HARTFORD — Officials have said the new trains have reached capacity Sunday afternoon and no new riders are allowed to board.
Officials tweeted that as of 1 pm today, the line exceeded available capacity and trains are only being used to get people back to original destination. They are sending buses to Hartford Union Station to relieve crowding . “No new customers will be allowed to board at this time.”
All Hartford Line train service is now being provided for people to return to their original destination. Additional trains have been added with a new train departure from New Haven to Springfield at 2:40 p.m. and a new train departure from Springfield to New Haven at 5 p.m. Buses are being dispatched to Hartford Union Station to relieve heavy crowding conditions. CTDOT is requesting that all customers making discretionary or optional trips to change their plans so there is room on trains for customers to get home.
Transportation officials said thousands of passengers took advantage of free rides being offered this weekend on a new commuter rail line linking New Haven, Hartford and Springfield, Massachusetts.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation issued an advisory on Saturday saying that because of the popularity of the service, passengers should be prepared for standing room only and some might be bumped to the next scheduled train.
On Saturday, 10,300 riders had used the service on its first day of operation.
Two bus companies are also honoring Hartford Line rail tickets this weekend and Amtrak is providing extra service between New Haven and Springfield.
Officials say the new line, with speeds reaching 110 mph, will nearly triple the number of trains that run along the Interstate 91 corridor.
