Alstom & CTDOT Unveil New Commuter Rail Car Mock-up for Connecticut

Alstom unveils new **commuter rail cars** mock-up for Connecticut, a key milestone for 60 new coaches. These enhancements will modernize the **rail** network.

November 25, 2025 8:42 am

Alstom and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) have officially unveiled a full-size mock-up of the state’s forthcoming single-level commuter rail cars at Union Station in New Haven. This significant unveiling marks a pivotal milestone in Alstom’s program to deliver 60 advanced new coaches designed to enhance Connecticut’s rail network and passenger experience.

Key Entity	Critical Detail
Main Company	Alstom
Collaborating Agency	Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT)
Core Action	Unveiling of full-size commuter rail car mock-up; 60 new single-level coaches ordered.
Location	Union Station, New Haven, Connecticut
Order Value	Not disclosed (60-vehicle order)
Timeline	Mock-up public tours: 25 November – 6 January; First deliveries expected: late 2026.

The meticulously crafted wooden mock-up, representing half of a single-level coach interior, offers a tangible preview of the new rolling stock. Visitors can explore the proposed seating arrangements, material finishes, and crucial accessibility features, including a dedicated wheelchair-accessible lavatory. This interactive exhibit is open to the public at Union Station’s East Lot on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7–9 a.m. and 3–5 p.m., from November 25 to January 6, ensuring full ADA accessibility.

Strategic Impact and Fleet Modernization

CTDOT placed the significant 60-vehicle order with Alstom in August 2023, a strategic move aimed at both expanding the state’s rail fleet capacity and phasing out older rolling stock dating back to the 1990s. These new coaches are slated to primarily serve the vital Hartford Line, a core commuter corridor connecting New Haven with Springfield, Massachusetts. The introduction of this modern fleet is anticipated to support projected ridership growth, significantly improve service quality, and bolster the overall competitiveness of this critical rail corridor.

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Technical Specifications and Passenger Amenities

The new coaches are engineered for modern commuter demands, featuring comfortable two-by-two seating configurations, convenient laptop tables, and expansive panoramic windows designed to enhance the passenger journey. A comprehensive suite of power outlets and USB charging points will ensure passengers remain connected, while additional amenities like overhead luggage racks and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, strollers, and bicycles underscore the focus on passenger convenience and versatility. Designed for operations at speeds up to 110 mph (177 km/h), these vehicles will proudly display the orange, white, and black livery of CTrail, Connecticut’s state-run rail service brand.

Industry Context

The introduction of these new Alstom Adessia coaches underscores a broader trend in the North American rail industry towards fleet modernization and enhanced passenger experience, driven by increasing ridership demands and environmental sustainability goals. Alstom’s Adessia portfolio, with over 40,000 vehicles sold globally, represents a proven solution for urban and regional transit. As one of the largest rolling stock and rail services suppliers in the U.S., Alstom’s involvement, including its current work on Amtrak’s NextGen Acela fleet, positions this Connecticut project as a key indicator of future advancements in passenger rail technology and service delivery across the continent. This development is crucial for rail operators and manufacturers focused on efficiency, capacity, and passenger satisfaction as they plan for the evolving landscape of intercity and commuter travel.