Objectives & Scope

An Expanded Regional Intermodal Network

Trains serving Vermont (and eventually Montreal), and trains operating to and from Boston on the Inland Route via Springfield, must travel north of New Haven on the NHHS rail corridor. As a result, this rail line serves as the passenger rail gateway to New England. Implementation of the NHHS Rail Program is a necessary pre-condition for plans by both Vermont and Massachusetts to substantially increase passenger rail service in New England.

The Hartford Line launched on June 16, 2018 and consists of both Hartford Line trains operated by the Connecticut Department of Transportation and expanded Amtrak service. It offers more frequent, convenient and faster passenger rail service between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield. It increases the number of round trip trains from six daily Amtrak intercity and regional trains to a total of 17 round trip trains a day to Hartford, and 12 trains per day to Springfield. In addition, trains will operate at speeds up to 110 mph, with a travel time between New Haven and Springfield of approximately 81 minutes.