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cost commute, said McGee.
Indeed, more people are in
search of an urban, community-
based lifestyle with a smaller car-
bon footprint, said Sullivan.
"Connecticut has to offer that if
we're going to compete," Sullivan said.
Central Connecticut will soon
provide that option as well. DOT
is in the early stages of construct-
ing the $365 million New Haven-
Hartford-Springfield rail line. The
service, also known as the Hartford
Line, will consist of both expanded
Amtrak service and new regional
trains operated by the DOT with
about 25 daily trains running in
each direction by 2030.
"You have to think about the
future of the economy and not just
be reactive," said Redeker. "I funda-
mentally believe in the power of rail
and its ability to change the game."
The first stretch of the line is
scheduled to begin running in late
2016, with new stations in West Hart-
ford, Newington, Enfield, and North
Haven and upgraded stations in Ber-
lin, Meriden, and Wallingford. These
towns are already feeling the econom-
ic impact, with a surge of residential
projects and new local businesses.
"To have an advantage going
forward, we have to invest in transit
to keep and attract talent. This
investment has a long-term payoff,
but it requires a long-term vision,"
said Sullivan "It's a critical piece in
the state's future."
