Governor Rowland’s proposed budget calls for a 5.5% fare increase for Metro-North New Haven Line riders. The New Haven Line’s over-age fleet has been pummeled by snow and cold this winter, resulting in daily train cancellations, many breakdowns and a huge repair backlog. The old trains suck fine snow into their innards, where it melts and freezes and causes havoc

The hike would take effect in July, when the line will presumably have recovered from the winter of woe. The Connecticut Rail Commuter Council says Rowland’s budget contains no money for new train cars. The fare increase would be the second in two years for CT riders, the last ― at 15% ― coming in July, 2003.  The new increase would affect both intra-CT riders and those bound for New York City.

The Southwest Regional Planning Association, the metropolitan planning organization for the Fairfield County area, is holding a public meeting on the New Haven Line’s crisis on Saturday February 14th at 9 am at Norwalk City Hall. Organizers say local First Selectmen, Mayors, ConnDOT and Metro-North officials will attend, along with the Commuter Council.  See www.trainweb.org/ct.

Of course, New York Metro-North riders may not be spared a fare increase for much longer either, since the MTA is facing significant budget gaps. MTA riders paid a big fare hike last year, but at least the agency has a functioning capital program and is not letting its train fleet reach the sorry state seen on the New Haven Line.  

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