New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line

Infobox rail line
name = New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line
type = Commuter rail line
system =
status =
locale = Central Connecticut
start = New Haven
end = Springfield
stations = 12
routes =
ridership =
open = 2011 (Proposed)
close =
owner = Amtrak
operator = Connecticut Department of Transportation
character =Commuter Rail
stock = Push pull coaches
linelength =convert|60.5|mi|km|abbr=on
tracklength =
notrack =
gauge = RailGauge|sg
el =
speed =
elevation =

infobox rdt|NHHSThe New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Commuter Rail Line is a proposed commuter rail line running from New Haven, Connecticut to Hartford and Springfield, Massachusetts, United States. The line currently operates 8 Amtrak trains a day in each direction on its New Haven-Springfield Line, with 2 of those roundtrips continuing on to New York Penn Station and Washington, D.C. [http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/apr08/W05.pdf]

History

Since 1994, the Connecticut Department of Transportation has been studying Amtrak's Inland Route for operating commuter rail service. The original plan would have a few trains operate during peak periods. [http://www.cga.ct.gov/2001/rpt/olr/htm/2001-r-0021.htm http://www.cga.ct.gov/2001/rpt/olr/htm/2001-r-0021.htm] ] Current plans call for a more substantial timetable and added improvements.

Current plan

The proposed rail service calls for two-way service during peak periods of travel. The plan also calls for possible off-peak and weekend service. The plan calls for new stations in several towns and several sections of the line to be double-tracked. The Berlin station was recently rebuilt with a new platform, providing room for an additional track. The timetable calls for at least 8 roundtrips on weekdays. Off-peak and weekend service will be looked into.

Proposed station stops

;Massachusetts
*Amtrak stations|station=Springfield, MA;Connecticut
*Enfield
*Amtrak stations|station=Windsor Locks
*Amtrak stations|station=Windsor, CT
*Amtrak stations|station=Hartford
*Newington
*Amtrak stations|station=Berlin
*Amtrak stations|station=Meriden
*Amtrak stations|station=Wallingford
*North Haven
*State Street Station (New Haven)
*Amtrak stations|station=New Haven

Rolling stock

The line currently operates with Amtrak GE Genesis locomotives and Amfleet coaches and cab cars. When the commuter rail service starts operation the current Shore Line East EMD GP40-2 locomotives and the rebuilt VRE coaches and cab cars will be used on the New Haven-Springfield line. There was recently a proposal by Bombardier to have the DOT buy double-decker trains for the Springfield Line that could operate into New York Penn Station. The idea was dropped by the DOT. There is, though, talk of operating some of the trains into Grand Central Terminal. There are plans to, eventually, replace the GP40-2H engines.

ee also

*Shuttle (Amtrak)

References

*http://www.ct.gov/dotinfo/cwp/view.asp?a=2181&Q=295562
*http://www.cga.ct.gov/2001/rpt/olr/htm/2001-r-0021.htm
*http://www.ct.gov/dotinfo/lib/dotinfo/nhr/docs/final/NHHS_Rail_-_Final_-_Ch4.pdf