Shore Line East service could expand under Connecticut’s new fiscal year budget adjustment, but the $3 million allocation would depend on Amtrak approval and operations.

Westbound Shore Line East train in Niantic
Archive photo of a westbound Shore Line East train in Niantic. Photo: Pi.1415926535 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Shore Line East service funding

The Connecticut Department of Transportation said it is still identifying how the money could be used⁠. The line, which runs between New London and New Haven, currently has 40% fewer weekly trains than it did in 2019.

Agency spokesperson Eva Zymaris said:

“CTDOT is working to identify how these funds could be used on Shore Line East,”

She said Amtrak owns the infrastructure used by the service.

“Amtrak owns the infrastructure, so any changes to service or schedule needs approval, and is dependent on Amtrak’s operations.”

Amtrak approval and schedule gaps

Amtrak declined to comment.

The issue also came up during this year’s legislative session. Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto acknowledged gaps in the current Shore Line East schedule, but added that when DOT looks to update it, “it’s always a negotiation” with Amtrak.

Shore Line East train at New London Union Station
Archive photo of a Shore Line East train at New London Union Station. Photo: Pi.1415926535 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

What will change for passengers?

CTDOT has already reviewed several Shore Line East restoration scenarios, not a single fixed schedule change. Its Shore Line East service scenarios report⁠ says current service includes 20 weekday trains and 16 weekend trains, or 132 trains per week. The options range from partial weekday restoration to full weekday restoration, but any funded scenario would require negotiation with Amtrak for schedule access and a Service and Fare Equity analysis. That keeps the $3 million allocation as a possible step toward more service, not a confirmed timetable change.