[Nexis4Jersey]

Upgrading Danbury line should be top priority

Opening in 1852, the Danbury branch line still uses diesel-powered trains that push train cars to Norwalk to catch the New Haven main line and pull train cars to Danbury. It is single-tracked rail line and is not electrified like some on the system.

I have joined fellow Wilton state Rep. Gail Lavielle in supporting a proposed bill that would make this branch line compatible with the Metro-North main line, allowing for straight-through trips, improved performance and increased capacity.

The Norwalk/Danbury railway is a lifeline to our urban centers of Fairfield County and New York. Even those who do not often take this rail line rely on it as a key to sustaining property values, protecting their environment and improving their quality of life. This branch line is a main artery to the Metro-North main line (the most used and congested rail line in the country) and one of the state’s most important economic activity zones. It connects two of our region’s most important urban centers, Norwalk and Danbury, and all the towns in between. It links nearly 400,000 people to their jobs, families and arts and entertainment venues. Yet it is one of the most antiquated rail lines in the country.

http://www.thereddingpilot.com/8456/...-top-priority/