Ticket vending machines have been installed at the Meriden, Wallingford, and Hartford train stations for CTrail service, which is scheduled to begin in May. 

The machines will allow passengers to purchase tickets for the Hartford Line, which will have nine stops between New Haven and Springfield. 

John Bernick, assistant rail administrator of the state Department of Transportation, said the machines will activate for the start of service, but will remain covered to avoid confusion until then.

He said passengers will also be able to use the machines to purchase tickets for continuing trips on Metro-North Railroad. 

For now, the machines are the only way to purchase train tickets, although Bernick said they are working on other solutions. 

“(The machines are) the primary way right now,” Bernick said. Another option may include “a more modern, state-of-the-art mobile ticketing solution.” 

Bernick said each station will likely have at least two machines on each side of the platform and inside at most locations as well. 

Acting Meriden City Manager Ken Morgan said the city is excited for the rail service to launch. 

“We’re thinking that it's going to bring some people to the city, to the downtown,” Morgan said. “We’re just excited to get the project done and see our businesses benefit.”

Fare prices can be found online at Hartfordline.com.

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