(STAMFORD, CT - October 23, 1998): A new Metro-North Railroad timetable set to take effect on Sunday October 25^th carries many changes for regular commuters. "Commuters had better pick up a copy of the new timetable and read it closely," says Jim Cameron of the CT Rail Commuter Council, "Otherwise they could be in for a rude surprise come Monday morning."

Among the changes in service are additional reverse-peak trains (from NYC in the morning), improvements in New Canaan branchline service and faster thru-trains from NYC to points east of Bridgeport.

Speaking of Bridgeport, in anticipation of the new, free commuter parking lot to be opened adjacent to the Bluefish Baseball Stadium, many trains which had originated or ended their run in Fairfield will now be extended to Bridgeport instead. This will mean better service not only for Bridgeport residents but those who chose to park there or connect with Amtrak or Waterbury branchline trains.

When ticket windows at departing stations are closed, riders will now be able to purchase round-trip tickets, peak or off-peak, on-board trains without penalty.

Not all changes in the new timetable are being received with enthusiasm by riders. For intra-state commuters between smaller stations in lower Fairfield (Darien, East Norwalk, Southport) and points east, the new schedule offers fewer direct trains and some mandatory changing of trains in Bridgeport.

"All intrastate riders of Metro-North should definitely check their timetables for possible changes in their regular commuting patterns," says Cameron.