The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has ordered sixty single-level rail coach cars from Alstom with options to build an additional 313 cars. The order forms part of CTDOT’s programme to renew the coaches on its statewide rail system.

The base order is worth around €285 million (USD $315 million), and Alstom will deliver the coaches from 2026.

The agreement between the two bodies specifies that the coaches will be fully-customised, sustainable, next-generation commuter rail cars specifically designed for North America. They will provide riders with a 125 mph commuter rail service and will be safe and comfortable.

All the coaches will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and American Public Transportation Association (APTA) requirements.

Alstom claims that the new cars will help to reduce traffic congestion along the region’s interstate roads and the will contribute to reaching Connecticut’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets. CTDOT reports that the average driver in the state spends more than forty hours per year stuck in road traffic.

Connecticut is home to the busiest commuter rail line in the USA, with its Metro-North service running over 105 miles.

The coaches will feature:

• two-by-two seating configuration with foldable tables and easy access for wheelchair users
• overhead luggage racks
• workstation tables
• wi-fi access
• real time information on upcoming stops
• power and USB access
• cybersecurity safety features
• panoramic balcony-style windows at wheeled mobility spaces.

Alstom has developed and manufactured more than 2,500 bi-level and multi-level cars and more than 1,400 single-deck cars in North America, which are in service in major cities across the United States, particularly in the northeastern region.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said, “Having a modernised transit system with safe, comfortable, and convenient access to work, homes and fun is essential to attracting the kind of businesses and workforce talent we need to grow good-paying jobs and remain economically competitive. Connecticut is the home of the busiest rail line in the nation, and the purchase of these new rail cars continues our efforts to deliver better and more reliable service for commuters.”

The state’s Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said, “The CTDOT Office of Rail is working hard to upgrade the trip for rail customers across Connecticut. 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. We’re pleased to partner with Alstom on the order of this next generation of rail cars. This order is part of our ongoing capital program to purchase new rail cars and improve the customer experience.”

Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, said, “We are proud to be a part of this exciting new chapter for CTDOT and the people of Connecticut. We look forward to further building upon our relationship with CTDOT by providing extensive expertise ranging from passenger ergonomics, experience, and comfort to operational considerations and optimized maintenance practices for years to come.”