New Haven line Metro-North riders are generally less happy with service than their Harlem and Hudson line counterparts, according to a recently released rider satisfaction survey. That is hardly surprising, given last year’s "winter of woe" when up to a third of New Haven Line cars were out of service on cold or snowy days. 87% of riders expressed satisfaction with New Haven Line service, down from 90% in the previous survey, and compared to 95% and 93% on the NY Harlem Valley and Hudson lines.

It’s possible New Haven Line frustrations will continue to worsen. Another 180 new cars will enter service this year on the Harlem and Hudson lines. CT’s best is to buy 33 used cars from Virginia for Shore Line East, and to move Shore Line East cars to New Haven Line service. ConnDOT still has no plans to have new M7 rail cars in service before 2010. 

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