I was on the first run of the day, eastbound #1600 at 4:50 AM
this is a huge leap forward for SLE and I'm very disappointed CTDOT didn't make a much bigger deal about it. They've had more PR about the electric bus rollout, which while great and useful, the inside is still the same. This is completely new rolling stock. IMO they should've done free rides like they did with the opening of the Hartford Line.
The M8s run much,
much better on the Shore Line than on the New Haven Line. No rattling, squeaking, or jolting, especially at the coupling of married pairs. The windows are larger and clearer, bringing in tons more natural light, and the bathrooms are a world apart, even if the M8 bathrooms aren't the best. High speed was 90, though I've heard it may be raised to 100. #1600 is an express that arrived 13 minutes early! The schedule allows for leaving up to 5 minutes early at each intermediate stop eastbound. I really hope they tighten up the schedules soon. I imagine gains of 10-15 minutes
on each run!
I know Amtrak has summer track work going on and the third track (track 6) in New London isn't electrified so two runs in the schedule just from Old Saybrook (penultimate stop) to New London are bustituted for the time being. Unsure why they didn't do this work after 20 years of the line being electrified and 10 years with rolling stock capable of the voltage and frequency on the Shore Line. Nonetheless, the M8s can only service high-level platforms as they don't have traps, so there is no longer confusion of where to board a certain track, just which track as there are no displays. At least it's staffed by Amtrak with a waiting room and small cafe and they make announcements for both carriers. High-level platforms are also a big step for accessibility, though due to the curved platforms there is a larger gap than usual. At least the M8s have a permanent gap "helper" (doesn't close the gap but makes it more manageable).
It is very nice to see the wildlife hang out closer to the ROW and not fly away due to the noise of the diesel engine. The rolling stock change has made it IMO the most scenic and pleasant line in CT. The Waterbury Branch runs along the Naugatuck River which is also nice, but it's slow and diesel. The Shore Line runs through mostly wetlands, so less noise and air pollution in those areas is very welcome. The M8s are also incredibly good at regenerative braking, meaning brake dust pollution isn't nearly as much of a factor as well. The control cab just has one lever. Center is neutral, up is power, down is brake. The computer does the rest, including determining how much braking should be done by reversing the electric motors (much smoother, quieter, and sends energy back to the grid) or traditional brake shoes.
Just an interesting note: it seems it takes a little longer (just a few seconds more) for the propulsion and HEP to come back after a dead spot than it does on the New Haven Line. I heard the pantograph may have to be lowered and raised at each dead spot, so maybe that has something to do with it. Or dealing with a different voltage & frequency. Either way, the batteries onboard work just as well as on the New Haven Line, so propulsion levels are kept the same through the dead section.
All in all, a great step for rail in Connecticut. IMO it's currently the quiet leader in electrified rail in the United States, and for decently-run (though expensive) frequent commuter rail/regional rail. This may change with Caltrain's electrification with their newer rolling stock, but it's only one line. There are only a few low-level platforms left in the state: on the Danbury Branch, Waterbury Branch, Windsor Locks on the Hartford Line, and certain platforms in Springfield, which is huge! A study to electrify the rest of the lines in CT
will be underway soon.
