CT's Future Commuter Rail

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The long-discussed CT Commuter rail should be ready to roll by early 2018. It promises to connect New Haven to Springfield, spurring economic development and easing congestion on 91 N/S. In some ways, this commuter rail fits in with future plan many political leaders have in CT, in that it is focused on transportation and centered around urban areas. While I wouldn't consider Wallingford, CT, for example, to be an urban area, in the context of the state it really is. The town features a sizable, walk able downtown, industrial base, population over 40,000. As CT looks to divert resources from the rich suburbs to cities and large towns, it not only seeks to level the playing field in terms of essential services (namely education and community programs) but encourage residents to live in more condensed spaces that have access to public transportation. In a way, the new commuter rail will fit into that vision. 
Hey! The NH/H/S line won't be the only one! Existing/soon to be existing commuter lines in CT. We've got Metro North (to NYC) and Shore Line East (runs east of New Haven along the shore). 
And how about the future? See below. Some have suggested that the best location for a rail line in CT would cut through the middle of the state much like 84 E/W does. This would improve connectivity to Boston, since we already have it to New York via Metro North in New Haven. 



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