View source for Shore Line East

{{Short description|Commuter rail service in southern Connecticut, US}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = Shore Line East
| logo                            = File:Shore Line East Logo.png
| logo_width                      = 100px
| image                           = Shore Line East train in Niantic (2), December 2024.JPG
| image_width                     = 300px
| caption                         = Shore Line East train in Niantic in 2024
| image_alt                       = A train of electric railcars in motion
| type                            = [[Commuter rail]] / [[regional rail]]
| system                          = [[CT Rail]]
| locale                          = [[Connecticut|Southern Connecticut]]
| start                           = [[Stamford Transportation Center|Stamford]] (limited weekday service)<br>[[Union Station (New Haven)|New Haven Union Station]]
| end                             = {{stl|CTrail|New London}}
| stations                        = 14
| routes                          = 
| daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|CT Shore Line East total daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| ridership2 = {{American transit ridership|CT Shore Line East total annual}} (annual, {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| open                            = May 29, 1990
| owner                           = <!--[[Amtrak]] (east of Shoreline Junction)<br>[[Connecticut Department of Transportation|CTDOT]] (west of Shoreline Junction)-->
| operator                        = [[Amtrak]] (under contract from CTDOT)
| stock                           = [[M8 (railcar)|Kawasaki M8]] EMUs
| linelength                      = {{cvt|90.0|mi}}
| tracklength                     = 
| speed                           = <!--needs a source: Up to {{cvt|90|mph}}-->
| tracks                          = <!--needs a source: 2 (New Haven–New London) 4 (New Haven–Stamford)-->
| gauge                           = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| electrification                 = [[Overhead line]]; {{Indented plainlist|
* [[Amtrak's 60 Hz traction power system|25 kV 60 Hz]] {{Nowrap|(New London–New Haven)}}
<!--* [[Electrification of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad|12.5 kV 60 Hz AC]] {{Nowrap|(New Haven–Stamford)}}-->
}}
| map                             = {{switcher
<!-- interactive map can be found on Wikimedia Commons: Data:Shore Line East.map -->
|{{maplink-road|from=Shore Line East.map}} Shore Line East highlighted in red (full weekday route)<hr />
|Show interactive map
|{{SLE map}}
|Show route diagram map
}}
| website                         = {{URL|shorelineeast.com}}
}}

'''Shore Line East''' ('''SLE''') is a [[commuter rail]] service which operates along the [[Northeast Corridor]] through southern [[Connecticut]], United States. The rail service is a fully owned subsidiary of the [[Connecticut Department of Transportation]] (CTDOT) and is operated under the [[CT Rail]] brand. SLE provides service seven days a week along the Northeast Corridor between [[New London, Connecticut|New London]] and [[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]]; limited through service west of New Haven to [[Bridgeport, Connecticut|Bridgeport]] and [[Stamford, Connecticut|Stamford]] operates during weekday rush hours. Cross-platform transfers to [[Metro-North Railroad]] [[New Haven Line]] trains are available at New Haven for service to southwestern Connecticut and New York City. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had {{American transit ridership|CT Shore Line East total annual}} riders, with weekday average ridership of {{American transit ridership|CT Shore Line East total daily}} in {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.

The service was introduced in 1990 as a temporary measure to reduce congestion during construction work on [[Interstate 95 in Connecticut|I-95]]. However, it proved more popular than expected, and service was continued after construction ended despite criticisms that the line was too expensive to operate. Limited service was extended to New London in 1996 and to Stamford in 2001. [[New Haven State Street station|A second station in New Haven]] was added in 2002, and most of the stations were rebuilt for [[accessibility]] between 2001 and 2008. Reverse peak service was added in 2007, followed by weekend service in 2008. Second platforms were added to several stations between 2014 and 2022 to support bidirectional service.

Service was temporarily cut during 2018–2019 due to Amtrak track work and a locomotive shortage. It was again cut in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Diesel trains were replaced by [[Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing|Kawasaki]] [[M8 (railcar)|M8]] [[Electric multiple unit|electric multiple units]] in May 2022. Proposals for future expansion include extensions to [[Westerly, Rhode Island]], and [[Norwich, Connecticut]], and an infill station in [[Niantic, Connecticut|Niantic]].

==Service==
[[File:ASLE841.JPG|thumb|left|A Shore Line East train at [[Union Station (New Haven)|Union Station]] in New Haven, the focal point of the line|alt=A train with a diesel locomotive at a large train station]]
Most weekday SLE trains run local between [[New London Union Station|New London]] and [[Union Station (New Haven)|New Haven]], with one peak train in each direction operating through New Haven as far as [[Stamford Transportation Center|Stamford]].<ref name=growth2013>{{cite press release |url=https://portal.ct.gov/dot/ctdot-press-releases/2013/strong-ridership-growth-for-expanded-shore-line-east-new-london-train-service |title=Strong Ridership Growth for Expanded Shore Line East New London Train Service |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |date=September 4, 2013}}</ref> Eastbound morning trains and westbound afternoon trains skip {{stn|Madison||Connecticut}} because it only has one platform, and trains operating in the other direction would have to switch tracks to serve the station.<ref name=schedules>{{cite web |url=http://www.shorelineeast.com/schedules |title=Schedules |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |access-date=May 31, 2022}}</ref><ref name=futureplans /> All trains that do not operate west of New Haven make a connection with a [[Metro-North Railroad]] [[New Haven Line]] train at New Haven, for service to and from points in Connecticut, [[Westchester County, New York]], and New York City.<ref name=schedules /> These connections are commonly used by [[extreme commuting|extreme commuters]] who live in suburban Connecticut and work in New York City.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/21/realestate/extreme-commuting.html |title=Extreme Commuting |newspaper=New York Times |date=July 21, 2017 |first=Bryan |last=Miller}}</ref> New London SLE multi-ride pass holders are also allowed to board selected ''[[Northeast Regional]]'' trains.<ref name=schedules />

Although SLE service is funded by CTDOT, it is operated under contract by Amtrak. Amtrak owns and controls the Northeast Corridor east of New Haven. West of New Haven, the New Haven Line is owned by CTDOT and trains are dispatched by Metro-North.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/870/270/Northeast-Corridor-Infrastructure-Master-Plan.pdf |title=The Northeast Corridor Infrastructure Master Plan |page=5 |publisher=Amtrak |date=May 2010 |author=The NEC Master Plan Working Group}}</ref><ref name=futureplans />

During the [[Operation Sail|OpSail]] and SailFest tall ship festivals at New London, extra Friday and weekend service is operated from New Haven to New London.<ref name=mystic>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710182131/http://www.shorelineeast.com/pdf/Op-Sail-2012.pdf |archive-date=July 10, 2012 |url=http://www.shorelineeast.com/pdf/Op-Sail-2012.pdf |title=OpSail 2012 Schedule |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |access-date=June 22, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shorelineeast.com/rider-resources/news-and-notices/115-take-the-rails-to-the-holiday-sales |title=TAKE THE RAILS TO THE SAILS! |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |access-date=July 2, 2016 |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701232336/http://www.shorelineeast.com/rider-resources/news-and-notices/115-take-the-rails-to-the-holiday-sales |url-status=dead }}</ref> During OpSail 2000, through service operated from New Haven to [[Mystic station (Connecticut)|Mystic]] – the only time Shore Line East service has run east of New London.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=20000730&id=kaFGAAAAIBAJ&pg=4477,5990907&hl=en |title=OpSail proved that if you run trains, people will use them |newspaper=The Day |date=July 30, 2000 |page=D4 |first=Molly |last=McKay}}</ref>
{{clear left}}

==Service history==
===Previous service===
[[File:Westbound SLE train approaching Guilford, December 2015.JPG|thumb|left|A Shore Line East train with equipment painted in [[New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad]] colors|alt=A train with a diesel locomotive in a red, white, and black paint scheme]]
The section of the Northeast Corridor that Shore Line East operates on was once the New York–[[Boston]] mainline of the [[New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad]]. The section from New Haven to New London was built as the New Haven and New London Railroad. It was charted in 1848, began construction in 1850, and opened for service in July 1852.<ref name=sne>{{cite book |title=The Rail Lines of Southern New England |author=Karr, Ronald Dale |publisher=Branch Line Press |year=1995 |isbn=0942147022 |pages=94–96}}</ref> The line was owned by the [[New York, Providence and Boston Railroad]] (the "Stonington Road") from 1858 to 1862, and by the Shore Line Railway from 1864 until it was acquired by the [[New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad]] (the "New Haven") in 1870.  Crossing the Connecticut River required a ferry transfer until a [[drawbridge]] was built in 1870.<ref name=sne />

The line was referred to by the New Haven Railroad as the ''Shore Line'', to distinguish it from the railroad's ''[[New Haven–Springfield Line|Main Line]]'' from New Haven to [[Springfield, Massachusetts]]. In recognition of the large role played by the New Haven in the history of Connecticut, CTDOT painted SLE's [[Diesel engine|diesel]]-powered [[locomotive]]s in the New Haven's orange and black style. New Haven Railroad colors and emblems were placed at several stations, particularly [[Union Station (New Haven)|New Haven Union Station]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/07/nyregion/commuter-s-journal-a-bit-of-new-haven-line-is-resurrected.html |title=COMMUTER'S JOURNAL; A Bit of New Haven Line Is Resurrected |newspaper=New York Times |date=December 7, 2003 |first=Jack |last=Kadden}}</ref>
[[File:Clamdigger 1971.svg|thumb|right|''Clamdigger'' service as run by Amtrak in 1971|alt=A map of southern Connecticut showing the Clamdigger service. It runs between New London and New Haven with nine intermediate stops marked.]]
The New Haven Railroad operated local service on the Shore Line up until its merger with [[Penn Central Transportation Company|Penn Central]] on January 1, 1969, when most commuter service east of New Haven was abandoned. Intercity service continued, but generally only stopped at New Haven, Old Saybrook, and New London.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.nytimes.com/1969/01/01/archives/new-haven-sold-to-penn-central-1456million-paid-in-action-forced-by.html|title = New Haven Sold to Penn Central – $145.6 Million Paid In Action Forced by Government|date = January 1, 1969|access-date = November 2, 2025|newspaper = New York Times}}</ref> Penn Central continued to operate the ''[[Clamdigger (train)|Clamdigger]]'', a single daily New London-New Haven round trip with local stops, as well as a New London-Boston round trip. [[Amtrak]] took over the ''Clamdigger'' along with most intercity passenger service, in May 1971.<ref name=may1971>{{cite web |url=http://www.timetables.org/full.php?group=19710501&item=0008 |title=Nationwide Schedules of Intercity Passenger Service |date=May 1, 1971 |author=National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) |access-date=October 11, 2012 |page=6 |publisher=The Museum of Railway Timetables}}</ref> In January 1972, Amtrak discontinued the ''Clamdigger'' and Penn Central cut the New London–Boston trip.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prrths.com/Hagley/PRR1972%20Jun%2005.pdf |title=PRR CHRONOLOGY: 1972 |date=June 2005 |publisher=Pennsylvania Technical and Historical Society |author=Baer, Christopher T. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825021621/http://www.prrths.com/Hagley/PRR1972%20Jun%2005.pdf |archive-date=August 25, 2012}}</ref>

In 1976–77, Amtrak operated the ''Clamdigger'' as a Providence-New Haven round trip with limited local stops; for three months in 1978, it was revived with additional commuter-based stops. It was replaced in April 1978 by the New Haven–Providence–Boston ''[[Beacon Hill (train)|Beacon Hill]]'', which made local stops including Branford, Madison, Old Saybrook, [[Niantic station|Niantic]], New London, and Mystic. The ''Beacon Hill'' (which served the Providence and Boston commuting markets rather than New Haven) was discontinued in 1981 due to funding cuts, ending commuter rail service in Connecticut east of New Haven.<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/27/us/amtrak-alters-routes-cuts-service-to-meet-budget.html |title = AMTRAK ALTERS ROUTES, CUTS SERVICE TO MEET BUDGET |date = August 27, 1981 |newspaper = New York Times}}</ref>

===Initial service===
[[File:19850603 05 PAT Commuter Train, Pittsburgh, PA (4296102183).jpg|thumb|left|The [[PATrain]] at Pittsburgh in 1985. After that service ended in 1989, CTDOT purchased the equipment for use on Shore Line East.|alt=A train with a streamlined diesel locomotive]]
In 1981 and 1986, legislation was proposed to restore commuter service between New Haven and New London, as well as [[Hartford Line|between New Haven and Hartford]]. A 1986 CTDOT study analyzed congestion on [[Interstate 95 in Connecticut|Interstate 95]], which runs parallel to the line. The study showed that Old Saybrook was a better terminus for initial service, with an expected ridership of 420 riders in each direction daily.<ref name=SLEstudy>{{cite web |url=http://worldcat.org/arcviewer/4/CZL/2013/06/13/H1371132688349/viewer/file2.htm |title=Final Report of the Task Force on Rail Service |publisher=Connecticut General Assembly Office of Legislative Research |date=February 1996 |access-date=June 18, 2013}}</ref> An additional study in 1989 indicated higher potential ridership of 700 to 1350 daily riders.<ref name=SLEstudy />

Based on the 1986 study, [[William O'Neill (Connecticut politician)|Governor William O'Neill]] ordered CTDOT in October 1986 to initiate rail service on the corridor. It was established as a temporary service to newly reopened local stations between Union Station in New Haven and [[Old Saybrook, Connecticut|Old Saybrook]], to alleviate traffic congestion that arose from scheduled construction work on I-95. O'Neill introduced a $50 million transportation program that included $900,000 (later reduced to $500,000) for basic stations and $4 million to refurbish 12 [[Budd Rail Diesel Car]]s for rolling stock. The RDCs were found to be insufficient and two diesel trainsets were purchased from the defunct [[PATrain]] service in 1989 instead.<ref name=SLEstudy /> Testing of the equipment on the Northeast Corridor began on December 2, 1989.<ref name=baer1980>{{cite web |last=Baer |first=Christopher T. |title=A GENERAL CHRONOLOGY OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD COMPANY ITS PREDECESSORS AND SUCCESSORS AND ITS HISTORICAL CONTEXT: 1980-1989 |url=http://www.prrths.com/newprr_files/Hagley/PRR1980.pdf |publisher=Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society |date=April 2015}}</ref>

The state bought Amtrak's New Haven maintenance facility in May 1989 and signed a service contract with Amtrak in November. Construction of 5 intermediate stations was completed in April 1990.<ref name=SLEstudy /> Shore Line East service began on May 29, 1990, with four trains each direction during the morning and evening. The service carried the ''Clamdigger'' name during planning; "Shore Line East" did not appear until shortly before service began. Shore Line East was threatened to be cut in 1991 by newly elected Governor [[Lowell Weicker]], but it proved more popular than expected, and was effectively made permanent. A 1996 study found that Shore Line East captured eight percent of regional commuter trips and attracted a loyal ridership base.<ref name=SLEstudy />

In 1995 and 1997, then-governor [[John G. Rowland|John Rowland]] proposed to replace Shore Line East and the [[Waterbury Branch]] with bus service, citing a high subsidy of $18.70 per rider per trip, in order to decrease the unpopular gas tax.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.courant.com/1997/03/31/end-of-the-line-13/ |title=End Of The Line? |newspaper=Hartford Courant |author=Nixon, Amy Ash |date=March 31, 1997 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731134415/http://articles.courant.com/1997-03-31/news/9703310025_1_commuter-train-station-train-riders |url-status=live }}</ref> Lawmakers from the region called the proposals political and defended the line's ability to reduce congestion and pollution, while opponents of the line called it an example of government waste.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.courant.com/1995/03/11/shoreline-lawmakers-question-railroad-cut/ |title=Shoreline Lawmakers Question Railroad Cut |newspaper=Hartford Courant |author=Daly, Matthew |date=March 11, 1995 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731130322/http://articles.courant.com/1995-03-11/news/9503110259_1_train-service-rail-service-shoreline-east |url-status=live }}</ref> The Shore Line East Rider's Association and other groups lobbied to save both services each time, and after public hearings a small fare increase was enacted in late 1997 instead.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.courant.com/1997/11/11/train-riders-facing-fare-hike/ |title=Train Riders Facing Fare Hike |newspaper=Hartford Courtant |author=Dee, Jane E. |date=November 11, 1997 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731131114/http://articles.courant.com/1997-11-11/news/9711110372_1_commuter-rail-saybrook-morning-trains |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Early expansions===
[[File:CDOT P40DC 840.jpg|thumb|right|A rush-hour Shore Line East train at Stamford in 2007|alt=A train with a diesel locomotive at a large train station]]
In July 1995, Governor Rowland signed a bill ordering various studies, including one that analyzed extending service to New London as had been originally planned.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Public+Act&bill_num=318&which_year=1995 |title=AN ACT CONCERNING LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCES AND STATE AGENCY STUDIES |author=Public Safety Committee |publisher=Connecticut General Assembly |date=July 6, 1995 |access-date=June 19, 2013}}</ref> Before the study was completed, CTDOT unilaterally decided to implement New London service, which the report commended.<ref name=SLEstudy /> On February 1, 1996, two round trips per weekday were extended to New London.<ref name=trainsmag /> At that point, ridership was up 18 percent over 1991 numbers.<ref name=newlondon1996>{{cite news |url=https://www.courant.com/1996/02/02/rail-line-extended-to-new-london/ |title=Rail Line Extended to New London |newspaper=Hartford Courant |date=February 2, 1996 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310063606/http://articles.courant.com/1996-02-02/news/9602020368_1_rail-line-commuters-two-trains |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December 2001, a single morning rush-hour round trip branded SLExpress was extended to Stamford, with a stop at Bridgeport plus eastbound-only stops at Stratford and Milford. An evening eastbound trip was also extended to Stamford with only the Bridgeport intermediate stop.<ref name=stamford>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011231030740/http://www.rideworks.com/sle/whatsnew.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2001 |url=http://www.rideworks.com/sle/whatsnew.htm |date=December 17, 2001 |title=What's New |publisher=Rideworks Review |access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> This trip was intended to allow commuters to reach employment centers in Bridgeport and Stamford without having to make a transfer at New Haven. On June 24, 2002, additional Stamford trains were added, for a total of two westbound and three eastbound trains. [[South Norwalk station]] was added as a stop for the single morning eastbound trip.<ref name=june2002>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021120181308/http://www.shorelineeast.com/whatsnew.htm |archive-date=November 20, 2002 |url=http://www.shorelineeast.com/whatsnew.htm |date=October 28, 2002 |title=What's New |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> When {{stl|CTrail|West Haven}} opened on August 18, 2013, it was added to these trips as well.<ref name=growth2013 />

In 2003, in order to add four additional Amtrak trips along the corridor, four of the six round trips to New London were cut back to Old Saybrook. An agreement with the [[Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection]] limits service over the [[Amtrak Old Saybrook–Old Lyme Bridge]] in order to avoid inconveniencing recreational boaters. CTDOT's agreement with Amtrak allowed commuters with monthly passes to ride certain Amtrak trains instead.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/opinion/nyregionopinions/CT-Shoreline-east.html |title=Where Commuters Come Last |newspaper=New York Times |date=December 30, 2007 |access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> After criticism over the service cuts, in April 2008 CTDOT began allowing commuters with multi-ride passes to board the selected Amtrak trains as well.<ref>{{cite press release |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416143207/http://www.shorelineeast.com/whatsnew.htm |url=http://www.shorelineeast.com/whatsnew.htm |title=ATTENTION OLD SAYBROOK AND NEW LONDON CUSTOMERS: Select Amtrak Trains Cross-Honor Shore Line East Multi-Ride Tickets |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |date=April 14, 2008 |archive-date=April 16, 2008}}</ref>

===Station reconstruction===
[[File:Shore Line East train at State Street, May 2013.JPG|thumb|left|State Street station in New Haven opened in 2002 near the city's downtown district.|alt=A train arriving at a below-grade train station]]
Because Shore Line East was intended to be a temporary service, the five intermediate stations built in 1990 were little more than wooden decks. Since the service was started two months before the [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990|Americans with Disabilities Act]] was signed, the platforms were not built to be [[Accessibility|accessible]]. In January 2001, because of changes in Amtrak rules related to the introduction of ''[[Acela|Acela Express]]'' service, passengers were no longer allowed to cross tracks to access trains. New platforms were opened on the south side of the tracks at Branford and Westbrook at approximately the same locations.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010303044021/http://www.rideworks.com/sle/locate.htm |archive-date=March 3, 2001 |url=http://www.rideworks.com/sle/locate.htm |date=January 8, 2001 |title=Station Info |publisher=Rideworks Review |access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> Later that year, accessible high-level platforms were added at New London to support ''Acela Express'' service.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.trainridersne.org/images/newsletters/Volume10-3.pdf |title=Acela Express Startup Scheduled—Again |magazine=TrainRider |date=Fall 2000 |volume=10 |issue=3 |page=1 |publisher=Train Riders/Northeast}}</ref>

On June 7, 2002, [[New Haven State Street station|State Street station]] was opened in New Haven to provide better access to the downtown area than Union Station. It was built as a traffic mitigation measure during the reconstruction of the [[Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge (Connecticut)|Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge]].<ref name=statestreet>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040326093221/http://www.rideworks.com/nl2002su/su02-1.htm |url=http://www.rideworks.com/nl2002su/su02-1.htm |archive-date=March 26, 2004 |title=New State Street Railroad Station Opens In Downtown New Haven |publisher=Rideworks Review |date=Summer 2002 |access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> The first existing station to be rebuilt specifically for Shore Line East was Old Saybrook. A new high-level island platform and pedestrian bridge opened on November 1, 2002; the final configuration of two platforms serving all three tracks allows Amtrak trains to pass SLE trains at the station.<ref name=depots>{{cite book |title=A Field Guide to Southern New England Railroad Depots and Freight Houses |author=Roy, John H. Jr. |publisher=Branch Line Press |year=2007 |isbn=9780942147087 |page=81}}</ref>

[[File:Clinton station, December 2019.JPG|thumb|right|Clinton station as rebuilt in 2004–05|alt=A train station with a single high-level platform]]
Beginning on May 24, 2004, construction of new platforms began at [[Clinton station (Connecticut)|Clinton]], [[Guilford station|Guilford]], and [[Branford station|Branford]].<ref name=2004construction>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050227234647/http://www.rideworks.com/resource/I95SLE_May04.pdf |url=http://www.rideworks.com/resource/I95SLE_May04.pdf |title=Work on several Shore Line East stations scheduled to begin May 24th |date=May 17, 2004 |archive-date=February 27, 2005 |publisher=Rideworks Review |access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> The rebuilt Clinton station opened on July 25, 2005, and the rebuilt Branford station opened on August 8, 2005; both consist of a single high-level platform on the south side of the tracks.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050817032218/http://shorelineeast.com/whatsnew.htm |url=http://shorelineeast.com/whatsnew.htm |archive-date=August 17, 2005 |title=What's New |date=August 8, 2005 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation}}</ref> The new Guilford station, which has platforms on both sides of the tracks (connected by a pedestrian bridge) to allow for greater operational flexibility, opened on November 28, 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://portal.ct.gov/dot/ctdot-press-releases/2005/guilford-train-station-opens |title=Guilford Train Station Opens November 28th to Shore Line East Commuters |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |access-date=August 5, 2012}}</ref> Construction at Madison started on September 24, 2007, and finished with the opening of the rebuilt station platform on July 28, 2008.<ref name=madison>{{cite web |url=http://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/documents/denviro/madison-sle-rod.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526232126/http://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/documents/denviro/madison-sle-rod.pdf |archivedate=May 26, 2013 |title=Record of Decision: Madison Shore Line East Railroad Station |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |date=March 2009}}</ref>

Reconstruction of Westbrook station was delayed due to environmental and cost issues.<ref name=montville>{{cite news |url=http://patch.com/connecticut/montville-ct/bp--westbrook-train-station-breaks-ground-after-lengthy-delays |title=Westbrook Train Station Breaks Ground After Lengthy Delays |author=Sipe, Corey |newspaper=Montville Patch |date=January 26, 2012 |access-date=August 8, 2012}}</ref> No site was available until Westbrook and CTDOT traded the new station site on Norris Avenue for a highway garage site off [[Connecticut Route 145|Route 145]]. The controversial land swap was begun in 2004 but was not finalized until 2006, and town operations were not moved to the Route 145 site until September 2011.<ref name=westbrook>{{cite news |url=https://www.theday.com/article/20120625/NWS01/306289780/-1/zip06 |title=New Westbrook Train Station Is Rolling Along |newspaper=The New London Day |author=Coffey, Becky |date=June 25, 2012 |access-date=August 8, 2012}}</ref> Site clearing began in November 2011, and ground was broken for the $14.4 million station in January 2012.<ref name=montville /><ref name=westbrook /> A new station with a larger 210-space lot and platforms on both tracks opened on March 25, 2014, with full bidirectional service to the station beginning on May 11.<ref name=march25>{{cite press release |url=https://portal.ct.gov/dot/ctdot-press-releases/2014/ribbon-cut-for-westbrook-train-station |title=Ribbon Cut for Westbrook Train Station |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |date=March 25, 2014 |access-date=March 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shorelineeast.com/pdf/212.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514140251/http://www.shorelineeast.com/pdf/212.pdf |archive-date=May 14, 2014 |title=Shore Line East Train Schedules |date=May 11, 2014 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |access-date=May 14, 2014}}</ref>

===Weekend and New London service===
[[File:Connecticut River Bridge with raised draw span (1), May 2014.JPG|thumb|left|Conflicts over closings of the [[Amtrak Old Saybrook–Old Lyme Bridge|Old Saybrook–Old Lyme bridge]] were the primary obstacle to full service to New London|alt=A large railway bridge over a wide river]]
On October 8, 2007, reverse-peak and more midday service were introduced, which officials hailed as the beginning of Shore Line East as a true bidirectional system. Several existing express trains also began to stop at Guilford.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.courant.com/2007/10/03/shore-line-east-adds-midday-trains-times/ |title=Shore Line East Adds Midday Trains, Times |newspaper=Hartford Courant |author=Libow, Gary |date=October 3, 2007 |access-date=August 8, 2012 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731125002/http://articles.courant.com/2007-10-03/news/0710030210_1_train-rail-service-commuter |url-status=live }}</ref> A pilot of weekend service was run from November 17, 2007, to December 30, 2007, with six "Shopper's Special" round trips from Old Saybrook to New Haven. The trains were scheduled to connect with similar Metro-North specials at New Haven.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/CTDOT-Press-Releases/2007/New-Holiday-Weekend-Rail-Service-to-Start-on-Shore-Line-East |title=New Holiday Weekend Rail Service to Start on Shore Line East |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |date=November 8, 2007}}</ref> Year-round weekend service began on July 4, 2008, with 9 daily Old Saybrook – New Haven round trips on weekends. No weekend service was run to New London, but weekday service was increased by the addition of cross-honoring of multiple-ride and monthly tickets  on two Amtrak trains.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=418340 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080701183913/http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3293&Q=418340 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 1, 2008 |title=Governor Rell Announces Weekend Shore Line East Rail Service Starting on 4th of July |date=June 27, 2008 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |access-date=August 8, 2012}}</ref>
[[File:SLE train on Track 6 at NLC.JPG|thumb|right|A weekend Shore Line East train arrives at New London in June 2013]]
The major obstacle preventing full New London service was the bridge over the [[Connecticut River]] between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme. The drawbridge section is closed for a certain period of time to allow trains to pass, which prevents large boats from passing under. The Marine Trades Association opposes additional service, which would mandate more bridge closings. The 2003 agreement with Amtrak limited weekday traffic over the bridge to 2 SLE and 39 Amtrak trains until 2018, although it was revised in 2010 and 2013.<ref name=futureplans /> 

Since 2003, New London had been served by cross-honored Amtrak trains plus one or two dedicated SLE round trips. On February 16, 2010, an additional round trip was extended to New London.<ref name="021610NLCExt">{{cite news |url=https://www.theday.com/article/20100204/NWS01/302049450 |title=Rell: NL to get second daily commuter train |date=February 4, 2010 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |newspaper=The Day}}</ref> Three more were extended on May 10, 2010.<ref name="051010NLCExt">{{cite news |url=https://www.theday.com/article/20100509/NWS12/305099930 |title=ALL aboard the Shore Line East! |date=February 4, 2010 |access-date=May 9, 2010 |newspaper=The Day}}</ref> However, advocates for full service to New London said that then-governor [[Jodi Rell]] failed to deliver on promises to New London, with one newspaper columnist writing that "she seems incapable of standing up to the marine trades lobby" regarding the bridge openings.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theday.com/article/20100217/NWS05/302179929 |title=Shore Line East expansion slips off the rails |newspaper=The New London Day |author=Collins, David |date=February 17, 2010 |access-date=August 8, 2012}}</ref>

In July 2012, then-governor [[Dannel Malloy]] announced that five weekend round trips would be extended to New London beginning in April 2013. However, the extension was dependent on ongoing negotiations with the marine industry over mandated closings of the Connecticut River bridge.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.courant.com/2012/07/06/shore-line-east-steaming-into-new-london/ |title=Shore Line East Steaming Into New London |newspaper=Hartford Courant |date=July 6, 2012 |access-date=August 8, 2012}}</ref> Two weekday midday trips were added in May 2013, while weekend service began on June 1, 2013, after the application for additional bridge closings was approved by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theday.com/article/20130517/NWS01/130519677/1018 |title=Shore Line East expands train service |newspaper=The Day |date=May 17, 2013 |author=Smith, Greg |access-date=May 20, 2013}}</ref> By July, New London represented 26 percent of weekend ridership.<ref name=growth2013 /> In December 2013, the state announced that ridership was up 35 percent for the year as a result of the increased service.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theday.com/article/20131213/BIZ02/312139926/1044 |title=Shore Line East ridership up 35 percent this year |newspaper=The New London Day |author=Howard, Lee |date=December 13, 2013 |access-date=December 16, 2013 |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217011307/http://www.theday.com/article/20131213/BIZ02/312139926/1044 |url-status=dead }}</ref> From 2009 to 2014, monthly New London ridership increased from less than 1,000 monthly passengers to approximately 5,000, accounting for a significant fraction of ridership increases on Shore Line East during that period.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-shore-line-east-ridership-up-1117-20141117-story.html |title=Shore Line East Trains Are Attracting More Riders |newspaper=Hartford Courant |date=November 17, 2014 |last=Stacom |first=Don |access-date=November 18, 2014}}</ref>

===Second platforms===
[[File:Branford station, December 2015.JPG|thumb|left|A second platform ''(left)'' was completed at Branford station in late 2016.|alt=A railway station with two high-level side platforms]]
In a 2007 report, CTDOT outlined plans to turn SLE into a full-service bidirectional regional rail line, with full-day service and all trains extended to New London.<ref name=futureplans>{{cite web |url=http://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/SLE_Service_Expansion_Report.pdf |title=Expanding Rail Service |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |date=January 1, 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908094748/http://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/SLE_Service_Expansion_Report.pdf |archivedate=September 8, 2009}}</ref> This involved incremental improvements, similar to those that have already been put into place. One of the first priorities was to add a second platform at all stations, which was mandated by the 2003 agreement with Amtrak. By that time, several stations already had multiple platforms (New London, Old Saybrook, Guilford, and the stations from New Haven Union Station west), while State Street had an [[island platform]] serving two tracks.<ref name=futureplans />

Branford was the first previously rebuilt station to be further renovated with a second platform. A $60 million bond in February 2011 included $16.5 million for a second platform and pedestrian bridge at Branford, $7.3 million for platform extensions at Guilford, and $11 million to electrify several sidings along the line. Construction on the new platform at Branford began in September 2013, while the Guilford work was underway by early 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.branfordseven.com/business/article_af83856e-196c-11e3-b5b7-001a4bcf6878.html |title=Work Begins on Branford Train Station Improvements |newspaper=Branford Seven |date=September 9, 2013 |author=Mazzacane, Stephen M. |access-date=May 31, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/CPTC_Minutes-February_2014.pdf |title=Minutes of February 6, 2014 |publisher=Connecticut Public Transportation Commission |date=February 6, 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517132632/http://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/CPTC_Minutes-February_2014.pdf |archivedate=May 17, 2014}}</ref> After delays, the enlarged Branford station opened on September 30, 2016, although the north platform was not immediately served by trains.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newhavenindependent.org/article/soft_opening_today_for_two-way_branford_train_station/ |title=Soft Opening Today for Two-Way Branford Train Station |newspaper=New Haven Independent |date=September 30, 2016 |first=Sally E. |last=Bahner |access-date=May 31, 2022}}</ref> The north platform entered service on November 5, 2016. As with other stations, reverse-peak trains began stopping at Branford with the opening of the second platform.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shorelineeast.com/images/docs/SLE-Timetable.pdf#view=FitH |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119195820/http://www.shorelineeast.com/images/docs/SLE-Timetable.pdf#view=FitH |archivedate=November 19, 2016 |title=Shore Line East Rail Service Information |date=November 5, 2016 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation}}</ref>

Construction of a second platform at Clinton station was originally planned to start in early 2012, but was indefinitely delayed by 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/CTDOT-Construction-Advisories/2011/Public-Information-Meeting-Regarding-Improvements-to-the-Clinton-Shore-Line-East-Railroad-Station |title=Public Information Meeting Regarding Improvements to the Clinton Shore Line East Railroad Station |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |date=March 8, 2011 |access-date=October 8, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.zip06.com/article/20140409/NWS01/304109729/-1/zip06details%26town%3DHarbor-news%26template%3Dshorezip06art |title=Clinton Train Station on Hold |newspaper=Harbor News |date=April 9, 2014 |author=Garrety, Karina |access-date=May 14, 2014 |archive-date=May 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514220006/http://www.zip06.com/article/20140409/NWS01/304109729/-1/zip06details%26town%3DHarbor-news%26template%3Dshorezip06art |url-status=dead }}</ref> Construction was again announced in October 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.zip06.com/news/20171018/upgrades-to-clinton-train-station-to-start-in-march|title=Upgrades to Clinton Train Station to Start in March|last=O'Connell|first=Eric|publisher=Zip06.com|date=October 17, 2017|access-date=November 25, 2017}}</ref> After delays due to funding issues, construction began in June 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/Press-Room/Press-Releases/2018/01-2018/Gov-Malloy-CTDOT-Indefinitely-Postpone-Hundreds-of-Transportation-Projects-Across-Connecticut|title=Gov. Malloy, CTDOT Indefinitely Postpone Hundreds of Transportation Projects Across Connecticut |publisher=CT.gov |date=January 10, 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121071416/http://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/Press-Room/Press-Releases/2018/01-2018/Gov-Malloy-CTDOT-Indefinitely-Postpone-Hundreds-of-Transportation-Projects-Across-Connecticut |archivedate=January 21, 2018}}</ref><ref name=promised>{{cite news |url=https://www.zip06.com/news/20190514/delayed-train-station-renovation-promised-in-clinton |title=Delayed Train Station Renovation Promised in Clinton |first=Eric |last=O’Connell |newspaper=Zip06 |date=May 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Officials-break-ground-on-improvement-project-at-14051465.php |title=Officials break ground on improvement project at Shore Line East Clinton station |newspaper=The Middletown Press |date=June 26, 2019 |access-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207042927/https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Officials-break-ground-on-improvement-project-at-14051465.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> The second platform opened on April 4, 2022, leaving Madison as the only single-platform station.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/CTDOT-Press-Releases/2022/New-Boarding-Platform-Opening-at-Clinton-Railroad-Station |title=New Boarding Platform at Clinton Railroad Station Opening Monday, April 4 on Shore Line East |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |date=April 1, 2022}}</ref> (Bidding on a second platform and three-level parking garage at Madison, planned since 2009, was scheduled to begin in 2013 but did not occur.<ref name=madison /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.branfordseven.com/representatives/ed/article_9879bf84-db40-11e1-92ab-001a4bcf6878.html |title=New Ethics Complaint Filed Against Meyer; Meyer Fires Back |newspaper=The Branford Seven |author=Mazzacane, Steven |date=July 31, 2012 |access-date=May 31, 2022}}</ref>)

Expansion of the original parking facilities was also necessary to meet demand, since many started with small lots suitable for just a few dozen cars. The rebuilt stations at Branford, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, and Westbrook have larger lots than the 1990 stations, and a second lot with 272 spaces opened at Branford in June 2011.<ref name=branford2012>{{cite news |url=https://www.branfordseven.com/article_0c29eb22-db3f-11e1-b622-001a4bcf6878.html |title=New North Side Platform and Overpass for Branford Train Station |newspaper=The Branford Seven |author=Mazzacane, Steven |date=July 31, 2012 |access-date=August 8, 2012}}</ref> A 585-space, three-level parking garage is eventually planned for Madison station.<ref name=madison />

===Service cuts===
In 2018, two separate issues caused numerous delays and cancellations with many trains [[Rail replacement bus service|replaced by buses]]. An Amtrak track maintenance project required [[Single-line working|single-tracking]] of sections of the line, and CTDOT lacked sufficient functional locomotives as the aging fleet was sent out for refurbishment.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nhregister.com/shoreline/article/Shore-Line-East-rail-riders-growing-weary-of-13402748.php |title=Shore Line East rail riders growing weary of taking the bus |newspaper=New Haven Register |date=November 18, 2018 |first=Ed |last=Stannard}}</ref> Three weekday round trips were reverted from bus to train in January 2019 when one locomotive returned from refurbishment, though additional issues were expected during a second summer of track work in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/6-Shore-Line-East-trips-returning-to-trains-from-13539696.php |title=6 Shore Line East trips returning to trains from buses next week |newspaper=New Haven Register |date=January 16, 2019 |first=Ed |last=Stannard}}</ref> Full service was restored on August 5, 2019. By that time, ridership had fallen by 25 percent, averaging 1,340 weekday riders and 767 weekend riders.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ctexaminer.com/2019/07/31/shore-line-east-resumes-regular-service-with-25-fewer-riders/ |newspaper=Connecticut Examiner |date=July 31, 2019 |first=Julia |last=Werth |title=Shore Line East Resumes Regular Service, with 25% Fewer Riders}}</ref>

On March 16, 2020, weekday service began operating on a reduced schedule due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut|coronavirus pandemic]]. All Stamford through service was suspended.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://shorelineeast.com/rider-resources/news-and-notices/217-effective-3-16-all-monday-through-friday-ctrail-shore-line-east-trains-operating-on-an-enhanced-weekend-schedule-until-further-notice |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805010857/https://shorelineeast.com/rider-resources/news-and-notices/217-effective-3-16-all-monday-through-friday-ctrail-shore-line-east-trains-operating-on-an-enhanced-weekend-schedule-until-further-notice |archivedate=August 5, 2020 |date=March 13, 2020 |title=Effective 3/16/20, all weekday CTrail Shore Line East trains operating on a weekend schedule until further notice |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation}}</ref> Cross-honoring of tickets on Amtrak trains was suspended that June.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://courtney.house.gov/sites/courtney.house.gov/files/2021-06-23%20--%20Letter%20to%20Amtrak%20on%20Shore%20Line%20East%20Service.pdf |title=Letter to Amtrak on Shore Line East Service |first=Joe |last=Courtney |date=June 23, 2021}}</ref> Weekday service was expanded from 8 to 11.5 round trips (compared to 18 pre-COVID round trips<ref>{{cite web |url=https://shorelineeast.com/images/docs/SLE-Timetable.pdf#view=FitH |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221203109/https://shorelineeast.com/images/docs/SLE-Timetable.pdf#view=FitH |archivedate=December 21, 2019 |title=Shore Line East Service Information |date=September 30, 2019 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation}}</ref>) on July 26, 2021, with all trains running to New London.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/News-from-the-Connecticut-Department-of-Transportation/2021/Train-Schedule-Changes-for-Hartford-Line-Shore-Line-East-and-Amtrak |title=Train Schedule Changes for Hartford Line, Shore Line East, and Amtrak |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |date=July 12, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202082705/https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/News-from-the-Connecticut-Department-of-Transportation/2021/Train-Schedule-Changes-for-Hartford-Line-Shore-Line-East-and-Amtrak |archivedate=February 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://shorelineeast.com/images/docs/SLE_Sched_Jul26.pdf |title=Shore Line East Service Information EFFECTIVE JULY 26, 2021 |date=July 26, 2021 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |access-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713183454/https://shorelineeast.com/images/docs/SLE_Sched_Jul26.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Cross-honoring resumed on September 27, 2021.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://shorelineeast.com/news-and-information/270-amtrak-cross-honoring-is-returning-on-9-27 |title=Amtrak Cross-Honoring Returns 9/27 |date=September 2021 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation |access-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601054725/https://shorelineeast.com/news-and-information/270-amtrak-cross-honoring-is-returning-on-9-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Electrification and track work on Track 6 at New London took place from November 2021 to April 2022.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://nec-commission.com/app/uploads/2021/11/FY22-26-Capital-Investment-Plan-02-Appendix-Oct-21.pdf |page=A3-46 |chapter=Project Information Appendix |title=Northeast Corridor Capital Investment Plan: Fiscal Years 2022-2026 |date=October 2021 |publisher=Northeast Corridor Commission}}</ref> This allowed all-electric service using [[M8 (railcar)|M8 railcars]] to begin on May 24, 2022.<ref name=m8ctgov /><ref name=m8trains /> Shore Line East ridership only reached about 25% of pre-pandemic ridership by mid-2022 – compared to 40% to 72% for other rail lines in the state – which was attributed to previous riders largely being [[white-collar worker]]s who shifted to remote work.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/hartford/article/CT-train-riders-are-slow-to-return-to-Shore-Line-17251558.php |title=CT train riders are slow to return to Shore Line East, which is struggling to regain passengers in COVID era |newspaper=CT Insider |date=June 20, 2022 |first=Abigail |last=Brone |access-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623031545/https://www.ctinsider.com/hartford/article/CT-train-riders-are-slow-to-return-to-Shore-Line-17251558.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In April 2024, a bill to restore service to pre-pandemic levels stalled in the state Senate.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB277&which_year=2024 |title=An Act Restoring Service on the Shore Line East Rail Line |publisher=Connecticut General Assembly |year=2024}}</ref> However, in May 2024, $5 million in [[American Rescue Plan Act]] funds were allocated for the restoration of two additional weekday round trips, as well as the restoration of Stamford through service.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=John |date=May 7, 2024 |title=Last-minute spending bill will send $5 million to CT's Shore Line East to fund new peak-service trains |url=https://www.ctpost.com/politics/article/ct-shore-line-east-funding-arpa-christine-cohen-19444564.php |website=Connecticut Post}}</ref> This increase took effect on October 7, 2024. One Stamford round trip was restored, with South Norwalk no longer a stop.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Stamford Through Service Returns to the Schedule |url=https://shorelineeast.com/2024/09/30/stamford-through-service-returns-to-the-schedule/ |date=September 30, 2024 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://shorelineeast.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SLE_Sched_Oct7_8.5x11R8_wMNR_NoAmtrak_V.pdf |title=CTrail Shore Line East Schedule |date=October 7, 2024 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation}}</ref>

== Proposed expansion ==
===Extensions===
[[File:Southbound view of Westerly station, May 2017.JPG|thumb|right|Westerly station is a possible future eastbound terminus of Shore Line East service.|alt=A railway station with a Spanish-style station building]]
The possibility of extending service eastward and/or northward from New London has been considered at several points. In a 2001 report examining commuter rail for Rhode Island, the [[Rhode Island Department of Transportation]] (RIDOT) considered an extension of Shore Line East to {{amtk|Providence}} via {{amtk|Westerly}} (effectively restoring the ''Clamdigger'' service).<ref name="RIDOT2001">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416051517/http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/intermodal/OperationsPlanMaster2.pdf |archive-date=April 16, 2009 |url=http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/intermodal/OperationsPlanMaster2.pdf |title=South County Commuter Rail Service Plan |date=July 2001 |publisher=Rhode Island Department of Transportation |author=Edwards and Kelcey, Inc |access-date=July 1, 2016}}</ref> Ultimately, [[MBTA Commuter Rail]] service, which already ran to Providence as part of the [[Providence/Stoughton Line]], was extended southward instead (although only to {{bts|Wickford Junction}}). However, both RIDOT and SLE have long-term plans to extend their services to meet at Westerly. Extending SLE service would require negotiations with the [[United States Coast Guard|US Coast Guard]], the Marine Trades Association, and other stakeholders for increased use of the [[Thames River Bridge (Amtrak)|Thames River Bridge]] and the [[Mystic River Railroad Bridge|Mystic River Bridge]].<ref name="futureplans" /> As part of Malloy's 2015 30-year transit plan, Shore Line East was to be extended to Westerly at a cost of $200 million.<ref name="750k" /> In February 2016, the state public transportation commission issued a report recommending extension of Shore Line East rail service to {{amtk|Mystic}} and Westerly as soon as possible.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rail service to Westerly endorsed by state panel |url=https://www.theday.com/article/20160201/NWS01/160209942 |newspaper=The New London Day |access-date=February 3, 2016 |date=February 1, 2016 |first=Lee |last=Howard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Panel Recommends Shore Line East's Next Stop: Rhode Island |url=http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-shoreline-east-extension-0202-20160201-story.html |date=February 1, 2016 |newspaper=Hartford Courant |access-date=February 3, 2016 |first=Don |last=Stacom}}</ref> 

In 2021, state lawmakers allocated $2.3&nbsp;million for CTDOT to study an eastward extension to Westerly.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moritz |first1=John |title=Service to Rhode Island? Broad expansion of CT shoreline rails sees renewed interest |url=https://www.ctinsider.com/shoreline/article/Service-to-Rhode-Island-Broad-expansion-of-CT-16278561.php |access-date=September 30, 2022 |work=CT Insider |date=June 28, 2021 |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930204240/https://www.ctinsider.com/shoreline/article/Service-to-Rhode-Island-Broad-expansion-of-CT-16278561.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> Released in 2023, the study indicated that extending 12 weekday round trips to Westerly would have a capital cost of at least $245 million and additional annual operating costs of $25 million. With intermediate stops at [[Groton, Connecticut|Groton]], Mystic, and [[Stonington, Connecticut|Stonington]], the service was estimated to attract 159,300 annual riders. The study also analyzed potential service to [[Norwich, Connecticut|Norwich]] via the Palmer Line ([[New England Central Railroad]] mainline) with intermediate stations at [[Connecticut College]]/[[United States Coast Guard Academy|U.S. Coast Guard Academy]] and [[Mohegan Sun]]. Capital costs were estimated as at least $636 million and annual operating costs at $6.8 million, with 8-10 weekday round trips attracting 126,400 daily riders. Alternate expansion of [[Southeast Area Transit]] bus service serving both corridors was estimated to have capital costs of $9-10 million and annual operating costs of $4.1 million, with an additional 303,000 annual riders.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/dot/documents/dpolicy/ecrts/easternconnecticutrailandtransitstudy_final.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510163433/https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/dot/documents/dpolicy/ecrts/easternconnecticutrailandtransitstudy_final.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 10, 2024 |title=Eastern Connecticut Corridor Rail and Transit Feasibility Study (ECRTS) |date=November 2023 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation}}</ref>

=== East Lyme infill station===
In April 2012, state officials released a report detailing possible sites for an infill station in [[East Lyme, Connecticut|East Lyme]]. Four sites were analyzed – two near downtown Niantic and two at [[Rocky Neck State Park]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theday.com/article/20120406/NWS01/304069924/1018 |title=Niantic could be stop for railroad |newspaper=The New London Day |author=Reindl, JC |date=April 6, 2012 |access-date=October 9, 2012}}</ref> ([[Niantic station]] had previously been a stop on the ''Clamdigger''.) As part of a 2015 bonding proposal made by then-governor Malloy, $750,000 was to be allocated for a new station at Niantic.<ref name="750k">{{Cite news |title=$750,000 would go toward Niantic train station plan |url=https://www.theday.com/article/20150218/NWS01/150219768 |newspaper=The New London Day |access-date=January 31, 2016}}</ref>

==Rolling stock==
[[File:Shore Line East train at New London, June 2022.JPG|thumb|left|Kawasaki M8 railcars, seen here at New London, are used for all SLE service.|alt=A train of electric railcars]]
SLE service uses four-car trains of state-owned [[M8 (railcar)|Kawasaki M8]] [[electric multiple unit]]s. These cars are part of a larger fleet, jointly owned by the state and the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]], that operate on the Metro-North Railroad New Haven Line and [[New Canaan Branch]]. The M8 cars replaced [[Push–pull train|push-pull]] diesel-powered trains on May 24, 2022.<ref name=m8ctgov>{{cite press release | title=Governor Lamont Announces That M8 Electric Trains Have Arrived on Shore Line East | website=Office of the Governor of Connecticut| date=May 24, 2022 |url=https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2022/05-2022/Governor-Lamont-Announces-That-M8-Electric-Trains-Have-Arrived-on-Shore-Line-East |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523192113/https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2022/05-2022/Governor-Lamont-Announces-That-M8-Electric-Trains-Have-Arrived-on-Shore-Line-East |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 23, 2022 }}</ref><ref name=m8trains>{{cite news |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/connecticut-replaces-diesel-shore-line-east-trains-with-electric-multiple-unit-equipment/ |title=Connecticut replaces diesel Shore Line East trains with electric multiple-unit equipment |first=Scott A. |last=Hartley |date=May 24, 2022 |accessdate=May 31, 2022 |newspaper=Trains Magazine}}</ref> In 2007, CTDOT proposed to use up to 32 M8 cars in SLE service as far as Old Saybrook; the diesel equipment would then be used on the Hartford Line and for use with low platforms on New London / Mystic / Westerly service.<ref name=futureplans /> Amtrak crew qualification of M8 electric multiple units on Shore Line East took place in April 2022; testing had previously taken place as early as 2015.<ref>{{Citation|title=Metro North/SLE M8 Test Train on Amtrak's Shore Line (NEC)| date=October 11, 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJCdin6_nTE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/oJCdin6_nTE | archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-08-10}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/news-photo-changes-coming-for-shore-line-east/ |title=News photo: Changes coming for Shore Line East? |date=April 25, 2022 |newspaper=Trains News Wire}}</ref>

SLE operated diesel service from 1990 to 2022, as Amtrak had not yet electrified the [[Northeast Corridor]] between New Haven and Boston at the time service began. Initial service used two [[EMD F7|F7 locomotives]] and ten [[Pullman Company|Pullman-Standard]] coaches purchased from Pittsburgh's [[PATrain]] for $1.7 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Commuter rail lines build and rebuild to meet rising demand|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-9205636.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714134442/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-9205636.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 14, 2014|publisher=[[Railway Age]] |via=[[HighBeam Research]]|access-date=December 10, 2012|date=November 1, 1990 | first=Douglas John | last=Bowen}}</ref><ref name=SLEstudy /> In 1991, CTDOT purchased 10 [[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]] [[Shoreliner|Shoreliner III]] coaches, similar to ones already used on the [[Danbury Branch]] and Waterbury Branch, and leased three additional diesel locomotives: two [[EMD GP38]]s and one [[EMD GP7]].<ref>{{cite book | last=Middleton | first=William D. | title=North American commuter rail 1994 | date=1994 | publisher=[[Pentrex]] | location=Pasadena, CA | oclc=32665882 | page=30}}</ref><ref name=m8trains /> In 1994, Amtrak rebuilt 11 of CTDOT's surplus [[Budd SPV-2000|SPV-2000]] diesel railcars into coaches, dubbed "Constitution Liners."<ref name=bythenumbers>{{Amtrak By the Numbers}}</ref>{{rp|89}}<ref name=trainsmag>{{cite journal | title=Shore Line East | journal=[[Trains (magazine)|Trains]] | url=https://www.trains.com/trn/railroads/shore-line-east/ | date=July 5, 2006 | access-date=May 31, 2022}}</ref> 

In 1996, SLE took delivery of six remanufactured [[EMD GP40-based passenger locomotives#GP40-2H|GP40-2H]] diesels to replace the entire motive power fleet.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DOT/documents/dplansprojectsstudies/plans/State_Rail_Plan/StateRailPlanFinal11812pdf.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819024019/https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DOT/documents/dplansprojectsstudies/plans/State_Rail_Plan/StateRailPlanFinal11812pdf.pdf | url-status=dead | archive-date=August 19, 2021 | title=Connecticut State Rail Plan 2012–2016 | publisher=[[Connecticut Department of Transportation]] | date=2012 | access-date=June 26, 2016 | page=220}}</ref><ref name=trainsmag /> These were supplemented in 2005 with 8 [[GE Genesis#P40DC|GE P40DC Genesis]] diesels leased from Amtrak.<ref name="hartley" /> CTDOT purchased the P40DCs in 2008.<ref name=bythenumbers />{{rp|55}} To augment capacity CTDOT acquired 33 [[Mafersa coaches]] from the [[Virginia Railway Express]] in 2004. These began entering service in 2006, displacing the Shoreliners and Constitution Liners.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Gov. Rell Tours Yonkers Rail Repair Plant To Review Virginia Railway Express Work |newspaper=US Fed News Service, Including US State News |via=[[HighBeam Research]] |access-date= June 26, 2016 |date= May 16, 2006 |url= https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1037767201.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160911181352/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1037767201.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= September 11, 2016}}</ref>

CTDOT acquired an additional four GE P40DC locomotives from [[NJ Transit Rail Operations|New Jersey Transit]] in 2015. Originally built for Amtrak in 1993, these locomotives had been used by NJ Transit on the short-lived [[Atlantic City Express Service]].<ref name="hartley">{{cite news |url=http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2016/03/17-conn-diesel |title=Connecticut DOT taking on used P40DCs |work=[[Trains (magazine)|Trains]] |date=March 17, 2016 |access-date=March 26, 2016 |last=Hartley |first=Scott A. |url-access=subscription |archive-date=March 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320103405/http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2016/03/17-conn-diesel |url-status=dead }}</ref> In January 2018, ConnDOT awarded a contract to Amtrak to overhaul all twelve P40DC locomotives at the [[Beech Grove Shops]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://biznet.ct.gov/SCP_Documents/Results/19607/Contract%20Award%20Posted%205-25-18.pdf |title=Notice of Contract Award |date=April 25, 2018 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation}}</ref> The first unit was completed in early 2021.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/news-photo-first-cdot-p40-rebuild-debuts/ |title=News Photo: First CDOT P40 rebuild debuts |newspaper=Trains News Wire |date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> The GP40-2H locomotives were sent to NRE for rebuilding in 2017 and 2018, followed by use on the new Hartford Line service.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/20-nre-to-overhaul-connecticut-dot-commuter-rail-locomotives/ |title=NRE to overhaul Connecticut DOT commuter rail locomotives |newspaper=Trains News Wire |date=March 20, 2017}}</ref>

==Stations==
All stations are [[Accessibility|accessible]].
{|class="wikitable"
!Location
!Station
![[Railway milepost|Miles (km)]]<br>from [[Grand Central Terminal|GCT]] 
!SLE service began
!Rail connections
|-
|[[Stamford, Connecticut|Stamford]]
|[[Stamford Transportation Center|Stamford]]
|{{convert|33.1|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|December 17, 2001<ref name=stamford />
|{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: {{lnl|Amtrak|Northeast Regional}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Acela}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Vermonter}}<br>{{ric|MNRR|name=y}}: [[New Haven Line]], [[New Canaan Branch]], [[Danbury Branch]]
|-
|[[Bridgeport, Connecticut|Bridgeport]]
|{{mnrr|Bridgeport}}
|{{convert|55.4|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|December 17, 2001<ref name=stamford />
|{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: ''Northeast Regional'', ''Vermonter''<br>{{ric|MNRR|name=y}}: New Haven Line, [[Waterbury Branch]]
|-
|[[Stratford, Connecticut|Stratford]]
|{{mnrr|Stratford}}
|{{convert|59.0|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|December 17, 2001<ref name=stamford />
|{{ric|MNRR|name=y}}: New Haven Line
|-
|[[Milford, Connecticut|Milford]]
|{{mnrr|Milford}}
|{{convert|63.3|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|December 17, 2001<ref name=stamford />
|{{ric|MNRR|name=y}}: New Haven Line
|-
|[[West Haven, Connecticut|West Haven]]
|{{mnrr|West Haven}}
|{{convert|69.4|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|August 18, 2013<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://portal.ct.gov/dot/ctdot-press-releases/2013/west-haven-train-station-opens |title=Governor Malloy, Lieutenant Governor Wyman Cut Ribbon For New RR Station in West Haven |date=August 19, 2013 |publisher=Connecticut Department of Transportation}}</ref>
|{{ric|MNRR|name=y}}: New Haven Line
|-
|rowspan=2|[[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]]
|[[Union Station (New Haven)|Union Station]]
|{{convert|72.3|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|May 29, 1990<ref name="SLE1990">{{cite news |title=Commuter Trains Have Smooth Start |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81377361/sle-may-30-1990/ |access-date=July 13, 2021 |work=[[The Hartford Courant]] |date=May 30, 1990 |page=D9|via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref>
|{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: ''Northeast Regional'', ''Acela'', ''Vermonter'', [[Amtrak Hartford Line|''Hartford Line'']], ''[[Valley Flyer]]''<br>{{ric|MNRR|name=y}}: New Haven Line<br>{{ric|CTrail|name=y}}: [[Hartford Line]]
|-
|[[New Haven State Street station|State Street]]
|{{convert|72.7|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|June 7, 2002<ref name=statestreet />
|{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: ''Northeast Regional'', ''Hartford Line'', ''Valley Flyer''<br>{{ric|MNRR|name=y}}: New Haven Line<br>{{ric|CTrail|name=y}}: Hartford Line
|-
|[[Branford, Connecticut|Branford]]
|{{stl|CTrail|Branford}}
|{{convert|81.4|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|May 29, 1990<ref name="SLE1990" />
|
|-
|[[Guilford, Connecticut|Guilford]]
|{{stl|CTrail|Guilford}}
|{{convert|88.8|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|May 29, 1990<ref name="SLE1990" />
|
|-
|[[Madison, Connecticut|Madison]]
|{{stl|CTrail|Madison}}
|{{convert|93.1|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|May 29, 1990<ref name="SLE1990" />
|
|-
|[[Clinton, Connecticut|Clinton]]
|{{stl|CTrail|Clinton}}
|{{convert|96.8|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|May 29, 1990<ref name="SLE1990" />
|
|-
|[[Westbrook, Connecticut|Westbrook]]
|{{stl|CTrail|Westbrook}}
|{{convert|101.2|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|May 29, 1990<ref name="SLE1990" />
|
|-
|[[Old Saybrook, Connecticut|Old Saybrook]]
|{{stl|CTrail|Old Saybrook}}
|{{convert|105.1|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|May 29, 1990<ref name="SLE1990" />
|{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: ''Northeast Regional''
|-
|[[New London, Connecticut|New London]]
|{{stl|CTrail|New London}}
|{{convert|122.9|mi|km|abbr=values}}
|February 1, 1996<ref name=newlondon1996 />
|{{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: ''Northeast Regional''
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Attached KML}}
* {{Official website|http://www.shorelineeast.com/}}

{{SLE stations navbox}}
{{Connecticut transit}}
{{USCommRail}}
{{Northeast Corridor navbox}}

[[Category:Passenger rail transportation in Connecticut]]
[[Category:Commuter rail in the United States]]
[[Category:Connecticut railroads]]
[[Category:Transportation in New Haven County, Connecticut]]
[[Category:Transportation in Middlesex County, Connecticut]]
[[Category:Transportation in New London County, Connecticut]]
[[Category:Railway services introduced in 1990]]
[[Category:Standard-gauge railways in the United States]]
[[Category:Northeast Corridor]]