Connecticut DOT proposes fares for new CTrail Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) yesterday unveiled proposed fares for the upcoming CTrail Hartford Line between New Haven, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts.

A one-way trip between the two cities would cost $12.75, while a trip from New Haven to Hartford, Connecticut, would be $8.

Buying on-board tickets for the New Haven-Springfield trip would cost $15.75, according to a press release issued by CTDOT.

The Hartford Line is slated to begin serving passengers in May 2018. When service begins, CTrail and Amtrak will provide 17 roundtrip trains between New Haven and Hartford each day. Twelve of those 17 roundtrips will continue into Springfield.

Hartford Line trains will operate at speeds up to 110 mph.

"When the CTrail Hartford Line launches, it will be a game-changer for the state," said Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy. "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."

CTDOT has launched a 35-day period to gather feedback on the proposed fares. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines require that public transit fare changes — including fares for new service — be evaluated for equity, CTDOT officials said.

Also under FTA rules, fares must not pose a disproportionate burden on low-income residents or cause a disparate impact on minority populations in the service area.

A full list of the proposed fares can be found here.