Posted on September 21, 2018
Due to an Amtrak construction project, and the ongoing rehabilitation of locomotives, local rail service has not been operating at the levels customers expect and deserve. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that as a result it is taking several steps to improve reliability and communication with CTrail Shore Line East (SLE) customers.
Amtrak, which operates SLE under a contract with the DOT, will expand the hours at the maintenance shop to three shifts, seven days a week in early October and immediately increase over-time allowances to repair out-of-service locomotives and rail cars.
In order to reduce the impact to customers when trains are unexpectedly canceled, buses will be on standby at stations until more reliable service can be maintained.
DOT management staff will also be riding SLE trains for the next 30 days to monitor the situation and talk to customers. SLE customer service hours will be extended until the end of evening peak through the end of October.
Customers are encouraged to call or email CTrides with any continuing concerns so appropriate action can be taken. Also, by the end of October, customers will be able to sign up to receive customized alerts by text and email to stay informed of the status of their train, instead of having to monitor @SLEalerts on Twitter for information.
