The success of the Hartford Line, opened in June 2018, has produced an unexpected capacity problem on Amtrak’s Shuttle trains. Because Amtrak is unable to supply more cars now, this issue could continue for years and demands an urgent, creative, short term fix now to preserve and increase ridership until more cars arrive.

The solution is to allow 18 standees per car on all Amtrak Shuttles temporarily, until cars can be added.

This interim, innovative solution can be implemented quickly and safely, can increase capacity by 25 percent, and allows more CTrail and U-Pass (Student) ticket holders on Shuttles. This fix also maintains Amtrak’s policy of its ticket holders having guaranteed seats, recognizes that the Shuttle is really a commuter service, not a Regional or Long Distance one, and helps maintain rider satisfaction and patronage. Finally, this solution acknowledges Amtrak’s empathy with bumped riders and should have little effect on the comfort of riders, either seated or standing.

Unless cars are added, the capacity problem will only get worse, and more riders will unexpectedly be denied boarding on Shuttles. Now is the time for Amtrak, Connecticut, and Massachusetts to work together to implement this novel solution.

Daniel B. Peacock

The writer is a member of the Rail Passenger Association and Trains in the Valley