Press Releases
06/26/2018
Gov. Malloy: Hartford Line Ridership Tops 10,000 in First Full Week of Regular Operations
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today that ridership on the new CTrail Hartford Line passenger rail service exceeded 10,719 customers during its first full week of regular operations from Monday, June 18 through Sunday, June 24, during which full-fare tickets were required. The service launched on Saturday, June 16, and was free for all riders on the first two days of operation.
“We know that it will take some time for this new rail service to grow to full maturity and become part of the everyday lives of Connecticut residents, but there is definitely an excitement about this long-overdue train service,” Governor Malloy said. “At the end of the day, this transit service is about building vibrant communities that attract businesses, grow jobs, and make our state a more attractive place to live, visit, and do business.”
“I’ve spoken with scores of riders who have begun to use the Hartford Line and who are saying their commute has become much easier and less stressful,” CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said. “With easy access and connections with our CTtransit buses, we are opening up all kinds of options for getting around Connecticut – whether you’re going to work, to school, or simply playing the role of tourist.”
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 weekday morning and evening peak periods.
The Hartford Line connects commuters to existing rail services in New Haven that allow for easy connections to Boston, New York City, and beyond, 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 is available in Hartford.
“The best part of riding the new Hartford Line was seeing and feeling the excitement in the air,” Lisa Biesak of the Making Meriden business center in downtown Meriden said. “Folks across all demographics could see the possibilities the new train line will bring. Whether it’s access to employment centers or recreational travel or seeing opportunity right here in Meriden, you can feel the buzz around town.”
“My wife and two children took the train and we were impressed by the crowds,” James Varano, owner of Black-Eyed Sally’s Restaurant in Hartford, said. “My servers said they couldn’t believe how many of our guests said they took the train here. This will really help Hartford businesses.”
“We are thrilled to have the new rail service here,” Jody Ferrer, owner of the Perfect Promotion in West Hartford, said. “It’s comfortable, clean, and direct to the places we travel. We always drive to New Haven – now we can take the train. And our children come in from New York. Now we don’t have to pick them up and drop them off in New Haven.”
The new CTrail Hartford Line extends many benefits to Connecticut, including:
- Millions of dollars in transit-oriented development
- An annual reduction of some 1.5 million vehicles from the I-91 corridor
- A reduction of vehicle miles driven of more than 100 million miles annually
- A savings of more than 3.5 million gallons of fuel annually
- Estimated construction and related jobs of 13,000
For information about the CTrail Hartford Line, visit www.hartfordline.com, connect via Facebook at www.facebook.com/hartfordline, through Twitter at @hartfordline, or through Instagram @hartfordlinect.
- Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice
- Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy