CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: December 18, 2014

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

CTDOT Seeking Service Provider for New Haven-Hartford Springfield Rail Line

      The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that it is seeking a service provider to operate the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield passenger rail line beginning in late 2016. CTDOT today issued a “Request for Qualifications” (RFQ) for potential service providers of the 62-mile long train line, now branded as the CTrail Hartford Line.  This operator will provide train crews and station maintenance services.

      “This $365 million High Speed Rail Project will improve the quality  of intercity service along the corridor and enhance regional rail connections,” said CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker. “Connecticut will add 22 CTrail trains per day to the  12 trains that Amtrak currently operates . This Project will make rail travel far more attractive and competitive in the corridor.”

      The deadline for submitting responses to the RFQ is February 27, 2015, when a Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued. Responses to the RFP will be due in September 2015. CTDOT anticipates selecting a service provider in December.  The quality based competitive procurement of a contractor is intended to develop the best customer service and most reasonable costs.  The Department is committed to an open process and welcomes the participation of its current contractors (Metro-North and Amtrak) as well as others in the industry.

      By the end of 2016, the entire corridor between Hartford and New Haven will be double-tracked. A key component of the program is installation of state-of-the-art signal system that includes positive train control to ensure safety along the entire corridor.  Station improvements will include the addition of high-level boarding platforms, pedestrian bridges, increased parking, ticket vending machines, passenger information displays and many other enhancements at the Meriden, Wallingford,  Berlin and Hartford Stations.

      The CTrail Hartford Line will make station stops at New Haven Union Station, State Street (New Haven), Wallingford, Meriden, Berlin, Windsor, Windsor Locks and Springfield. CTDOT anticipates constructing additional stations along the Hartford Line in the future and adding station stops.

      The line is owned by Amtrak, which currently operates the service on the line, including the Vermonter.  Amtrak will continue to operate its trains and to maintain the railroad right of way.

      CTDOT Rail Administrator Carl Jackson said this program is a result of a strong partnership with Amtrak, freight railroads and the states of Vermont and Massachusetts.

Additional information on the Hartford Line may be found at www.nhhsrail.com.

The RFQ may be found at: https://www.biznet.ct.gov/SCP_Search/BidDetail.aspx?CID=34451