Amtrak, ConnDOT restore Hartford-Springfield trains

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Amtrak has restored its Hartford Line service to pre-COVID levels, the passenger railroad announced this week.

Seven total trains will return, including two weekday trains, one Saturday train and four Sunday trains.

Amtrak said it anticipates increased demand on the line, one also served by the Connecticut Department of Transportation's CTrail Hartford Line.

"With the help of our partners at CTDOT and MassDOT, Amtrak is proud to restore service levels of the Amtrak Hartford Line," Amtrak President and CEO Stephen Gardner said in a news release. "Whether you're traveling for work or leisure, residents and visitors now have more options for exploring New England, visiting friends and family and having a more productive and sustainable commute."

The new schedule has 29 weekday trains each day between New Haven and Springfield, with nine available on Saturdays and 12 on Sundays.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, welcomed the expansion during a Tuesday afternoon news conference with Gov. Charlie Baker to talk about east-west rail. That service, which is years in the future, would also be provided by Amtrak, Baker and Neal said.

Amtrak has shown an interest in expanding its service in the Northeast, including expanded Boston-Springfield-Pittsfield-Albany service as part of its 15-year, $75 billion strategic plan.

Neal, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, championed the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes $66 billion for Amtrak nationwide and $2.5 billion for public transit in Massachusetts.

Amtrak will also expand its Ethan Allen route as far north as Burlington, Vermont, starting in July. The route runs through Albany, not Springfield.

Earlier this week, Amtrak and Massachusetts transportation officials announced expanded rail service from New York City to Pittsfield via the Hudson River line and Albany-Rensselaer in New York. The Berkshire Flyer will provide Friday and Sunday service on summer weekends beginning July 8 and again in summer 2023 over CSX-owned rails.

Link to article HERE.

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