HARTFORD, CT — The good news is that the new Hartford-New Haven-Springfield high-speed passenger rail service attracted 10,719 one-way trips during its first full week of regular operations.
The bad news is that it’s half the number of riders the rail line carried during its free weekend launch.
The service launched on Saturday, June 16, and ridership was free through Sunday, June 17. During that time the rail line attracted 21,850 riders.
The service which includes both CTrail and Amtrak trains gave 10,719 one-way trips from Monday, June 18, through Sunday, June 24, according to state officials.
“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,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Tuesday in a press release. “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.
Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker said he’s spoken with riders who have begun to use the Hartford Line and have told him their commute has become easier and less stressful.
“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,” Redeker added.
The new service adds trains between New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield, and will operate at speeds up to 110 mph, with an average travel time of 80 minutes between New Haven and Springfield.
The estimated travel time between New Haven to Hartford is 45 minutes.
The basic one-way fare from Hartford to New Haven is $8. Seniors and people with disabilities are eligible for discounts, bringing their fares down to $4. The one-way fare from New Haven to Springfield is $12.75. And again, seniors and people with disabilities are eligible for discounts, bringing their fares down to $6.25.
There are also weekly, 10-trip and monthly discount options.
There are nine stations where the Hartford Line trains will stop for passengers. New Haven’s Union and State Street stations, Wallingford, Meriden, Berlin, Hartford’s Union Station, Windsor, Windsor Locks, and Springfield’s Union Station.
