My thoughts about the Hartford line.
Equipment:
As many on this board have said, the equipment is terrible and would actually turn people off from using the train (except if it was a regular Amtrak train).
Connecticut claims they are broke but I seem to pay more and more income/sales tax so I don't know where that money is going. Need to cut spending on non-investment expenditures that are giveaways.
The equipment breakdowns are probably responsible for delayed trains.
Need to take legal action against ADA since some people may get sick. The rule that the toilets are closed because not everyone can use them is disgusting. A blind person can't get a drivers license so perhaps everyone else should not be allowed to drive. People would help someone in a wheelchair if needed so they can't use that as an excuse.
Infrastructure:
From Oakwood Ave in W. Hartford south to New Haven, this is excellent and the three new stations are gems. Single track in Hartford and the fact that I84 rebuild will limit progress is a concern. Need to connect in Windsor prior to Sept and get ticket machines into those locations. Could the raised platforms that were used for Devon transfer be a temporary fix in those two locations?
Also, when will the second track from Oakwood Ave to Parkville be open and used?
Idea - if this does not interfere with the I 84 rebuild, add the second track to Sigourney street and build a temp station (raised platforms like was used for Devon with a wood ramp to the Fast track station).
Use the siding at the Hartford Courant as a layup track. (may need to extend) This would cost money but perhaps not too much and while it is a cheap solution, the 28-30 year old coaches are also a cheap solution. Run hourly (30 minutes during peak) to New Haven. Need equipment and who knows where that (physical and $'s) will come from.
Schedule:
Need to have an organized schedule. Every 2 hours at 10 past the hour. Something like Metro North.
Safety:
Aside from high speed on old coaches, Amtrak conductors started to open the door near Berlin while the train was moving and on the track side (not the platform side) because they had no clue where they were. This is disgusting and I am concerned people will get hurt. This was on Saturday when we had the crowds. About 5:30 to 6pm.
Summary:
When I was in New Haven, an old M2 train set was in the yard. The Hartford line cars make the M2's look good.
Probably will take 5-10 years to get things right. Money fixes everything but I have no idea where my tax money is going.