Like many shoreline residents, I was dismayed by the cutbacks in Shore Line East (SLE) commuter rail service that took effect on Sept. 7, severely limiting not only connectivity to Metro North trains in New Haven but also travel—particularly in the middle of the day—to towns between Guilford and New London. On a more positive note, however, ConnDOT is conducting a legislative study to assess the feasibility of extending SLE service all the way to Rhode Island, as well as adding a new commuter rail line between Groton and Norwich. This laudable initiative is solidly backed by our state legislators and deserves a strong show of support from all current and potential SLE riders.

ConnDOT is holding an informational webinar about the project at 6 p.m. on Sept. 20; to participate, check the link on the ConnDOT website. In the meantime, the agency has called on residents of Guilford and other shoreline towns to submit testimony in favor of the expanded rail service. Please consider sending your comment to DOTplanning@ct.gov (subject line: "ECRTS Comment") before Oct. 20. Every voice counts!

Harry Haskell

Guilford