In the wake of a cable failure that could take another week to fix, Metro-North commuters have been navigating long lines and major delays in the coming days.
The biggest question for Connecticut commuters is how to get to work and how to get home.
There are a few options available. The power problem is primarily affecting the Metro-North New Haven Line, so train service to and from the New Haven station is limited.
A special schedule went into effect on Monday, Sept. 30. You can check it here.
The full schedule is posted here.
A.M. Peak
There are a limited number of electric trains between Harrison and Mount Vernon, combined with diesel service, which can accommodate about half the number of commuters that the system handles when fully operational.
Local
During peak hours, MTA will provide shuttle buses and trains from New Haven to Stamford and back. Electric trains will run from New Haven to Stamford every 20-to-30 minutes during peak travel time.
From there, commuters can take a diesel train to Harlem 125th Street and Grand Central Station.
Another option is to take a local train from Stamford to Rye, then take an express bus to White Plans and catch the Harlem Line to Grand Central. New Haven Line tickets will be honored on the Harlem Line while the problem persists.
Commuters can travel from Grand Central to Stamford via diesel trains, which will run every 30-to-40 minutes throughout the morning and during the day. The diesel trains will make all local stops between the New York and Stamford stations.
Hourly connections are available from Stamford to New Haven during peak hours.
A map posted to the MTA website highlights travel options for the morning commute.
Off-Peak
Service into New York will slow down during off-peak hours. An hourly shuttle will run from New Haven to Stamford, departing 45 minutes after the hour.
Trains traveling from Grand Central to Stamford will depart every 30 minutes at :04 and :34 after the hour.
P.M. Peak
In the evening, limited direct service will run from Grand Central to Stamford, with connections to New Haven every 20-to-30 minutes. Trains from New York to Stamford will not make local stops.
For stations from Stamford through New Haven
Starting at 4 p.m.: Express diesel train service from Grand Central Terminal and Harlem-125th Street to Stamford (30-minute frequency from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.; 15-minute frequency from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p..m. and 30-minute frequency from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.) connecting to electric train service making all local stops to New Haven
For stations from Rye to Old Greenwich
Starting at 4:30 p.m., customers bused from White Plains to Rye to board electric train at 30 minute frequency.
Replacement buses on Waterbury Branch and shuttle service for the Danbury and New Canaan Branches.
For stations from New Rochelle to Harrison
Starting at 4:11 p.m., diesel service will be provided from Grand Central Terminal and Harlem-125th Street at 30-minute frequency.
Mount Vernon East and Pelham
Customers will be bused from Harlem Line (Mount Vernon West station)
Off-peak outbound service resumes from Grand Central Terminal at 8 p.m.
Commuters can also take the Harlem Line to White Plains, then take an express bus to Rye and transfer to a local train to Stamford. Trains from Rye to Stamford will run every 20-to-30 minutes.
Parking:
To supplement the reduced New Haven Line schedule, Metro-North has developed a Park & Ride Plan and free park-and-ride spaces will be available from the following locations:
- There are 1,500 spaces at 8 E. 153rd Street Garage, Yankee Stadium -- Yankees-East 153rd Street Station. (Hudson Line Service.) 161st Street Station (#4, B, D subway lines)
- There are 5,000 spaces at Orchard Beach -- Pelham Bridge Rd/Shore Road and & Orchard Beach Road. Free shuttle bus to Pelham Bay Park (#6 subway)
- There are 1,500 spaces at Rye Playland -- Playland Parkway, bus to White Plains Station. (Harlem Line Service)
- There are 600 spaces at Kensico Dam - Park Drive West, Valhalla, Valhalla Station (Harlem Line Service). Bs to North White Plains Station (Harlem Line Service)
More Information
The feeder cable failed around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. A second cable has been undergoing routine maintenance and is also out of service, leaving the New Haven Line without electric power.
In a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Dannel Malloy said repairs could take weeks, but crews are working to put the second cable back in service by Oct. 7 instead of Oct. 14, as originally planned.
MTA officials said they are working with Con Edison to come up with alternate sources of power while the problem is being fixed.
