[GoldenGateGang]

We're moving to CT this summer and our kids will be attending school in Southport. When we visited a few months ago, there were plenty of parking spots available at Southport station. Even in the day use area. (I was looking on the Trinity Church side.) Does anyone know what kind of waiting list exists for parking permits at Southport station, and whether it was simply an aberration on the days we visited that parking seemed easier than other nearby stations?

Also, taking the 7:45 into Manhattan from Southport . . . are there seats available, or is it usually full by time it gets that far south?

Hard to know what we're getting into, coming from California. Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated.

[skytrekker]

Dear GG Gang

welcome to the state----I am in northeastern CT- about 70 miles away from Southport, so my input is rather limited about the area..As someone who has lived and visited the Bay area- I feel you will love Connecticut.

happy you are coming.

[JayCT]

GoldenGateGang - Welcome to Connecticut. Southport is soooo beautiful and charming and the Town of Fairfield (which Southport is part of) is a great place to raise a family. I am sure you will like it there.

Parking at all of the stations in the area is difficult and limited. According to the town's web site the list has over 3,400 names on it with a wait of 4 1/2 years (see link below). That may change though when the new train station with its 1500 parking spaces opens on the east side of town. You might contact the town for information on other options. Good luck, Jay

Rail Commuter Information, Parking Permit and Wait Lists Summary for the Town of Fairfield, CT

[HelloSam]

Ugh. You see empty spaces because there are people who keep permits even though they do not commute daily. It's very irritating.

I'm not sure about the 7.45 from Southport. There aren't usually "seat" problems unless the train is short a car or two, or one train breaks down and two trains of people are squeezed onto one train. There is often parking in the lot on Mill Plain Road at the Fairfield station, and I think there is adequate metered parking in Westport if you go early enough.

[IraqVetnowaMomma]

I commute daily on metro north from bridgeport. You shouldn't have a problem with finding a seat. For the most part the train doesn't fill up until it hits Stamford.