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FAIRFIELD, Conn. Gov. Dannel Malloy with one snip in Fairfield Friday did something no one else had done in nearly a century: create a new stop on the main stretch of the New Haven Line.
Malloy, First Selectman Michael Tetreau and other town officials cut the ribbon on the Fairfield Metro train station Friday afternoon.
Its not often that were present at an event that we know will shape the nature of the town for years and years to come, Tetreau said, in between pauses to allow for passing Amtrak trains. This is one of those moments.
The new station, which has caused some controversy over its costs, is the first to open on the New Haven main line in approximately 100 years, according to Metro-North Railroad. But Malloy said that he hopes to see even more spring up across the state in the near future.
We have an issue with transportation. Weve underinvested for too long. We became disinterested and disinvested in rail, Malloy said. Now were catching up. Its going to be a long haul in some senses, but I think my administration will do everything in its power to expedite those activites.
The first train is due to stop at Fairfield Metro at 4:37 a.m., Monday. All trains that stop at the Fairfield center station will also stop at Fairfield Metro, and fares will be the same for both stations. State Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker said Friday the new station will ease congestion at one of the busiest stops on the busiest commuter rail line in the country.
This is a historic event. We dont open new train stations every day, Redeker said. This is going to be transformational for the town, its going to be transformational for the region, and most importantly its going to affect the lives of commuters in a very positive way.
Photo, left to right: Selectman James Walsh, Selectman Cristin McCarthy Vahey, State Rep. Brenda Kupchick, First Selectman Michael Tetreau, Black Rock Realty CEO Kurt Wittek, Gov. Dannel Malloy, Transportation Commissioner James Redeker, State Sen. John McKinney, State Rep. Tony Hwang, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch
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