It all depends on money, and unfortunately CT is broke.
If Amtrak would get its act together and stop dragging their feet about finishing the necessary work for Shore Line East to run the M8s, yes, the Shoreliners could (and were supposed to a while ago) go to the Hartford Line. Sidings need to be electrified and station upgrades need to be completed at Madison and Clinton first, though, but couldn't they start testing the M8s as soon as electrification is finished? Of course Amtrak doesn't want to get them certified, and CT claims the M8s are needed on the New Haven Line, which is true, but Shore Line East is sooo bad right now, even CT's own DOT admitted that it's a "wreck".
If Amtrak would get its act together and stop dragging their feet about finishing the necessary work for Shore Line East to run the M8s, yes, the Shoreliners could (and were supposed to a while ago) go to the Hartford Line. Sidings need to be electrified and station upgrades need to be completed at Madison and Clinton first, though, but couldn't they start testing the M8s as soon as electrification is finished? Of course Amtrak doesn't want to get them certified, and CT claims the M8s are needed on the New Haven Line, which is true, but Shore Line East is sooo bad right now, even CT's own DOT admitted that it's a "wreck".