The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) in the US has selected a consultant team to assist the department with planning for the future of the New Haven Line and the complete statewide rail system.
The programme intends to improve the performance of the state’s railway system and is part of the Governor of Connecticut Dannel Malloy's wider 'Let’s Go CT!' $100bn transportation initiative, which is set to run for the next 30 years.
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CTDOT commissioner James Redeker said: “This critically important initiative marks the beginning of a new era in the state's rail system, moving us from the traditional commuter business model to a dynamic, interconnected transit network.
“Customers and business leaders are demanding these new services, which will unleash the true economic potential of Connecticut's communities.”
The consultant team will include experts from organisations such as Aecom, Parsons Brinckerhoff and STV.
The initial stage of the project will see a strategy developed to improve the capacity, frequency and speed of rail services on the New Haven Line.
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By GlobalDataLocal trains will run on two outer tracks, while express trains will operate on the two inner tracks under the line's new '2+2' arrangement.
The team will devise an optimised strategy to achieve key performance targets for the rail system, including the creation of a direct service to New York Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal.
CTDOT bureau public transportation chief Richard Andreski said: “With the opening of the Hartford Line next year, we have an opportunity to take a fresh look at rail service across the state, to rethink schedules, fares, branding and other operational details.
“It will soon be possible to travel with ease between Hartford and the state's major cities along the coast.”
The team will study various concepts and alternatives for future train service and potential investment requirements, in order to provide recommendations for future rail car and locomotive purchases, which will be completed next year.
CTDOT, as well as the Governor and the General Assembly will then be responsible for the final purchase decisions after assessing the results of the study.
