Press Releases
11/06/2021
CTDOT Provides Additional Train Service for Thanksgiving
CTDOT prepares for the busiest travel day by rail since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic
(Newington, CT) – In anticipation of increased ridership over the Thanksgiving holiday period, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced additional trains on Hartford Line and additional rail cars on Shore Line East trains. Wednesday, November 24, is expected to be the busiest travel day by rail since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I think a lot of people are ready to travel and spend time with their families and friends for the upcoming holidays. Last year was tough, but this year things are looking up,” said Richard Jankovich, CTDOT Rail Administrator. “I would like to take a moment to thank our partners, Metro-North Railroad, Amtrak, and TASI. They, together with CTDOT, have stepped up to serve everyone in the state with the best service possible in what was, at times, very trying circumstances.”
“Our Connecticut DOT team stands ready to assist travelers at New Haven Union Station and Hartford Union Station throughout much of the holiday weekend,” said Rich Andreski, CTDOT Bureau Chief for Public Transportation. “It has become an annual tradition for our team to add train services to ensure customers have a safe and comfortable experience while riding Connecticut’s rail services during the busy Thanksgiving holiday.”
Passengers planning to ride an Amtrak Hartford Line train during the holiday period should make a reservation before travel. Passengers may use the Amtrak website or the Amtrak mobile app to access the Amtrak reservation system. Reservations are not required on all trains, but Amtrak regional trains that originate or continue beyond New Haven (trains #136, #140, #141, #143, #146, #147, #148, and #157) will not accept CTrail tickets. Seats must be reserved through Amtrak for travel between Sunday, November 21, and Tuesday, November 30. All other Amtrak trains may reach capacity in this peak travel period and not have room to accept more riders on board. During this holiday season, passengers using Amtrak multi-ride tickets such as monthly passes and ten-trip tickets will also be required to make a reservation on the regional trains listed. Travel is encouraged early in the day to avoid overcrowding.
Hartford Line trains will be added to the schedule to accommodate the anticipated passenger volume. Two northbound and two southbound CTrail trains will be added to the schedule on Friday, November 19, Tuesday, November 23, Wednesday, November 24. On Sunday, November 28, three northbound and three southbound CTrail trains will be added to the schedule. To see the entire schedule, please visit hartfordline.com.
Metro-North Railroad will also operate special trains on the New Haven Line on Thursday, November 25. It will operate a modified schedule on Friday, November 26. Please visit Metro-North Railroad Schedules | MTA to find the most recent New Haven Line schedules.
Rail service providers have increased the cleaning of trains and station facilities to keep frontline employees and passengers safe. Rail passengers should remember to wear a mask. This federal mandate helps to maintain a safe and healthy travel experience for all.
For information about all rail services in Connecticut, visit CTrail.com.
# # #
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: 860-594-3062
EMAIL: CTDOTMedia@ct.gov
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTDOTOfficial