WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — Trains will begin stopping at Windsor Locks' new downtown station Sunday, Oct. 18, bringing passenger service to Main Street and adding weekend bus connections to Bradley International Airport.
The station is at 231 Main St. State and local officials held a ribbon cutting Tuesday, ahead of the start of CTrail Hartford Line and Amtrak service, according to the state's opening announcement.
For riders, the move means a new boarding location, changes to bus transfers and a reason to double-check schedules before leaving home.
Route 24 will connect the new station with Bradley's Terminal A, a trip the state estimates will take about 12 minutes. Buses will run every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 40 minutes on weekends.
According to CTtransit's service changes, the new Saturday and Sunday service will operate from approximately 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Route 24 will stop serving the former station on South Main Street and the Windsor Locks Park & Ride. Riders who transfer between Route 24 and Routes 96 or 905 at the park-and-ride will instead make those connections at the new station.
Route 96E and Routes 905 and 905W will also serve the new station. The 905 buses will continue stopping at the Windsor Locks Park & Ride.
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Hartford Line is warning passengers that trip-planning apps, including Google Maps, Apple Maps and Transit, along with station displays, may show incorrect train times through Oct. 30. Riders should check schedules and alerts directly at HartfordLine.com.
A modified rail schedule began Oct. 12 and continues through November because of construction. Further adjustments are possible.
The ticket machine at the old station was taken out of service Oct. 12. Until the new station opens, CTrail passengers can use the CTrail eTix app or buy tickets onboard. Amtrak tickets must be purchased before boarding.
The station has 160 parking spaces, electric vehicle chargers, bicycle racks and a bus pickup area. A roughly 500-foot platform provides level boarding. Passenger amenities include heated waiting areas, canopies, Wi-Fi and ticket machines.
Amtrak says the station will serve its Hartford Line, Northeast Regional, Valley Flyer and Vermonter routes, along with CTrail trains.
Patch previously covered the station celebration and neighboring housing project, part of the town's effort to revive Main Street.
"Bringing rail and bus service into the heart of downtown encourages new housing and private investment and supports the town's growth for generations," Gov. Ned Lamont said in the state's announcement.
Track construction remains underway, with completion of the full project expected in spring 2028.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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