DOT seeks input on rail branch lines

New Canaan (WTNH) - If you commute along Metro-North's Waterbury or New Canaan branches, the Department of Transportation wants to hear your ideas on improving service.

Ridership is up in recent years and the DOT, along with local and regional groups, is evaluating the current service and looking to see what improvements are needed.

The New Canaan branch runs from Stamford up to New Canaan. The Waterbury branch goes from Bridgeport, up through the lower Naugatuck valley, to Waterbury.

The DOT is holding three public hearings this week to present their progress on the study, which began in 2007, and to get public comments.

The hearings are the next three nights, first here in Waterbury, then Derby, then Stamford.

• June 16, Waterbury Redevelopment Corporation Building, 2nd Floor Brass City Room, 24 Leavenworth Street.
• June 17, Derby City Hall, Aldermanic Chambers, 2nd Floor, 1 Elizabeth Street.
• June 18, Ferguson Library, One Public Library Plaza, Stamford.

Information about the study and other related information is available at http://www.waterbury-newcanaanrail.org/