Policies

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) owns and operates rail stations and adjacent parking facilities (“Rail Facilities”) throughout the State. To provide a safe, clean, and welcoming environment, visitors to Rail Facilities must follow this Code of Conduct.
The Following Activities And Conduct Are Prohibited At The Rail Facility

1. Littering, creating unsanitary conditions, or engaging in acts of vandalism or graffiti. Shirts and footwear are required.
2. Engaging in abusive, belligerent, threatening, harassing, or dangerous behavior, or obscene language or action.
3. Panhandling or soliciting money donations.
4. Sleeping or laying down in any part of the station, except at times of mass transportation failure causing delays.
5. Occupying a designated passenger area unless a ticketed passenger or accompanying a ticketed passenger. All persons are subject to providing a valid ticket upon request by authorized security or police personnel.
6. Consuming cannabis, smoking, vaping, or using a controlled substance, except pursuant to a valid prescription. Alcohol consumption is prohibited except in designated areas.
7. Blocking or impeding safe access to any area, entering, or attempting to enter any area to which public access is limited or restricted.
8. Entering the Rail Facility with any animal other than a service animal or an animal permitted for onboard travel. All permitted animals must be on a leash or in a travel carrier.
9. Engaging in any commercial activity or interfering with the commercial activities of Rail Facility lessees or tenants.
10. Operating any unauthorized vehicle, equipment, machinery, apparatus, or device that may interfere with the use of the Rail Facility.
11. Illegally possessing a firearm or dangerous weapon.
12. Possessing hazardous chemicals or substances, including fuel or flammable liquids.
13. Distributing written materials, goods, products, or food, solicitating signatures related to charitable, religious, or political causes, or engaging in artistic performance or public speaking, unless prior permission has been received.
14. Placing baggage or personal items on seats or benches or leaving baggage unattended at any time. Any unattended baggage is subject to search and removal.

Violating the Code of Conduct may result in a verbal warning by law enforcement, the Rail Facility manager or on-site security. Failure to comply with a verbal warning may result in an order by law enforcement to leave the property. Failure to comply with an order to leave may result in a charge for criminal trespass in the first degree, pursuant to Section 53a-107 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and other applicable charges.

• Please be courteous of your fellow customers.
• Do not block or hold seats with your belongings.
• Help to keep our stations and trains clean by properly disposing of trash and recyclables.
• Headsets are required when using audio devices.

All Hartford Line Stations are accessible to persons with disabilities. At Springfield, Windsor Locks, and Windsor, a lift is available to assist persons with mobility impairments that are unable to step up or down. Train personnel will assist in boarding and de-training.

Restroom facilities are available on board all CTrail Hartford Line trains. In most cases CTrail Hartford Line trains restrooms do meet current accessibility standards and accommodate most types of wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Amtrak Hartford Line trains offer accessible restrooms.

Fully accessible restroom facilities are also available at the following stations: New Haven Union Station, Hartford Union Station, and Springfield Union Station.

Trained Service Dogs assisting people with disabilities are permitted without restriction on CTrail Hartford Line trains. Please note that Amtrak has specific requirements for Service Dogs riding on Amtrak trains. Please see Amtrak.com for more information, or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Pets are permitted to ride CTrail Hartford Line trains with the following restrictions.

• All pets are required to be transported in a closed, well-ventilated, pet-safe carrier.
• The maximum size for pet carriers is 19″ long x 14″ wide x 10.5″ high.
• Maximum weight of pet with carrier is 20 pounds. Non-service animals over 20 pounds are not permitted.
• The carrier may be hard or soft sided but must be leak proof.
• Pet owners must also be mindful of other customers, and ensure their pets do not occupy empty seats.
• Please note when bringing your pet on all Amtrak trains there are specific reservation and fee requirements. Please see Amtrak.com for more information or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Smoking and the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (vapes, e-cigarettes, vape pens, e-hookahs) is prohibited on all Amtrak and CTrail trains, in station buildings, and on platforms.

CTrail Hartford Line:

• Items able to be safely carried and stored by customers are permitted on-board. Items likely to cause safety hazards or inconvenience to fellow customers or crew are not permitted.

 

Amtrak Hartford Line:

• Review the Amtrak baggage policy before your trip to ensure that you are packing within the guidelines.

Bicycle policies vary between CTrail Hartford Line trains and Amtrak trains operated on the CTrail Hartford Line. Please check the schedule prior to travel to determine if you are planning to travel on a CTrail Hartford Line train or an Amtrak Hartford Line train, and refer to the bicycle policies below:

CTrail Hartford Line Trains

The CTrail Hartford Line permits the following types of bicycles onboard all CTrail Hartford Line trains based on space availability:

• Standard Bicycles: Under direction of the conductor, customers must load and stow bicycles in designated bicycle storage areas.
• Collapsible and Folding Bicycles: Customers must fold up collapsible and folding bicycles prior to boarding. Collapsible and folding bicycles may only be stored in luggage storage areas at the end of the car or under a seat and may not be stored in overhead racks.

Amtrak Hartford Line Trains

Amtrak trains have different requirements for bicycles.

Customers who wish to bring a bicycle on an Amtrak Hartford Line train will need to purchase their ticket through the Amtrak reservation center and add a bike to their reservation.

Visit here for more information on Amtrak’s bicycle policy.

Bicycle Racks

Bicycle racks are available at all stations except Windsor and Windsor Locks.

Bicycle lockers are available at Hartford Union Station (in the Spruce Street Parking Lot, on the west side of the station) and New Haven Union Station.

All items found on CTrail Hartford Line trains will be returned to the New Haven Union Station CTrail Customer Service Office. The Customer Service office can be reached by calling 1-877-CTrides (1-877-287-4337) or email info@ctrides.com.