The Hartford Line website provides future Hartford Line riders a taste of what to expect when the service launches in May 2018. (Dave Zajac/Record-Journal photo)

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that it has launched a new website for its upcoming passenger rail service, the CTrail Hartford Line, at hartfordline.com. The website provides future Hartford Line riders a taste of what to expect when the service launches in May 2018.

“This initial Hartford Line website offers quick and easy access to essential information, such as schedules, fares, news and events. It will offer more comprehensive information, and be fully functional when the new rail service launches in May 2018,” said Richard Andreski, CTDOT's public transportation bureau chief.

The website features a “Trip Planner” tool that allows users to review schedules and plan travel once the Hartford Line service begins next year. At this time, the Trip Planner will serve as a tool for demonstration purposes only, and users will not be able to make reservations or purchase tickets until the Hartford Line service launches.

The initial website operates on a variety of devices including mobile phones and tablets. It features Hartford Line news and a Frequently Asked Questions section that covers topics ranging from connecting service options, senior discounts, and the permitting of bicycles on trains. Additionally, the site allows users to request a CTDOT presentation about the upcoming Hartford Line rail service for their neighborhood group, workplace, or school.

Throughout the next several months, the Hartford Line website will be enhanced with additional information and features, including detailed information on connections to other local transit options; interactive, 360-degree views of the train stations that will serve the line; and milestone events as the service approaches its launch date in May 2018.

“Launch of the new Hartford Line website brings our state one step closer to providing a best-in-class transportation system to travelers,” said Commissioner James Redeker. “It showcases the benefits that the Hartford Line service will bring to communities across the state and beyond. Whether you are attending a sports game, going to school, work, or visiting family, people will be able to utilize the website's interactive trip planner, making it easy for anyone to plan their travel.”

When the Hartford Line service begins in May 2018, it will provide Connecticut travelers with fast, convenient, and reliable regional passenger rail service throughout the I-91 corridor, with connections to other regional rail service. The Hartford Line will increase weekday roundtrip rail service between New Haven and Springfield significantly, from six to 17 trips per day between New Haven and Hartford, and increasing from six to 12 trips per day between Hartford and Springfield. The expanded rail service will consist of a combination of Amtrak and CTrail trains, which will operate at speeds up to 110 mph, with an average travel time of 81 minutes between New Haven and Springfield.

For more information, visit hartfordline.com and nhhsrail.com.

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