The Hartford Line: Amtrak's or CT Rail's? Why Not Both!

[@tpaul793]

As a Hartford resident, my biggest complaint is that the last train North out of New Haven on a Saturday is 730p. It would be really nice to be able to spend a evening in New Haven and take the train back home.

[@LonestarTrips]

That's brutal. And looking at the timetable, there's a later train on Sundays but not Saturdays? That makes no sense whatsoever. Hopefully they fix that.

[@kl6361]

BRUTAL MORE LIKE Kill idiot

[@Createrz2015]

Has it been fixed yet?

[@camwebber5849]

@@Createrz2015yes. Idk what that comment was talking about but there’s been a 9:54pm train on Saturdays for over a year that I used to commute home on

[@MirzaAhmed89]

110 mph is also the speed limit for the P42s, regardless of grade separation or crossing barriers.

[@himbourbanist]

Love seeing Amtrak and Regional or State-level transportation departments working together so well. There's a lesson that other states can learn here without a doubt. Combined they create a much better service (and pretty damn fast too)

[@CrabMan2539]

2:44 Also something to note is that I believe the first few rows of seats on the ex-metroliner cab car are blocked off. At least that was the case when I rode on one on the keystone corridor.

[@stephenkeever6029]

As always I love how you spend the appropriate amount of time at the station, tracks, and other details of the trip like the speed and schedules.

[@Zambi75]

I use the Hartford Line very frequently as a student at UNH to get half away home. It’s super reliable and although I prefer the Amtrak trains, the CT Rail ones are comfortable too

[@ScottPalmer-mp1we]

I ride it quite a bit as well. I take Amtrak/CT rail to NH and then Metro North to Milford to see my daughter. I also take it visit a good church in Wallingford sometimes.

[@ScottPalmer-mp1we]

One thing great about CT Rail is that I can pay cash on the train. Today, I was in Wallingford and heard the train horn blow (northbound). I just didn't have time to get a ticket even though I tried. The train rushed in and I was so glad it was CT Rail (I do like Amtrak also!). I high-tailed it down the platform and hopped on and paid in cash. It was great! I take Amtrak/CT Rail from Meriden to Wallingford and back quite a bit.

[@andrestyles4]

That’s not even far

[@wavesnbikes]

This corridor is probably one that needs the new Siemens locomotives. The acceleration of Chargers would really make them shine here.

[@LonestarTrips]

I would assume Amtrak is already looking into getting new rolling stock for the line as a part of their fleet modernization program. That being said, I could also see them running older equipment on the line, as it’s still a “shuttle” service and thus a lower priority.

[@MirzaAhmed89]

It wouldn't make a huge difference on a 62-mile run from NHV to SPG.

[@JL1]

Fortunately the state DOT ordered 60 new Alstom cars which should be great

[@wavesnbikes]

There's very little info. On the Alstom cars. Are they Comets? Or something else? Any photos of the construction of those?

[@drdewott9154]

Honestly as a European some of these things you mention are... really surprising... Like that US passengers supposedly only get up from their seats after the train has already stopped. This would be a death sentence for missing your stop in Europe. Here many trains, including long distance trains, only stop for as little as 20-40 seconds at a station. But the Hartford line overall looks neat. It definitely seems to be on par with European intercity lines. Like if Amtrak had ordered the IC3 Flexliners in the 90's, I could totally see them being the backbone of this route.

[@MirzaAhmed89]

He never said that. Most people get up a minute or two early. Officially you are not allowed to be in the vestibule while the train is in motion, but most conductors turn a blind eye. You can also just wait near the end of the cars without going into the vestibule.

[@drdewott9154]

@@MirzaAhmed89 ... why would you not be allowed to be in the vestibule while a train is in motion, that just sounds like an awful rule that makes the experience worse for both passengers and the crew.

[@stevetalkstoomuch]

@@drdewott9154 You can traverse the vestibules between cars when the train is in motion but they don't want a crowd gathering in the vestibules right before a stop since people still need to get between cars, and in case the train makes any sudden or jerky movements while stopping.

[@PeterBlack-nl5hy]

I think the narrator is used to long-distance trains, rather than the commuter trains that run in the north-east. I ride Metro-North's New Haven line a lot, and anyone getting off moves to the doors as the train approaches the stations. Yes, we would miss our stops if we stayed seated until the train stopped. The Northeast Regional has fewer stops, but is still essentially a commuter train, just one with a long route.

[@shsav2012]

Used to live on that Corredor and ride those trains a decent amount. I never knew that they were up to speed on that was 110. I thought it was only a 90 mile an hour track.

[@LonestarTrips]

Yeah, it's one of those higher speed lines that just goes under the radar because people often think of it as a commuter corridor with a top speed of 79.

[@shsav2012]

@@LonestarTrips wonder how knew that must’ve been then because first rode that section of track in June 2001 most recent ride was probably 2017 Also, that section of track has a really weird regional Once a week (Saturday) there’s a northeast regional train that runs through from Springfield, Massachusetts to Roanoke, Virginia

[@MrBblhed]

A major problem on the Hartford line is "closed" cars, or should I say lazy train staff. I travel this route now and then with a bicycle and often the bike rack end of the car, or the car with the bike rack is closed. This is more of a CT Rail problem, as Amtrak only has space for one bike on this route. I wish you had shown inside Hartford Union, or gone all the way to Springfield and shown that station, Springfield is a really good looking station.

[@LonestarTrips]

Don’t worry, I’ll show Hartford and later Springfield in future videos. I decided to segment this journey so I could experience both Amtrak and CT rail’s versions of Hartford Line trains.

[@LonestarTrips]

Also, I asked our crew about the closed cab car, and they mentioned something about “repairs being done,” which made no sense. If they’re doing repairs, then why is even in service? Definitely inconvenient, especially to passengers traveling with bikes like you mentioned.

[@Cxm1113]

CTrail: We own this line. We have the CTrail logo in the hartford line logo! Amtrak: Nah, we have operated this line before you.

[@JuanWayTrips]

If you want to experience more Amtrak trains going over 100 mph outside of the NEC, come out to Michigan and try out the Wolverine or Blue Water!

[@LonestarTrips]

I definitely want to! Michigan has some great high frequency services.

[@LonestarTrips]

@@jackchen7003 I’m planning on heading down to Florida when Brightline Orlando officially opens to be on one of their first trains!

[@tylerkochman1007]

@@jackchen7003 they said Amtrak though

[@andrew_ray]

Excellent report! My only nitpick is that in Berlin CT is pronounced BURR-lin, with the stress on the first syllable. There's an urban legend that the name was changed during the first World War so that people wouldn't confuse it with Berlin, Germany, but in fact it was pronounced in this way long before that.

[@TheAlluminatus]

So, I do know that CTRails rolling stock is only rated for 79 mph, compared to the Amfleets 110 mph. However, CT recently had a RFP close in January for new rail cars that are rated for up to 125 mph, which hopefully means the Mafersa coaches will be replaced in future (going to guess Siemens). I think I remember reading somewhere in CTs rail plan to run trains all the way to grand Central from the Hartford Line, but don’t quote me on that as I don’t know for a fact. Overall, the line definitely needs electrification and full double tracking, but I am really excited for the future of the line!

[@LonestarTrips]

I really hope those coaches come through! Higher speed on CT rail trains would be awesome, and would fit in perfectly with their recent addition of M8 EMUs on the SLE.

[@MirzaAhmed89]

Really? Why don't they just go for DMUs (Stadler FLIRT or similar) for the Hartford Line and Danbury and Waterbury branches? Direct service to GCT is unlikely.

[@CTrail1711]

@@MirzaAhmed89 The plan is for the Amtrak trains to be the through services and have a discounted commuter through tickets for Hartford Line passengers with funding coming from CT and was part of the 2022 budget.

[@CTrail1711]

I don't see anything from the last two years with new information about Mafersa replacements.

[@gregorygrice]

CTDOT's Mafersa coaches are rated for 90mph. There is only one 110mph section, so there is virtually no time difference between Amtrak and CTrail trains.

[@newenglandskier13]

Great video! In a couple of weeks, I will be riding the Hartford Line and Valley Flyer routes in their entirety. I’m also planning to ride the unique equipment move from Springfield to Greenfield, which is a revenue train on weekends, and I believe it’s Amtrak’s shortest regularly scheduled service. Hopefully I’ll get the regular Amfleet and Metroliner cab car consist without the sandwiched locomotives.

[@johnalder6028]

Very well done !

[@LonestarTrips]

Why thank you!

[@evanjames4716]

11:00 That bus looks pretty different

[@LonestarTrips]

😂

[@LexieMediaTransit8516]

It is indeed strange to have two different names of train service with each of their given fleets sharing fares and territory, with both the CTRail Hartford Line and Amtrak NH-Springfield Shuttle basically looking different but are really the EXACT SAME service. Even though some of the Hartford Line service along this line is findable on Amtrak's site and the same AMfleet of Amtrak is normal to be operating along this territory, this sort of however leads to the only regular Amtrak services to operate this line being the Northeast Regional, Valley Flyer, and Vermonter.

[@ginantsfan5]

Most awesome vid!!!!!

[@rocklobster64]

Would have loved your thoughts on a ct rail train, but glad you got an Amtrak

[@LonestarTrips]

I did both!

[@JaxBpo8ld]

Great video! Is this near Boston?

[@LonestarTrips]

This is from New Haven to Hartford, CT, about 152 miles down the coast from Boston.

[@LexieMediaTransit8516]

Either or with both those two different sibling train services that are technically the SAME service, at least the Hartford Line overall has pretty decent service frequencies, DEFINITELY more frequent than Shore Line East.

[@PeterBlack-nl5hy]

Yep, CTDoT has been screwing over SLE to favor Hartford Line. It's supposed to be commuter rail, but there is NO service out of New Haven between 5:30 and 8;30 pm.

[@florida-east-coast-transit1206]

When is the VIRM Video coming out

[@LonestarTrips]

Ideally next week Wednesday.

[@LexieMediaTransit8516]

Liker 300! This is AMAZING!

[@AirlinkTrainsAndAviation_PACQ]

Both and that's because some of the ctrail locos were P40DCs.

[@jackchen7003]

Why does Amtrak operate sandwich P42s on this line?

[@markdavid7013]

Is there freight traffic on that route? That tends to limit speeds for Amtrak.

[@LonestarTrips]

I don't believe so? Don't quote me on it, though.

[@MirzaAhmed89]

Very little. Connecticut Southern Railroad, a CSX subsidiary, has trackage rights. There is not much freight movement, though, and it hasn't really affected CTrail service these last five years.

[@LonestarTrips]

@@MirzaAhmed89 That's what I had originally thought. I couldn't remember if any of the class 1s had track rights on it, and the subsidiary explains why I couldn't figure it out.

[@rbjplay13]

@@LonestarTrips Yes! There's the main freight yard immediately north of Hartford for CSOR. They run their main train, CSO-4, once a day (weekdays only) from Hartford north to West Springfield, MA and back a couple hours later, CSO-5 from Hartford to Suffield, CT and back a couple hours later, and CSO-3 from Hartford south to Berlin/Wallingford and back a couple hours after. Then there's also CSO-1 which runs the entire line from West Springfield, MA to the Cedar Hill yard in New Haven, CT in the middle of the night and back. Pan Am Southern (now the Genesee & Wyoming Berkshire and Eastern) runs a train a few times a week from Plainville (Berlin, CT) north through Springfield, MA to East Deerfield, PLED and EDPL. But the Amtrak dispatchers on the line give right of way to passenger 100% of the time so you wouldn't notice the freight movements.

[@grommit700]

There is a single track at Hartford union station. This is a bottle neck on the line. The original layout was for 4 tracks but since the 90's it has been single. It's time to make it double to allow more trains.

[@kl6361]

Please ride on the Amtrak coast starlight from Seattle to los angles in bedroom

[@LonestarTrips]

My plans for this summer include a ride from LA to Seattle, so it's coming!

[@kl6361]

Shit I want you to ride on it right now from Seattle to la your making me feel sad 😔

[@LonestarTrips]

@@kl6361 Trust me, I would love to drop everything and go travel, but unfortunately travel is expensive, and I have prior commitments outside of KZbin that prevent me from doing so.

[@kl6361]

Fuck i don’t give a shit

[@LonestarTrips]

@@kl6361 Do you want to pay for it? Cause if not, it's gonna have to wait.

[@jamesinman1198]

At Hartford Union Station, Are there any buses or shuttles that take people to Bradley international airport in Connecticut?

[@stevetalkstoomuch]

Yes there is a Bradley Express bus route from Hartford Station. But once the new Windsor Locks station is completed, it will have frequent bus shuttle service to the airport.

[@lamarwilliams3540]

I’ll be taking the new London to Hartford ct train for the first time. A bit nervous because I’m no sure if the train go over tall bridges which I’m nervous about. Also since it goes 110mph does it feel like a roller coaster feeling?

[@LonestarTrips]

The ride is smooth and relaxing, hardly anything like a roller coaster. And the bridges are safe and structurally sound, so nothing to worry about.

[@lamarwilliams3540]

@@LonestarTrips sounds good, so for the bridges part. Is it like the ones on the highway like for example the ones in New York those tall ones that goes over water?

[@LonestarTrips]

They’re longer ones that go over water. They’re not very high though.

[@lamarwilliams3540]

@@LonestarTrips yikes 😳 okay do you know, how high and how long. Do you if it has any pictures I can look up to see it. My apologies for asking I just have anxiety and if i know how many bridges and how it looks that would literally calm my anxiety.

[@EthanRailStudios]

Nice video! You should ride trains in Canada soon!

[@LonestarTrips]

I will! I’m planning my round of major travel for this summer, and a lot of it focuses on Canada!

[@EthanRailStudios]

@@LonestarTrips Nice

[@Novers]

The tickets are interchangeable and the Amtrak cars are noticeably faster and higher quality

[@eirinym]

Hartford Union looks so miserable. I hope the city and the rail companies can fix it up, and return additional platforms to use. Seeing the state of the trackwork there was a bit sad.😢

[@ScottPalmer-mp1we]

The problem is that the railroad (probably Conrail or Penn Central) single-tracked the line through Hartford. From what I understand, double tracking that section would be extremely expensive. I don't think the station itself looks too bad.

[@MirzaAhmed89]

@@ScottPalmer-mp1we the station is a dump. It's a sad little waiting room with a Subway and Greyhound ticket window. Hardly appropriate for a state capital.

[@ScottPalmer-mp1we]

New Haven is a lot nicer, in fact, other than the floor needing some work, I find NH to be a highly attractive station.@@MirzaAhmed89

[@413TomaccoRoad]

In CT, Berlin isn't pronounced like that. The emphasis is on Ber and not lin. Ber ln.

[@db399]

I like New Haven Union Station too, just don't be around there too late at night I'd say. As is apparent, the benches aren't just for waiting passengers in practice.

[@LonestarTrips]

Yeah, even while I was there at midday it was still a little dicey. Yeah it’s a pretty station with benches, but unfortunately a lot of the space is used by homeless people.

[@ScottPalmer-mp1we]

I think it is quite an attractive station. I haven't seen any problem with homeless people being there, but its been awhile. The latest I've been at the station was to catch the Valley Flyer (maybe around 8:45).

[@JoeyLovesTrains]

I really hope they electrify this line… it could really benefit from EMU’s

[@LonestarTrips]

Agreed. Whether it be EMUs or electric locomotives, electrification would really take it to the next level.

[@zurielcastillo5071]

@@LonestarTrips just curious, why is electric better? Aside from being better for the environment.

[@LonestarTrips]

@@zurielcastillo5071 Outside of emissions, electric trains can stop and accelerate quicker than conventional locomotives, which can save a lot of time when stops are frequent. It also means it takes less time for them to reach their top speed, which decreases journey times even further. Electric trains are quieter than diesels, which means less noise for residents near the tracks. They are also more efficient, and thus more cost effective, but the barrier to entry of full electrification is often too much for many railways.

[@DavidTaylor-v6o]

My father worked for the New York New Haven and hartford Rairoad When my father retied he retiredd from the Pennsylvania Railroad They had marged together I may live here Dallas today but my heart is not here I love the Cape Cod area But I came south for the money

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

Thought you'd ride CT Rail's own train, not the Amtrak train that accepts CT tickets.

[@LonestarTrips]

I did both, just saving that one for another video.

[@timbacchus]

A lot of stairs to walk up with baggage for this old man

[@LonestarTrips]

Fortunately, there are elevators to track level at both Hartford and New Haven.

[@iandf305]

5:08 Note: Pronunciation of Quinnipiac is QUINN-A-PEE-ACK not QUIN-NIP-E-ACK.

[@LonestarTrips]

Sure.

[@MirzaAhmed89]

It's definitely not -A-PEE-ACK. I lived in CT for years and no one pronounces it like that. The stress is on the P, but the vowel sound before it is definitely a short I, not A.

[@drhenning53]

One thing they did in late teens was double track from Hartford to Springfield... My daughter lived in house in Windsor next to tracks in that period. Also note that riding CT rail, you can get ticket to Grand Central if you want. Another note is Vermonter skips a number of the stops... The double tracks allowed for more service even with freights... Daughter now lives in Longmeadow and can still hear the trains just not out her backyard.

[@willgibson9718]

Today is not Saturday

[@LonestarTrips]

And neither is it Wednesday….

[@willgibson9718]

@@LonestarTrips what is the new video on Saturday can we make a video about Vermonter to Springfield from new haven?

[@LonestarTrips]

@@willgibson9718 Saturday’s video will be a ride on the MBTA’s Providence line from Boston to Providence, with a pit stop at Canton Junction to enjoy some trains.

[@willgibson9718]

@@LonestarTrips can you make a video about the Vermonter to Springfield ma from new haven union station?

[@fluffydoge2869]

The Hartford Union station is ridiculous... ONE. TRACK.