posted
I will be making a little loop to visit Hartford CT soon: Empire Service down to NYC, then Vermonter to Hartford, returning with a shuttle bus to Springfield, Mass, where I'll connect with the Boston leg of the Lakeshore Ltd westbound to Albany, NY. I have a couple of questions for those of you in the know:
1. It's been years since I've taken the train to New England out of NYC. What's the best side to sit on leaving Manhattan? What are the highlights between NYC and NEw Haven that you most recommend?
2. I've never been on the train from New Haven to Hartford. Anything exciting in that stretch? (Why do I think not?) Does it matter where I sit?
3. I see the Vermonter has business class. Shall I use my coupon to upgrade to it? Is it worth bothering?
4. Anyone know anything about the shuttle service from Hartford to Springfield? Will I be comfortable enough? And what will it be like to make a transfer in Springfield on a Sunday? I suspect downtown will be kind of deserted. Is the station manned? Will there be other passengers doing the same on a Sunday?
5. Any tips on the Lakeshore Ltd between Springfield and Albany? Is it usually on time for this part? I'm excited about doing this part of the trip--I've never been across the Berkshires on the train. I couldn't do it the other way, though--for one obvious reason--it's almost never on time eastbound, coming from Chicago!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
The stretch between NYC and New Haven is not what one would describe as scenic. The tracks, which are shared between Amtrak and the Metro North Commuter Railroad, pass through the mostly industrial areas of the towns and cities along the way. I'd say sit on whatever side the sun won't be in your eyes. Also, don't judge Connecticut from what you see out of the train window. Fairfield County is one of the richest areas in the US. It really is a nice place to live. It might also be noted that this stretch of track is one of the highest grade tracks in the country, as it is built to accomodate the Amtrak Acela Express.
Posts: 133 | From: Canaan, CT | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
Couple of quick answers to part of your query.
Yes downtown Springfield is pretty deserted on a Sunday afternoon. Station is in safe part of town.The station is manned (usually 3 or 4 Amtrak employees). There is an indoor waiting room, rest rooms, vending machines (no in station coffee shop.)
Train is usually on time or within 10 minutes going in direction to Albany.I enjoy both sides of the train on this segment. Lovely brook runs along side of train and it switches sides many times.
Not sure what you mean by shuttle service from Hartford to Springfield. If you mean the Greyhound or Peter Pan bus -- no problem both are more than comfortable for the quick trip. (About 30 -40 minutes.) Bus station in Springfield is about a two block walk from the train station and one I have done many times. If it is an Amtrak shuttle it would drop you at the station. (However I am unaware of any Amtrak shuttle.)
I confess I have never paid much attention to the trip between New Haven and Hartford - but remember the area is essentially my back yard. Every time I have taken that stretch it has been at the end of a trip and usually late in the evening.
Dee
Posts: 460 | From: North Central CT | Registered: May 2004
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In reference to your questions, The shuttle service, assuming you mean the Amtrak NHV-SPG, are basically 2 car trains consisting of an amfleet coach and a cab car.
Regarding the Vermonter business class, it depends what you are looking for. It is the 15 seat section with the 2/1 seating behind the cafe car. It is generally sold out. The rest of the train runs fairly full as well except for Tues/Wed. Comp. non alcoholic beverages included.
Posts: 332 | From: Long Island, NY USA | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
Thanks for all the useful info. That is great news that the shuttle is a train, I was expecting a bus!
I thought there was some interesting scenery on departing NYC for New England. The Hellgate area or something? (It's been many years since I've done that and it was at night, so I don't remember much) Would sitting on the right also be best for that?
Thanks all, again.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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You want to be on the left side of the train leaving Penn Station. You'll have a panoramic view of the New York skyline as the track climbs toward the Hell Gate Bridge. This is probably the scenic highlight of the trip.
At New Rochelle Junction, not far north of the Hell Gate Bridge, you'll join the MNR tracks from Grand Central. You'll be aware of this because there is a 15 MPH (!) speed limit.
Beyond New Rochelle, try to sit on the right side of the train. You'll have glimpses of Long Island Sound and some nice neighborhoods at various points.
The "shuttle" is indeed a two-car Amtrak train. You'll have some views of the Connecticut River, but I don't remember any remarkable scenery between New Haven and Springfield.
The Hartford train station has been nicely restored. The Springfield station is an ex-baggage room under the tracks, and there's not much to be said for it. But the ride west over the Berkshires to Albany is really nice.
Posts: 614 | From: Merchantville, NJ. USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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Thanks, rresor. Which side should I sit on to see the glimpses on the CT river from Hartford to Springfield?
Also, does anyone know, is the Vermonter usually on time arriving in Hartford?
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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I use the Springfield station several times a year. It is not an old baggage room under the tracks. Apparantly it has been a very long time since you have been there.
posted
Reference the OTP for the Vermonter, due to 15 min. l/o in NYP and 20 min for engine change in NHV, the NB Vermonter is rarely late into HFD.
Posts: 332 | From: Long Island, NY USA | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
As has been said above, the LSL Boston Section is usually about on time at Springfield, except on rare occasions. The route through the Berkshires is scenic, though you don't have the expansive views seen farther west. Upon leaving Springfield, the train crosses the Connecticut River, then follows the Westfield River upstream, later shifting to the West Branch of the Westfield River. You will pass through several very small towns, like Russell, Huntington, Chester and Becket. If you're lucky you can spot some of the abandoned stone arch bridges of the original line off to the right. One is just beyond milepost 129. The first railroad here was built under the direction of George Whistler, father of the famous artist.
The summit of the climb is in the town of Washington, one of the smallest in the state. You do not see the town center. There's a long flat, swampy stretch. You may notice a blue sign marking the summit with the elevation noted. It's between mileposts 138 and 139. Then the route descends along the Housatonic Valley into Pittsfield.
After Pittsfield, the tracks swing south, eventually brushing along the Berkshire Section of the New York Thruway. The so-called State Line Tunnel is shortly after this (it's not on the state line). If you're on the right side, you can see the abandoned north bore as you approach the tunnel.
The route swings north again, then south to pass through Chatham. Then it's north again to Albany. The new station at Albany just opened two or three years ago.
Posts: 127 | From: Worcester, Massachusetts | Registered: Jan 2007
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Thank you all so much for the info. Bob, I just loved reading all those details about the Springfield-to-Albany leg. I am really looking forward to this little trip now, esp that part of it. I will let you all know how it goes.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
Here are a few more things that came to mind: Some of the details I gave you come from a route guide used for an excursion trip run by the Mass. Bay Railroad Enthusiasts several years ago. Also from my study of USGS topographic maps of the route.
I'm not sure which is the best side to sit on. If I remember correctly, the mile marker posts are on the right (north).
There is a rail junction just after mile marker 187. The freight line branches off to the left toward the Selkirk railyards. After that you will enter a rather bumpy section of track until Albany. This is the Post Road branch. It is only used by Amtrak. The tracks were actually removed when Amtrak was created in 1971. When Boston service was restored in 1975, the trains first followed the freight route and made a complex back-up move to Albany. Then the Post Road Branch was completely rebuilt and re-opened for passenger trains in 1980. I'm not sure what has led to its uneven ride. While on this section, watch for farms where buffalo are raised (unusual in the east).
The Boston Section of the LSL offers Business Class. My wife and have usually opted for this in recent years. It doesn't cost much more. However, I'm not sure if it's really worth it except for elderly folks like us (in our 70's). Business Class seats are in one-half of the cafe car. You are allowed one free drink (non-alcoholic) and a newspaper. I prefer Business Class on the Surfliner in California, where you can get packaged pastries in the morning and a large snack-pack in the afternoon. Nicer cars too and unlimited juices or coffee.
I was interested in comparing Dee's description of the Springfield Station with that of Worcester. We have ONE Amtrak employee and the window is only staffed Monday through Friday. It doesn't even open daily until about 11:00AM. This in spite of the fact that Worcester is larger than Springfield and the station is a beautifully re-built edifice from the early 1900's. Most people I talk with here are unaware that you can board a long-distance train in the city!
We were scheduled to begin another cross-country trip on April 9, but now my wife has undergone unexpected surgery and I've had to cancel a trip for the first time since we started riding Amtrak around 1986.
Posts: 127 | From: Worcester, Massachusetts | Registered: Jan 2007
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Thank you so much for the rest of this info. I'm sorry to hear about your wife's surgery. I too had to cancel a trip for the first time due to surgery this winter. Hopefully hers will have gone as well as mine and you will both be back on track again soon.
I guess one main reason so many people in Worcester don't know about the train is that it's only for very long distance eastbound (a distance only a certain segment of the population is interested in) since it is so unreliable, timewise, in that direction. I wonder if a Buffalo to Boston train that ran more reasonably on time (were that possible) would do well? I for one know two people who would use it, one who takes a bus to and from Worcester all the time and another who lives in Rochester and drives to Boston often. I suppose the declining population in western NY (what a difference from the boom days of the Erie Canal) is a factor to consider. But even if there were just an Albany to Boston train, that would be something. As it is now, I always fear the line will close entirely, and Amtrak will make New Englanders go home on the Lakeshore Ltd via NYC (or use the Capitol Ltd). Have the Massachusetts Bay Rail Enthusiasts tried to do much drumming up for support of another daily train on the route?
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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