The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) recently entered into a $315 million contract with Alstom for the purchase of 60 single-level rail coach cars.
Under the agreement, Alstom will provide 60, stainless steel, 85-foot-long rail cars that will be tailored for the CTDOT and custom designed to meet Federal Railroad Administration requirements.
The rail cars will be designed for up to 24 hours of continuous operation and 1,200 miles daily and will have design life of at least 40 years.
They will include a bicycle storage area, a two-by-two seating configuration, overhead luggage racks, foldable workstation tables, and easy access for passengers using mobility aids.
“The CTDOT Office of Rail is working hard to upgrade the trip for rail customers across Connecticut,” Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “We know they want more comfortable seats, Wi-Fi access, bike storage, and ADA accessibility, and we’re taking action on those needs with steps like this…. This order is part of our ongoing capital program to purchase new rail cars and improve the customer experience.”
The first cars are expected to be delivered in 2026.
Future options for additional rail cars for passenger rail service were included in the agreement.
The purchase is part of the state’s ongoing rail car-renewal program. The cars will be used on the Hartford Line and branches of the New Haven Line.