New SLE Timetable 5/11/14

Among the updates are:

-A disclaimer regarding Train 1699 which states that a connection with MNR Train 1599 is NOT guaranteed.
-A new eastbound AM departure (Train 1604) NHV-OSB.
-All SLE trains now stop @ Westbrook.
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This now brings the total number of NHV-OSB SLE trains to 17(!) round trips on weekdays and 10 round trips on weekends (plus an additional eastbound train).
New London service remains @ 7 westbound and 6 eastbound weekday trains with -oddly enough- a total of 8 round trips on weekends.

Why would a 20+ min connection not be guaranteed?

Also, do those early morning connectionless eastbounds get any passengers? Better than a deadhead but I can't see what demand there is.

Not sure, but at least twice the SLE twitter account has mentioned 1699 as running anywhere from 15 to as much as 45 minutes late. Not sure how long MNR can hold 1599 @ NHV, but obviously not for long if they're going to include a disclaimer for one train - the last westbound train of the day to boot.

I too have wondered about the "reverse commute" ridership on those trains especially Train 1600. I guess it must be at least somewhat better compared to 10-15 years ago when there were only 2 "Reverse Express" runs eastbound in the AM. And remember SLE now has double platforms @ Guilford and Westbrook therefore offering more flexibility travel options wise.

I can see service being very successful in the years to come as long as ferries connect with the train times. Hopefully sooner than later we will have a SLE Eastbound train start in Stamford CT at 6am. Doubtful but you never know... I'd take it with my bike and go to Block Island

theozno wrote:I can see service being very successful in the years to come as long as ferries connect with the train times. Hopefully sooner than later we will have a SLE Eastbound train start in Stamford CT at 6am. Doubtful but you never know... I'd take it with my bike and go to Block Island

I quite agree on the ferries. However given that the train could be considerably late (either because of a breakdown, trespasser incident, etc.) it would probably be better to have a 30-45 minute or so window between train/ferry connections to allow passengers to not miss their boat; IIRC you need a reservation for the ferry so to miss your connection (especially on a busy day) would be bad if there were no other seats left.

I wouldn't bank on a 6am SLE departure from Stamford any time soon. A 4:45/5am outbound departure from GCT is more likely, but even that would be subject to equipment availability, etc. In the meantime the 2:34am to New Haven with a 90 minute layover for the 5:30 SLE to New London will have to do