The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) in the US opened the Fairfield Metro railroad station for commuter service yesterday.
The $90m station, situated midway between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations in the town of Fairfield, is designed to offer customers an easy access alternative to entering the station.
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Fairfield Metro is the first new main line station in Fairfield county on the New Haven Line in about 100 years and includes a surface lot parking facility that will have about 1,400 spaces.
Fairfield First Selectman Mike Tetreau said this station is the result of years of vision, hard work and joining forces with the Governor and the DOT to offer Fairfield a new commuting alternative.
"With three stations now in Fairfield, and bus and taxi services coming next month to and from this station, our town is becoming a true transit focal point," Tetreau said.
The new station was built by the Connecticut DOT in partnership with the town of Fairfield and a private firm Black Rock Realty Company.
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By GlobalDataThe DOT owns the entire station facility, while the station and parking lot will be operated and maintained by Fusco Management Company.
Connecticut train service is provided by Metro-North under contract to the DOT.
The DOT noted that Fairfield Metro has ADA accessible with elevators on each platform and two high-level platforms with full-length canopies that can accommodate 12 railcars each.
Other station amenities include ticket vending machines, benches, shelters, recycling centres and a fully enclosed pedestrian overpass for easy passage between platforms.
Beginning in January, bus services to and from the station will be provided by Greater Bridgeport Transit and taxi services will also be available at the station, which is located at 61 Constant Comment Way in Fairfield.
Every train that stops at Fairfield will also stop at Fairfield Metro and both stations will have the same fares.
The New Haven Line served 37.3 million people in 2010, which is a 2.8% increase over the previous year.
