More than 21,000 Give Hartford-to-New Haven Train a Try

HARTFORD, CT — The CTrail Hartford Line attracted a total of 21,850 riders over the course of its two-day opening weekend of service, during which no fares were charged.

Sunday attracted 11,550 riders and 10,300 who rode the train on its opening day, Saturday.

“There’s undoubtedly a sense of excitement about this long-overdue train service,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said. “We also recognize that a new rail line like this takes time to grow and become part of the everyday lives of the residents of Central Connecticut. This weekend showed that the potential is there. What we must remember is that this is not just about transit – it’s about building vibrant communities and continuing to make Connecticut a more attractive place to live, visit, and do business.”

Connecticut Department of Transportation “red shirt” ambassadors greeted and assisted the thousands of customers a stations up and down the line throughout the weekend.

“People were making trips to numerous activities that were happening throughout the region this weekend, including the New Haven Arts and Ideas festival, the Hartford Yard Goats game, the block party in Hartford, or just taking the opportunity to take a round trip to experience the new service,” DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said. “Additional trains and buses were operated to accommodate all of the trips on the system throughout the weekend.”

Regular weekday service began Monday morning with the first train from New Haven leaving at 4:35 a.m. and the first train from Springfield at 5:23 a.m. There are 17 weekday trains scheduled between New Haven and Hartford, including 12 that continue further north to Springfield, Malloy said.

Stations along the line from north to south include New Haven Union Station, New Haven State Street, Wallingford, Meriden, Berlin, Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks, and Springfield, Massachusetts. Trains run approximately every 45 minutes during the morning and evening peak periods. Fares along the line vary depending on place of origin and destination.

The fare between Hartford and New Haven is $8.

The Hartford Line connects commuters to existing rail services in New Haven including the New Haven Line (Metro-North), Shore Line East, Amtrak Acela and Northeast Regional services.

CTtransit local bus service is also available at most stations along the line, and connections to the CTfastrak bus rapid transit system are available in Hartford.

Photo Credit: CT.gov

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