Danbury area lawmakers are identifying priorities for improving train service in the region.  Brookfield state Representative Steve Harding says connecting the Danbury branch of Metro North to the Harlem line would help move cars off the road.  He notes that a lot of people in his district cross the state border to use the Southeast train station. 

He also wants to find a way to electrify the Danbury branch line. 

The last time there was a cost estimate for electrification was five or six years ago.  The cost estimate at that time was $360 million.  Wilton state Representative Gail Lavielle says she would think it's north of $400 million now.  The line was de-electrified in the 1950s or 1960s.  She says there is the potential to extend the branch line further north once its electrified again. 

Lavielle noted that this region is an economic driver for the state, but that property values are going down because you can't get here from there.  For her constituents, many of them must take the train for their commute and are a captive audience.  Because the branch line is not electrified, Lavielle says it's less dependable and less frequent. 

Another problem she sees is how much passengers pay for train tickets, and how much is not subsidized by the state.  That cost can fluctuate without giving commuters additional services.  The cost structure is also unstable and not clear in the state's contract with Metro North.