CTDOT Releases Proposed Fares for CTrail Hartford Line Rail Service; Launches a 35-day Public Comment Period

35-day comment period includes three public hearings scheduled for November 2017

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing the proposed fares for the upcoming CTrail Hartford Line rail service and a 35-day comment period. The Department is providing a variety of ways for the public to submit comments on the proposed fares and on the Hartford Line’s Service and Fare Equity (SAFE) Analysis. While both CTrail and Amtrak trains will comprise the 17 roundtrips along this corridor, the SAFE Analysis and proposed fares do not apply to Amtrak service operating on this rail line. Federal Transit Administration guidelines mandate that proposed public transit fare changes (including fares for new service) be evaluated for equity and do not pose a disproportionate burden on low-income populations or a disparate impact on minority populations in the public transit service area.

The release of the proposed Hartford Line fares and the SAFE Analysis marks the beginning of a 35-day comment period, which will run from October 23 through November 27, 2017. Comments may be submitted via email to dot.hartfordlinecomments@ct.gov and via US Mail to Hartford Line Comments, Bureau of Public Transportation, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, P.O. Box 317546, Newington, CT 06131-7546. The SAFE analysis, service description, proposed fares, and related information can be reviewed on the CTDOT website at www.ct.gov/dot/hartfordlinecomments.

Individuals are encouraged to provide verbal or written comment at any of the Hartford Line Fare Hearings. The Fare Hearings will feature information about the upcoming CTrail Hartford Line service, its proposed fares, and the results of the SAFE Analysis. The Hartford Line Fare Hearings will occur the week of November 13th,  at the three (3) locations listed below:

“The New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail Program has made significant construction progress, and the necessary infrastructure is set to allow the launch of the Hartford Line this coming spring,” noted CTDOT Commissioner James F. Redeker. “We are now working on preparations for the launch of Hartford Line service. We welcome public participation, invite the public to learn more and to provide their thoughts on the upcoming Hartford Line service and fares. This project is something in which we all have a stake, and is something in which I want the public to feel equal ownership.”

When Hartford Line service begins in 2018, CTrail and Amtrak will provide 17 roundtrip trains between New Haven and Hartford each weekday; 12 of these 17 roundtrips trains will continue to Springfield.  Travelers in New Haven, Wallingford, Meriden, Berlin, and Hartford will board trains every 45 minutes during the morning and evening peak hours, and approximately every 60 - 90 minutes during off-peak periods. Weekday service will begin as early as 6 AM and run as late as 11 PM, providing a convenient alternative to driving for people traveling to work, school, or for leisure throughout the corridor.

Hartford Line trains will operate at speeds up to 110 mph, reducing travel time between Springfield and New Haven from an average of 89 minutes to 81 minutes, a savings of 8 minutes. The Hartford Line will also provide direct or connecting rail service to New York City, Boston, and Vermont; and local connections to CTtransit and CTfastrak.

Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy noted, “We are committed to modernizing Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure, which had been neglected for far too long. When the CTrail Hartford Line launches, it will be a game-changer for the state. It will position Connecticut as a more attractive place for new business investment, provide transit options for our current residents and will attract new residents who don’t want to be automobile dependent. The Hartford Line service will connect with existing local bus transit and regional rail transit, and help reduce highway congestion and pollution.”

The meeting facilities are fully accessible to persons with disabilities.  Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department of Transportation at (203) 497-3374 at least 5 business days prior to the meeting.  Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS).  Language assistance is provided at no cost to the individual making the request and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.

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CTrail Hartford Line - Proposed Fares

Effective upon the launch of CTrail service in May 2018

One-Way

Ticket is good for 60 days.  Up to 4 children under age 5 are free with a fare-paying adult.  Up to 4 children ages
5-11 may ride for $1 with a fare-paying adult.

Discount One-Way

Ticket is good for 60 days. Discounts are available for senior citizens (65 and older), people with
disabilities, and individuals receiving Medicare.

Onboard One-Way

Ticket is good for 60 days. Onboard surcharge does not apply to discount-eligible passengers, step-up fares,
or customers boarding at a station without a ticket office/machine.

Weekly

Pass is good Saturday through Friday.  Non-transferable.

10-Trip

Ticket is good for 10 trips within 180 days of purchase.  Non-transferable.

Discount 10-Trip

Ticket is good for 10 trips within 180 days of purchase. Discounts are available for senior citizens (65 and older),
people with disabilities, and individuals receiving Medicare.

Monthly

Valid for unlimited rides during the calendar month.  Non-transferable.

School Monthly

Valid for calendar month of purchase. Non-transferable. Valid for students (18 and younger) travelling
to/from primary or secondary school (School ID required).  (Not valid for travel to/from College or post high school education)

UniRail Fares

Added to New Haven Line and Shore Line East fares.