between Waterbury and Bridgeport will be offered.

Substitute Bus Service Details for May 10 – May 28, 2021

Substitute buses will operate between Waterbury and Bridgeport for the last southbound train and the last two northbound trains of the day from Monday, May 10, 2021, through Friday, May 28, 2021. Buses will operate 15 to 30 minutes earlier than scheduled trains.

Bridgeport-bound:

• 9:38 p.m. bus departing Waterbury and arriving at Bridgeport at 10:30 p.m. with a connection to the 11:05 p.m. train departing Bridgeport, arriving at Grand Central Terminal at 12:50 a.m.

Waterbury-bound:

• The 8:13 p.m. bus departing Bridgeport, arriving at Waterbury at 9:05 p.m.
• The 11:51 p.m. bus departing Bridgeport, arriving at Waterbury at 12:43 a.m.

Customers can access the substitute bus schedule for May 10, 2021, through May 28, 2021, here: mta.info/mnr.

Substitute Bus Service Details for June 1 – August 29, 2021

• Substitute bus service will operate between Waterbury and Bridgeport in both directions, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, beginning Tuesday, June 1, 2021 through Sunday, August 29, 2021.

Beginning Tuesday, June 1, 2021, customers can access the full schedule here: mta.info/mnr.

Channels for Service Updates

• new.MTA.info – The “Service Status” box at new.MTA.info is always the definitive source for the latest status for each line.
• Email and text message service updates – Customers are urged to sign up to receive alerts, tailored by specific line and time of day, by visiting MyMTAAlerts.com.
• Twitter – Twitter users can follow @MetroNorth to receive dynamic service updates and customer service support.
• TrainTime app – The Metro-North app includes real-time capacity tracking to enhance social distancing, real-time train location updated every three seconds and is available in six languages.
• WhatsApp – Metro-North recently started using WhatsApp to expand the number of customer service channels available to riders and is especially helpful for non-native English speakers. Customers can receive customer service support in their native language through the help of Google Translate.
• Facebook – Facebook users can message Metro-North on its Facebook page to speak with a customer service representative.
• For customers who are located at stations, the MTA will post the latest service updates on digital signs at station platforms and will make audio announcements over public address systems. Also, train crews will make on-board announcements.
• By Telephone: information is available by dialing 511, the New York State Travel Information Line. Connecticut customers should call (877) 690-5114. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.