Work tables and free WiFi? CT’s new trains have them, but not everybody will see them
Connecticut is purchasing 60 modern new rail cars. But they won't serve passengers for more than a year – and not every rail line will get them.
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Connecticut is getting dozens of new, European-style trains with work tables and free Wi-Fi access, state transportation leaders announced on Monday.
But there’s a catch.
The new cars will not serve passengers until early 2027 – and only certain rail lines are getting them.
NEW RAIL CARS
Catching a Thanksgiving train at New Haven Union Station this week?
Something new is in the parking lot – a prototype of the rail cars that you can actually tour.
“What you’ll see inside there is a mock-up of what the 60 rail cars are going to be as they get delivered over the next several years,” said state Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is purchasing the cars from Alstom, the same company manufacturing the new NextGen Acela trains for Amtrak. The new trains can travel up to 125 mph and include free wireless internet and charging plugs for portable devices. The cars also feature extra bicycle racks and larger spaces for riders with disabilities.
“We are proud to share the work of our expert engineers and designers and give Connecticut rail riders a glimpse of their future,” said Scott Sherin, chief U.S. commercial officer for Alstom, in a statement. “These new passenger coaches will provide many years of fast and reliable service, reduce traffic congestion along highways and help the state achieve its 2030 emissions targets.”
The new rail cars cost a total $320 million. The State Bond Commission approved borrowing for them.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Don’t get too excited about the new rail cars just yet.
They won’t serve passengers until early 2027. And at first, the trains will only run on the Hartford Line between New Haven and Springfield, Mass.
Metro-North riders will eventually see the cars – but only on the Danbury and Waterbury branches, not the main New Haven Line.
“Metro-North riders already have the newest equipment in commuter rail system almost anywhere in the country with the M8 [rail cars], which are fast and reliable, so they can continue to expect those,” Eucalitto said. “This is intended for inter-city passenger rail, which is a little bit different from commuter rail.”
Riders at Union Station said they welcome any upgrade to the current trains.
“It could be better,” said Doug Montgomery, of New Haven.
But many are disappointed that Wi-Fi isn’t coming to trains headed to New York City.
“Well, I like to drive, but my husband doesn’t like to drive, so we’re stuck with Metro-North,” said Susan Kaufman, of Coventry.
VISIT AND WEIGH IN
Visitors may take a tour of the prototype Tuesdays and Thursdays (except Thanksgiving) from 7-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. until Jan. 6. The model is situated in the East Lot and is ADA-accessible.
You can also tell CT DOT what you think HERE.
