Connecticut State Rail Plan

A plan for the future of Connecticut’s passenger and freight rail network

Woman with suitcase waiting to board a Connecticut train

About the Plan

The Connecticut State Rail Plan is a long-range planning document prepared by CTDOT, partner agencies, and stakeholders that guides future development of passenger and freight rail within the State. The State Rail Plan considers rail’s role in mobility, the economy, safety, and sustainability within the broader transportation system, and identifies needs, sets priorities, and directs investments. CTDOT is currently updating the State Rail Plan, building off the plan published for 2022-2026, to meet federal requirements.

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What is the State Rail Plan?

The State Rail Plan provides an overview of the existing rail systems, a vision and goals for future improvements, and near and long-term investment priorities for passenger and freight rail. The State Rail Plan will consider both the near-term and longer-term future. The State Rail Plan will determine how Connecticut’s rail system will continue to support mobility, economic activity, and the movement of goods. The State Rail Plan will also be used to support transportation-related decisions across Connecticut and the Northeast, and it will support coordination between passenger and freight rail, which often operate on shared infrastructure in Connecticut.

Vision, Goals, and Priorities

The vision for Connecticut’s rail network is: Provide safe, reliable, and accessible service by making strategic investments to maintain and improve infrastructure and meet the evolving needs of stakeholders, residents, and the economy.

Safety

Safety is the foundation of Connecticut’s rail program and informs all other priorities. Maintaining core rail assets in a state of good repair, while also addressing safety needs across infrastructure, operations, and rail crossings, supports a rail system that can continue to function safely and reliably over time.

Reliability

Connecticut’s rail system needs to be dependable for the people and businesses that rely on it. Addressing constraints that affect service performance and investing in infrastructure that supports consistent and resilient operations over time can improve reliability and mobility across the passenger and freight rail network.

Economy

Passenger and freight rail support Connecticut’s economy by connecting people to jobs and helping move goods to and from markets. Strategic investments that strengthen system performance, support key industries, and improve connections within the region can help keep Connecticut competitive within the broader regional economy.

Sustainability

Rail plays an important role in supporting transportation efficiency and broader sustainability goals. Reducing transportation impacts where feasible and strengthening resiliency so rail infrastructure can better withstand extreme weather and long-term conditions are both important parts of planning for the future of the system.

Accessibility

Connecticut’s rail system should work for a broad range of users and communities. Improving access to rail services, strengthening connections between modes, and supporting an accessible network that meets the mobility needs of all customers can help make the system more useful and responsive across the state.

Connecticut's Rail System Today

Passenger Rail

Connecticut’s passenger rail services include commuter and intercity rail that support daily travel within the State and to other major metropolitan areas in the Northeast.

Commuter Rail

Commuter rail service in Connecticut supports daily travel, connecting communities across the state to major employment centers and transfer points within the regional rail network. Connecticut’s busiest service is the New Haven Line. The line consists of the Connecticut-owned New Haven Main Line and three branch lines (New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury). Connecticut operates Shore Line East (SLE) commuter rail service in the eastern portion of the State.

CTrail Shore Line East
Metro-North Railroad service on the New Haven Line

Intercity Rail

Intercity rail in Connecticut connects the state to major destinations across the Northeast and plays an important role in the broader regional rail network. These services provide longer-distance travel to places such as New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C., using shared rail corridors that also carry commuter service and allow for transfers at key stations.

CTrail Hartford Line
Amtrak: Acela, Northeast Regional, Vermonter, Amtrak Hartford Line, and Valley Flyer

Freight Rail

Connecticut’s freight rail system connects businesses to markets across the Northeast and beyond. As part of a larger regional network, it helps move raw materials and finished products between manufacturers, distribution centers, ports, and other freight facilities.

Role in Goods Movement

Freight rail carries raw materials, finished goods, and waste, supporting manufacturing, construction, retail, and distribution in Connecticut.

Connections to Ports and Networks

Connecticut’s rail network provides access to Connecticut ports and multimodal facilities, supporting the multimodal movement of goods.

Two people discussing a display board at a public meeting.

Public Involvement

Public involvement is an essential part of the Connecticut State Rail Plan, as public feedback helps shape the direction of the plan as it is developed. Public input gives CTDOT a clearer understanding of how people experience the rail system today and what matters most to them.

The planning process includes multiple opportunities for the public and stakeholders to share input as the State Rail Plan is developed.

How to Participate?

There are several ways to participate in the Connecticut State Rail Plan update:

Attend public meetings
Provide input through the online survey
Submit comments during the public review period
Stay informed through project updates

Visit Project Updates and Public Meetings Page

Documents and Resources

This section includes documents and materials related to the Connecticut State Rail Plan, including previous plans and supporting resources that provide additional background and context.

Previous State Rail Plan

Review the prior Connecticut State Rail Plan for the years 2022-2026.