Special Edition of The What: All Aboard—In and Around Train Stations
This is a special edition of The What, our free weekly newsletter, exploring train stations—and the areas around them—across southwest Connecticut.

Monday, January 27
Happy Monday! Whether or not you’re a commuter yourself, you know that the Metro North is one of the main connectors through our region that ties together communities, residents, and businesses—in fact it was one of the main inspirations for Coastal Connecticut Times. There are more than 20 stations along the New Haven main line and two of its branches that run through the region, the Danbury branch which runs up through Norwalk and the New Canaan branch that runs up through Stamford.
Its train stations and the areas around them are also at the heart of many plans, policies, and conversations across the state. Because of all of these factors, it’s essential for residents, commuters, policymakers, and business owners to understand what’s currently happening in and around these stations and how it can affect them.
That’s why we launched an ongoing series called “All Aboard: In and Around Train Stations.” Check out the stations we’ve explored so far.
Busiest Station in Southwest Connecticut: In and Around the Stamford Transportation Center
The “gateway to Connecticut” and the “second busiest train station after Grand Central” on the Northeast Corridor—that’s how Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons described the Stamford Transportation Center.
It’s a major stop on Metro North’s New Haven line, offering both express and local service to and from both New York City and New Haven, as well as connections to Danbury, Waterbury, and Shoreline East. And it’s also a stop on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.
That’s why the state and city have been investing—not just in the center itself, but in the area around it. Millions of dollars in local, state, and federal funding have already been spent, with more planned for local roads, infrastructure upgrades, and economic development projects around the station.
Go in and around the Stamford Transportation Center.
All Aboard: In and Around South Norwalk Train Station
The South Norwalk train station is one of the busiest in the region, serving as a hub and connection point for both trains on the New Haven main line (which run from New Haven to New York) and trains on the Danbury branch (which run from Danbury to South Norwalk).
The surrounding area has also seen major growth as the city has focused on transit-oriented development in this area. The city adopted a South Norwalk Train Station Plan in 2022 that made recommendations for improving the station itself and about 20 acres around it.
Go in and around the South Norwalk Train Station.
In and Around Fairfield–Black Rock, One of the Fastest Growing Stations in CT
Fairfield–Black Rock, which was previously named the Fairfield Metro Station, is the newest train station to come to southwest Connecticut. When the station opened in 2011, it was intended to help “encourage the use of mass transit,” in both Fairfield and Bridgeport, specifically the Black Rock neighborhood.
“The name change will more clearly indicate to the public the communities being served by rail service,” a statement from CTDOT said. “Along with the name change, additional pedestrian safety improvements will soon be underway at the station.”
Those improvements come at a time when the area around the station is seeing more development, which is part of the town’s plans for this area of Fairfield. First Selectman Bill Gerber said in a statement the new name fits the growing area.
“Fairfield-Black Rock is a great name for an area that will continue to grow as a vibrant hub for social activity and a cool destination for residents and visitors alike,” he said.
Go in and around Fairfield–Black Rock Station.
All Aboard: In and Around the East Norwalk Station
East Norwalk’s train station is at the heart of plans at both the city and state level. The station itself is in the process of a makeover to better serve more residents and commuters. But the area around the station is also seeing more development and change—some of which is being welcomed as an improvement to the area, but some of which has current residents raising concerns about traffic and infrastructure in the area.
“There’s lots of stuff going on around the station,” Jim Travers, Norwalk’s director of Transportation, Mobility, and Parking told the Parking Authority in January, “For the people who live and work there, it’s been a long time so it’s good to see that the work’s starting.”
Go in and around the East Norwalk Station.
All Aboard: In and Around the Fairfield Station
The Fairfield Train Station is located in the heart of downtown. It’s surrounded by about 40 restaurants, arts and cultural spaces, such as the Fairfield Theatre Company, and major institutions, like town hall. It’s just over a mile from one of the town’s most popular beaches, Penfield, and about a mile and a half from Fairfield University.
It’s the busiest of three train stations in the town, alongside Southport and the newly renamed Fairfield–Black Rock. Though the area surrounding the station is largely built out, there are a few hotly debated proposals to bring more development to the area.
Go in and around the Fairfield Station.
Exploring Merritt 7: A Deep Dive into this Growing Area of Norwalk
The northern section of Norwalk, near the Wilton town line, is home to the largest corporate office park in Fairfield County, thousands of residents, connections to major roadways, a small train station, and local businesses. Looking at a map, viewers can see Route 7 on the left, Main Avenue on the right, Grist Mill Road at the top and the Merritt Parkway at the bottom.
There are also major plans for the area, which call for new housing and retail, improved roadways and traffic flow, upgraded pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, the route for the Norwalk River Valley Trail, and a newly renovated train station.
“A village effect.” That was how Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling described the plans for the area around the Merritt 7 train station when he toured it with Gov. Ned Lamont in 2021.
Go in and around the Merritt 7 Station in Norwalk.
But since our initial reporting, there’s been some updates out of the Merritt 7 area including finishing the new station, a more detailed look at the plans for improving the Merritt Parkway–Route 7 connection, and a developer putting some projects on hold.
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Have a great week,
Kelly Prinz
Founder, Reporter at Coastal Connecticut Times