As the CTrail Hartford Line opened in June 2018, then Gov. Dannel Malloy called the effort to launch the rail project, which was the first rail line to open in the state since 1990, "long-overdue, bold steps to invest in our future."
Federal, state and local officials gathered to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the CTrail Hartford Line, which has beat ridership projections and sparked development along it route, which connects New Haven, Hartford and Springfield in central Connecticut along the I-91 corridor.
“We need to dramatically improve our transportation system to compete in a 21st century economy that attracts businesses and provides the critical infrastructure needed to move goods, services and people,” Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said. “The Hartford Line is one component of creating a fast, efficient transportation system that works. It’s only been one year and ridership has been higher than expected but we cannot stop here – we must build the infrastructure that businesses and commuters need for today’s economy.”
A report by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) detailing the first year of the CTrail Hartford Line estimates 634,000 passengers used the service during the past year, which is about 51,000 more than originally projected.
“The success of the Hartford Line is astounding and it goes to show that Connecticut residents will rely on public transportation when it is available,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “The Hartford Line was a great investment for our state as these improvements to the transportation system have spurred residential and commercial transit-oriented developments in numerous towns along the rail.”
The state explains that the opening of the Hartford Line accomplished more than just improving commutes in the area – it has invigorated development activity around each station. An estimated $430 million has been invested in new development in the corridor in recent years, much of it while the rail line was still in development. Approximately 1,400 residential units and 242,000 square feet of commercial and office space have been constructed or are being designed.
“The Hartford Line is an integral part of connecting Connecticut with major urban centers including Boston and New York, which will increase job opportunities for residents and enhance our overall quality of life,” U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said. “The first year is an important first step in expanding capacity and service along the New Haven to Hartford line. I will work with state officials and rail advocates to ensure rail service that addresses commuter and traveler needs.”
In a passenger satisfaction survey conducted in November, officials report that overall satisfaction on the service quality was high, with five ratings characteristics receiving a satisfaction score of at least 90 percent, led by the “on-board ticket collection” at 94.3 percent, and “courtesy of crew” at 93.5 percent. A strong majority of riders, 87.6 percent, reported being satisfied overall.
“The Hartford Line is a success on every level,” CTDOT Commissioner Joe Giulietti said. “Riders consistently rave about the frequency of service and conditions on board. Even so, we continue to look for ways to improve schedules and reliability to meet the needs of our passengers.”
There are 32 trains operating each weekday on the Hartford Line and officials note the Hartford Line compliments existing Amtrak service on the line.
“We’re glad the Hartford Line service has been a success for Connecticut residents and visitors in its inaugural year, and we look forward to many more successful years in the future,” Amtrak Assistant Vice President of Infrastructure Access and Investment Tom Moritz said.
Prior to the launch of the expanded line, new stations were built in Berlin, Meriden, and Wallingford, joining existing stations in New Haven Union Station, New Haven State Street, Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks, and Springfield. Additional stations are currently being planned for North Haven, Newington, West Hartford and Enfield. Nearly the entire corridor – 50 of the 62 miles – has now been double-tracked to facilitate the efficient movement of trains.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
