New Haven Line In Northeast At Crossroads
Passengers on Metro-North increasing as pandemic wanes, but the future of New Haven Line is at a crossroads
By KENNETH R. GOSSELIN – HARTFORD COURANT
Travelers on Metro-North’s New Haven Line — a crucial transportation link between Connecticut and New York City — are increasing steadily this summer and could start approaching ridership levels prior to the COVID-19 pandemic by the end of this year, another sign of economic recovery.
The return to normal levels of commuters and leisure riders will mark a milestone after the pandemic left commuter trains largely empty as passengers stayed home and New York restaurants and theaters closed. But the New Haven Line also is at another crossroads, needing billions of dollars in upgrades and repairs to increase train speeds if it is going to play a high-profile role in the state’s economic development in the 21st century.