Connecticut Commuter Rail Council names Gildea chair

The Connecticut Commuter Rail Council last month elected Jim Gildea chair.

In addition, Terri Cronin and John Hartwell were elected vice chairs, council officials said in a press release.

A member of the council for three years, Gildea previously served as vice chairman for the last two years. Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy appointed Gildea to the council in 2012.

Gildea has mobilized legislators and commuters along the MTA Metro-North Railroad's Waterbury branch, council officials said. Additionally, he's organized commuter forums that have attracted legislators and resulted in "much needed attention" for the branch.

The Waterbury branch is part of the MTA Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line.

The Connecticut Commuter Rail Council is an independent state board that acts as an advocate for commuters on rail lines throughout the state, including the New Haven Line's Waterbury, New Canaan, and Danbury branches, as well as the Shore Line East railroad and the Hartford line.