Alstom and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) have unveiled a life-sized prototype of the state’s next-generation commuter rail cars at Union Station in New Haven. The wooden mock-up, which represents one half of a coach, includes seating, finishes, and a wheelchair-accessible lavatory, offering visitors a hands-on preview of the new fleet. The prototype will be open for tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m., from 25 November until 6 January, in the ADA-accessible East Lot.

CTDOT placed an order with Alstom in August 2023 for 60 single-level passenger coaches, intended to expand the state’s fleet and replace older cars, some dating back to the 1990s. The new coaches will primarily serve the Hartford Line, connecting New Haven and Springfield, MA.

Scott Sherin, Chief U.S. Commercial Officer for Alstom, said:

“We are proud to share the work of our expert engineers and designers and give Connecticut rail riders a glimpse of their future. These new passenger coaches will provide many years of fast and reliable service, reduce traffic congestion along highways, and help the state achieve its 2030 emissions targets.”

CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto added:

“We’re thrilled to give Connecticut riders a hands-on preview of our future rail cars. This prototype makes clear our commitment to rail travel that’s modern and accessible, designed around today’s riders and their need for comfort, ADA access, and thoughtful amenities.”

The new coaches will offer two-by-two seating with laptop tables, extra-wide windows, power outlets, and USB charging ports. Overhead luggage racks, along with dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes, are also included. The cars will operate at speeds of up to 110 mph (177 km/h), and the first units are expected to arrive in late 2026 featuring the orange, white, and black CTrail branding.

The Hartford Line, introduced by CTDOT in 2018, complements Amtrak service along the Interstate 91 corridor, providing commuters with a reliable, sustainable alternative to driving. Alstom’s single-level coaches are part of its Adessia commuter rail portfolio, which includes both single- and double-deck designs that can operate as push-pull coaches or self-propelled electric vehicles. Globally, Alstom has delivered more than 40,000 Adessia vehicles, carrying over 20 million passengers daily.

Alstom has been a key provider of rolling stock and rail services across the U.S., delivering more than 12,000 new or refurbished vehicles to major cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and New Jersey. The company also manufactures Amtrak’s NextGen Acela high-speed trains, contributing significantly to the capacity and quality of passenger rail transportation nationwide.

Image: Alstom