As a Hartford resident, my biggest complaint is that the last train North out of New Haven on a Saturday is 730p. It would be really nice to be able to spend a evening in New Haven and take the train back home.

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

That's brutal. And looking at the timetable, there's a later train on Sundays but not Saturdays? That makes no sense whatsoever. Hopefully they fix that.

@kl6361

Жыл бұрын

BRUTAL MORE LIKE Kill idiot

110 mph is also the speed limit for the P42s, regardless of grade separation or crossing barriers.

This corridor is probably one that needs the new Siemens locomotives. The acceleration of Chargers would really make them shine here.

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

I would assume Amtrak is already looking into getting new rolling stock for the line as a part of their fleet modernization program. That being said, I could also see them running older equipment on the line, as it’s still a “shuttle” service and thus a lower priority.

@mirzaahmed6589

Ай бұрын

It wouldn't make a huge difference on a 62-mile run from NHV to SPG.

Love seeing Amtrak and Regional or State-level transportation departments working together so well. There's a lesson that other states can learn here without a doubt. Combined they create a much better service (and pretty damn fast too)

Honestly as a European some of these things you mention are... really surprising... Like that US passengers supposedly only get up from their seats after the train has already stopped. This would be a death sentence for missing your stop in Europe. Here many trains, including long distance trains, only stop for as little as 20-40 seconds at a station. But the Hartford line overall looks neat. It definitely seems to be on par with European intercity lines. Like if Amtrak had ordered the IC3 Flexliners in the 90's, I could totally see them being the backbone of this route.

@mirzaahmed6589

7 ай бұрын

He never said that. Most people get up a minute or two early. Officially you are not allowed to be in the vestibule while the train is in motion, but most conductors turn a blind eye. You can also just wait near the end of the cars without going into the vestibule.

@drdewott9154

7 ай бұрын

@@mirzaahmed6589 ... why would you not be allowed to be in the vestibule while a train is in motion, that just sounds like an awful rule that makes the experience worse for both passengers and the crew.

@stevetalkstoomuch

3 ай бұрын

@@drdewott9154 You can traverse the vestibules between cars when the train is in motion but they don't want a crowd gathering in the vestibules right before a stop since people still need to get between cars, and in case the train makes any sudden or jerky movements while stopping.

I use the Hartford Line very frequently as a student at UNH to get half away home. It’s super reliable and although I prefer the Amtrak trains, the CT Rail ones are comfortable too

@ScottPalmer-mp1we

11 ай бұрын

I ride it quite a bit as well. I take Amtrak/CT rail to NH and then Metro North to Milford to see my daughter. I also take it visit a good church in Wallingford sometimes.

2:44 Also something to note is that I believe the first few rows of seats on the ex-metroliner cab car are blocked off. At least that was the case when I rode on one on the keystone corridor.

A major problem on the Hartford line is "closed" cars, or should I say lazy train staff. I travel this route now and then with a bicycle and often the bike rack end of the car, or the car with the bike rack is closed. This is more of a CT Rail problem, as Amtrak only has space for one bike on this route. I wish you had shown inside Hartford Union, or gone all the way to Springfield and shown that station, Springfield is a really good looking station.

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

Don’t worry, I’ll show Hartford and later Springfield in future videos. I decided to segment this journey so I could experience both Amtrak and CT rail’s versions of Hartford Line trains.

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

Also, I asked our crew about the closed cab car, and they mentioned something about “repairs being done,” which made no sense. If they’re doing repairs, then why is even in service? Definitely inconvenient, especially to passengers traveling with bikes like you mentioned.

One thing great about CT Rail is that I can pay cash on the train. Today, I was in Wallingford and heard the train horn blow (northbound). I just didn't have time to get a ticket even though I tried. The train rushed in and I was so glad it was CT Rail (I do like Amtrak also!). I high-tailed it down the platform and hopped on and paid in cash. It was great! I take Amtrak/CT Rail from Meriden to Wallingford and back quite a bit.

@andrestyles4

Ай бұрын

That’s not even far

Used to live on that Corredor and ride those trains a decent amount. I never knew that they were up to speed on that was 110. I thought it was only a 90 mile an hour track.

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, it's one of those higher speed lines that just goes under the radar because people often think of it as a commuter corridor with a top speed of 79.

@shsav2012

Жыл бұрын

@@LonestarTrips wonder how knew that must’ve been then because first rode that section of track in June 2001 most recent ride was probably 2017 Also, that section of track has a really weird regional Once a week (Saturday) there’s a northeast regional train that runs through from Springfield, Massachusetts to Roanoke, Virginia

If you want to experience more Amtrak trains going over 100 mph outside of the NEC, come out to Michigan and try out the Wolverine or Blue Water!

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

I definitely want to! Michigan has some great high frequency services.

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

@@jackchen7003 I’m planning on heading down to Florida when Brightline Orlando officially opens to be on one of their first trains!

@tylerkochman1007

Жыл бұрын

@@jackchen7003 they said Amtrak though

As always I love how you spend the appropriate amount of time at the station, tracks, and other details of the trip like the speed and schedules.

Great video! In a couple of weeks, I will be riding the Hartford Line and Valley Flyer routes in their entirety. I’m also planning to ride the unique equipment move from Springfield to Greenfield, which is a revenue train on weekends, and I believe it’s Amtrak’s shortest regularly scheduled service. Hopefully I’ll get the regular Amfleet and Metroliner cab car consist without the sandwiched locomotives.

Very well done !

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

Why thank you!

So, I do know that CTRails rolling stock is only rated for 79 mph, compared to the Amfleets 110 mph. However, CT recently had a RFP close in January for new rail cars that are rated for up to 125 mph, which hopefully means the Mafersa coaches will be replaced in future (going to guess Siemens). I think I remember reading somewhere in CTs rail plan to run trains all the way to grand Central from the Hartford Line, but don’t quote me on that as I don’t know for a fact. Overall, the line definitely needs electrification and full double tracking, but I am really excited for the future of the line!

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

I really hope those coaches come through! Higher speed on CT rail trains would be awesome, and would fit in perfectly with their recent addition of M8 EMUs on the SLE.

@mirzaahmed6589

Жыл бұрын

Really? Why don't they just go for DMUs (Stadler FLIRT or similar) for the Hartford Line and Danbury and Waterbury branches? Direct service to GCT is unlikely.

@CTrail1711

Жыл бұрын

@@mirzaahmed6589 The plan is for the Amtrak trains to be the through services and have a discounted commuter through tickets for Hartford Line passengers with funding coming from CT and was part of the 2022 budget.

@CTrail1711

Жыл бұрын

I don't see anything from the last two years with new information about Mafersa replacements.

@gregorygrice

Жыл бұрын

CTDOT's Mafersa coaches are rated for 90mph. There is only one 110mph section, so there is virtually no time difference between Amtrak and CTrail trains.

11:00 That bus looks pretty different

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

😂

Most awesome vid!!!!!

Excellent report! My only nitpick is that in Berlin CT is pronounced BURR-lin, with the stress on the first syllable. There's an urban legend that the name was changed during the first World War so that people wouldn't confuse it with Berlin, Germany, but in fact it was pronounced in this way long before that.

CTrail: We own this line. We have the CTrail logo in the hartford line logo! Amtrak: Nah, we have operated this line before you.

Both and that's because some of the ctrail locos were P40DCs.

Either or with both those two different sibling train services that are technically the SAME service, at least the Hartford Line overall has pretty decent service frequencies, DEFINITELY more frequent than Shore Line East.

It is indeed strange to have two different names of train service with each of their given fleets sharing fares and territory, with both the CTRail Hartford Line and Amtrak NH-Springfield Shuttle basically looking different but are really the EXACT SAME service. Even though some of the Hartford Line service along this line is findable on Amtrak's site and the same AMfleet of Amtrak is normal to be operating along this territory, this sort of however leads to the only regular Amtrak services to operate this line being the Northeast Regional, Valley Flyer, and Vermonter.

Liker 300! This is AMAZING!

Nice video! You should ride trains in Canada soon!

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

I will! I’m planning my round of major travel for this summer, and a lot of it focuses on Canada!

@EthanRailfan_YT

Жыл бұрын

@@LonestarTrips Nice

At Hartford Union Station, Are there any buses or shuttles that take people to Bradley international airport in Connecticut?

@stevetalkstoomuch

3 ай бұрын

Yes there is a Bradley Express bus route from Hartford Station. But once the new Windsor Locks station is completed, it will have frequent bus shuttle service to the airport.

Hartford Union looks so miserable. I hope the city and the rail companies can fix it up, and return additional platforms to use. Seeing the state of the trackwork there was a bit sad.😢

@ScottPalmer-mp1we

11 ай бұрын

The problem is that the railroad (probably Conrail or Penn Central) single-tracked the line through Hartford. From what I understand, double tracking that section would be extremely expensive. I don't think the station itself looks too bad.

@mirzaahmed6589

7 ай бұрын

@@ScottPalmer-mp1we the station is a dump. It's a sad little waiting room with a Subway and Greyhound ticket window. Hardly appropriate for a state capital.

@ScottPalmer-mp1we

7 ай бұрын

New Haven is a lot nicer, in fact, other than the floor needing some work, I find NH to be a highly attractive station.@@mirzaahmed6589

When is the VIRM Video coming out

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

Ideally next week Wednesday.

Why does Amtrak operate sandwich P42s on this line?

The tickets are interchangeable and the Amtrak cars are noticeably faster and higher quality

I’ll be taking the new London to Hartford ct train for the first time. A bit nervous because I’m no sure if the train go over tall bridges which I’m nervous about. Also since it goes 110mph does it feel like a roller coaster feeling?

@LonestarTrips

4 ай бұрын

The ride is smooth and relaxing, hardly anything like a roller coaster. And the bridges are safe and structurally sound, so nothing to worry about.

@lamarwilliams3540

4 ай бұрын

@@LonestarTrips sounds good, so for the bridges part. Is it like the ones on the highway like for example the ones in New York those tall ones that goes over water?

@LonestarTrips

4 ай бұрын

They’re longer ones that go over water. They’re not very high though.

@lamarwilliams3540

4 ай бұрын

@@LonestarTrips yikes 😳 okay do you know, how high and how long. Do you if it has any pictures I can look up to see it. My apologies for asking I just have anxiety and if i know how many bridges and how it looks that would literally calm my anxiety.

I like New Haven Union Station too, just don't be around there too late at night I'd say. As is apparent, the benches aren't just for waiting passengers in practice.

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, even while I was there at midday it was still a little dicey. Yeah it’s a pretty station with benches, but unfortunately a lot of the space is used by homeless people.

@ScottPalmer-mp1we

Жыл бұрын

I think it is quite an attractive station. I haven't seen any problem with homeless people being there, but its been awhile. The latest I've been at the station was to catch the Valley Flyer (maybe around 8:45).

Is there freight traffic on that route? That tends to limit speeds for Amtrak.

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

I don't believe so? Don't quote me on it, though.

@mirzaahmed6589

Жыл бұрын

Very little. Connecticut Southern Railroad, a CSX subsidiary, has trackage rights. There is not much freight movement, though, and it hasn't really affected CTrail service these last five years.

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

@@mirzaahmed6589 That's what I had originally thought. I couldn't remember if any of the class 1s had track rights on it, and the subsidiary explains why I couldn't figure it out.

@rbjplay13

Жыл бұрын

@@LonestarTrips Yes! There's the main freight yard immediately north of Hartford for CSOR. They run their main train, CSO-4, once a day (weekdays only) from Hartford north to West Springfield, MA and back a couple hours later, CSO-5 from Hartford to Suffield, CT and back a couple hours later, and CSO-3 from Hartford south to Berlin/Wallingford and back a couple hours after. Then there's also CSO-1 which runs the entire line from West Springfield, MA to the Cedar Hill yard in New Haven, CT in the middle of the night and back. Pan Am Southern (now the Genesee & Wyoming Berkshire and Eastern) runs a train a few times a week from Plainville (Berlin, CT) north through Springfield, MA to East Deerfield, PLED and EDPL. But the Amtrak dispatchers on the line give right of way to passenger 100% of the time so you wouldn't notice the freight movements.

@grommit700

Жыл бұрын

There is a single track at Hartford union station. This is a bottle neck on the line. The original layout was for 4 tracks but since the 90's it has been single. It's time to make it double to allow more trains.

Please ride on the Amtrak coast starlight from Seattle to los angles in bedroom

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

My plans for this summer include a ride from LA to Seattle, so it's coming!

@kl6361

Жыл бұрын

Shit I want you to ride on it right now from Seattle to la your making me feel sad 😔

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

@@kl6361 Trust me, I would love to drop everything and go travel, but unfortunately travel is expensive, and I have prior commitments outside of KZread that prevent me from doing so.

@kl6361

Жыл бұрын

Fuck i don’t give a shit

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

@@kl6361 Do you want to pay for it? Cause if not, it's gonna have to wait.

A lot of stairs to walk up with baggage for this old man

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

Fortunately, there are elevators to track level at both Hartford and New Haven.

In CT, Berlin isn't pronounced like that. The emphasis is on Ber and not lin. Ber ln.

My father worked for the New York New Haven and hartford Rairoad When my father retied he retiredd from the Pennsylvania Railroad They had marged together I may live here Dallas today but my heart is not here I love the Cape Cod area But I came south for the money

Thought you'd ride CT Rail's own train, not the Amtrak train that accepts CT tickets.

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

I did both, just saving that one for another video.

I really hope they electrify this line… it could really benefit from EMU’s

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. Whether it be EMUs or electric locomotives, electrification would really take it to the next level.

@zurielcastillo5071

Жыл бұрын

@@LonestarTrips just curious, why is electric better? Aside from being better for the environment.

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

@@zurielcastillo5071 Outside of emissions, electric trains can stop and accelerate quicker than conventional locomotives, which can save a lot of time when stops are frequent. It also means it takes less time for them to reach their top speed, which decreases journey times even further. Electric trains are quieter than diesels, which means less noise for residents near the tracks. They are also more efficient, and thus more cost effective, but the barrier to entry of full electrification is often too much for many railways.

Today is not Saturday

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

And neither is it Wednesday….

@willgibson9718

Жыл бұрын

@@LonestarTrips what is the new video on Saturday can we make a video about Vermonter to Springfield from new haven?

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

@@willgibson9718 Saturday’s video will be a ride on the MBTA’s Providence line from Boston to Providence, with a pit stop at Canton Junction to enjoy some trains.

@willgibson9718

Жыл бұрын

@@LonestarTrips can you make a video about the Vermonter to Springfield ma from new haven union station?

5:08 Note: Pronunciation of Quinnipiac is QUINN-A-PEE-ACK not QUIN-NIP-E-ACK.

@LonestarTrips

Жыл бұрын

Sure.

@mirzaahmed6589

Жыл бұрын

It's definitely not -A-PEE-ACK. I lived in CT for years and no one pronounces it like that. The stress is on the P, but the vowel sound before it is definitely a short I, not A.