Connecticut’s newest commuter rail line cutting across the heart of the state from New Haven through Hartford, CT, and onward to Springfield, MA. Trains along this 65-mile route will reach top speeds of 80 Mph. Northbound trains start their journey at Union New Haven Station located on the Northeast Corridor then head northbound to Hartford some trains will terminate there others will make their way into Springfield, MA.
CT Rail has made a lot of improvements and is still making them along this right-of-way including adding a double track along the whole route, adding new stations and improving existing ones. CT Rail has overhauled 6 Connecticut Department of Transportation GP40-2H along with painting them in the New Haven Railroad “McGinnis” paint scheme. CT Rail will lease 16 single level coaches from the MBTA making a total of 4 train sets in a push-pull configuration.
There was a lot of social media buzz about the opening of the new Hartford Commuter Rail Line and free service on the opening weekend. Over 10,000 people rode the line on Saturday and Father’s Day Sunday trains were full to capacity. I was able to ride the first train of the morning out of New Haven to Springfield then made the return trip back. I had my scanner with me and it was quite active. I found the train fuller on the return trip back in fact all the seats were full and people had to stand. There was CT Rail personnel at each station helping riders and the train crew was very friendly and helpful. Even with the heavy ridership, my round trip ride was on time. From what I was able to see on social media later that day the ridership stayed heavy.
The ride was quite smooth moving right along at 80 mph in some areas. Traveling through some really picturesque view of Quinnipiac River Marsh Wildlife Area to running along and crossing the famous Connecticut River. For a railfan like myself, I was able to see some railroad yards in Hartford and New Haven. I was able to spot a few spurs off the main line, railroad junctions, some old train depots, and freight houses.
As I’m writing this blog entry I’m learning the first full week of service went well with some delays here and there. From what I’m hearing CT Rail officials said they are experiencing some growing pains since this service is brand new. I feel the Hartford Line will be great for these communities bringing much needed public transit.
Hartford Line Quick Facts
Number of Stations – 9
Frequency – 160.9200 MHz
Track Detectors – Mile Post 24.4 and
