Article by the Bridgeport News Video-DoingItLocal.com Photography Catherine Krauchick

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today joined state and local officials to mark the opening of the Fairfield Metro railroad station. The $90 million station, which will open for commuter service on Monday, Dec. 5, also includes 1,400 parking spaces.

Located midway between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations, Fairfield Metro was built by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Town of Fairfield. The DOT owns the entire station facility, while the station and parking lot will be operated and maintained by Fusco Management Company.

Connecticut train service is provided by Metro-North under contract to the DOT.

“This project will be an enormous advantage for Connecticut commuters — and state and local leaders should be congratulated for their efforts here,” said Malloy. “I have been clear that we need to continue to invest in our transit infrastructure — it is one way we strengthen our economy and improve regional competitiveness. This new station demonstrates the power of partnerships to benefit the town and the state.”

DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker noted that Fairfield Metro is fully ADA accessible with elevators on each platform. In addition, the station has two high-level platforms with full-length canopies that can accommodate 12 rail cars each.

Other station amenities include ticket vending machines, benches, shelters and a fully enclosed pedestrian overpass for easy passage between platforms. Recycling centers also are available on the platforms.

Beginning in January, bus service to and from the station will be provided by Greater Bridgeport Transit. Taxi service will be available at the station, which is located at 61 Constant Comment Way in Fairfield.

The New Haven Line, the busiest single rail line in the United States, carried 37.3 million people in 2010, a 2.8% increase over the previous year.