Amtrak may have competition for running new train service from New Haven to Springfield.
Rather than simply asking Amtrak to expand its existing service along the same tracks, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who has begun a tough reelection campaign, Wednesday announced that he’s issuing a request for proposals from companies looking to run new commuter service from New Haven through Hartford up to Springfield beginning in 2016.
The plan is to enable commuters to pick up trains every half hour during morning and evening rush hours, hourly during the rest of the day, at the following stations: New Haven, Wallingford, Meriden, Berlin, Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks and Springfield. The state envisions the trains traveling at up to 110 miles per hour, making it from one end of the line to the other in 73 minutes.
In this letter Tuesday to Amtrak’s CEO, state transportation chief James Redeker did encourage the company to enter the competition.
Click here to read a release from Malloy’s office with more details.
I am in favor of any organization that can make this a reality as fast as possible. Including organizations from countries where trains are substantially more advanced and efficient than in the US!
--New Haven to Hartford commuter