Connecticut governor backs commuter-rail plan

Yesterday, Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy announced plans to “aggressively pursue” the construction of a commuter-rail line between Bristol and Waterbury. The project — which is in the early study and planning stages — would address the needs of commuters along the proposed route, he said in a prepared statement.

Malloy directed a study of the Central Connecticut Rail Alternative to be included on the April bond commission agenda for $1 million. The project would call for using a portion of Pan Am Railways’ lines from Waterbury to Hartford; in Waterbury, the commuter-rail route would connect to a line that runs north to Maine and south to New York City.

The need to understand changing commuter patterns in a large central Connecticut region is critical as the state faces “new economic realities,” said Malloy.

“It is clear Connecticut can no longer afford the status quo on any front, including our current transportation system,” he said. “With this decision, and others involving high-speed rail and other forms of mass transportation, we are working towards a comprehensive multi-modal system that will not only move people and goods more efficiently, but more critically, foster economic growth and an improved quality of life for Connecticut residents.”

Malloy also voiced support for a $567 million New Britain-to-Hartford busway that could begin operating in 2014.