Accessibility
All buses have wheelchair lifts or ramps for people with disabilities to access. Also, the bus can "kneel" to lower the first step height. Please ask the operator to kneel the bus to assist you in boarding or alighting.
Most mobility devices (wheelchairs, 3-wheel scooters, and walkers) can be accommodated on the buses. Each bus has a system for securing wheelchairs. CTtransit safety policy requires a 4-point securement for all mobility devices. The lap belt is recommended for the customer´s maximum safety.
Please ask the operator to deploy the mobility access unit if you wish to use the lift or ramp to board the bus.
Senior citizens (65 years +) and persons with a qualifying disability can travel for a reduced fare at any time on CTtransit and all other bus systems operating under contract to the CTDOT.
Senior Citizens: If you have a Medicare card, you can ride for a reduced fare. Show your Medicare card to the operator when you board the bus. Your local transit provider is required to accept the Medicare card for half fare.
State of CT-issued Reduced Fare ID or Medicare card must be shown using a Senior/Disabled pass or ticket.
All trains and stations are handicapped accessible. When boarding or leaving a train in a wheelchair, back on and off so that the larger rear wheels lead. This makes it less likely that the small front wheels will get caught in the gap between the platform edge and the train. Whenever the gap or the difference in height between the train and the station is too large, ask the train crew to set a bridge plate in place to span the gap.
If you ride CTfastrak, CTfastrak Supervisors will inspect CTfastrak station platforms and CTfastrak buses. Remember to keep your pass or ticket handy, as you may be asked to show your Proof of Payment more than once during your trip. If you are riding at a reduced fare you must present proper ID and proof of payment.
You are welcome to travel on buses with your service animal. A service animal is any guide dog or signal dog individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.
A service animal (dog) is not allowed to occupy a seat on the bus. Customers with disabilities can bring their service animals (dogs) into all transit facilities. The animals (dogs) must be securely leashed for the safety of all customers.
Personal Care Attendants (PCA)—A PCA is a person who assists the eligible rider with daily life functions and assists with the ride or at the destination. The PCA does not pay a fare.
Travel Training Program
The Kennedy Center Travel Training is a nationally acclaimed program that teaches people with disabilities and seniors how to properly and safely use the local bus and rail system on a one-to-one basis throughout the state of CT. Since 1991, The Kennedy Center has successfully travel trained more than 3,000 people with cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities, aged 16-95, to use local buses and trains to access the community. There is no charge for travel training, the program is grant funded by The Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Accessible Formats
Information is available in alternative formats including but not limited to Braille, large print, audio or electronic media. Anyone requesting service information or assistance in any accessible formats may call the Customer Service Department at 860-525-9181.
Public Backed Service Expansions Now Underway!
New Bus Routes Available in New Britain, Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, and Stamford
When the public talks, CT transit listens.
In March of this year, the Connecticut Department of Transportation implemented new bus routes, now serving communities in New Britain, Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, and Stamford. These new bus routes will bolster connectivity and amplify coverage throughout central Connecticut.
“Public transit is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a lifeline that connects individuals to career opportunities, businesses to customers, and communities to growth,” said General Manager of CT transit, Thomas Stringer. “A robust public transportation system is essential for driving economic impact and supporting local businesses.”
But wait, there’s more!
This service expansion is just the beginning of a series of upcoming expansions, totaling more than $18 million, proposed by Governor Ned Lamont and supported by local legislature. These new routes will provide greater access to a broader range of employment centers and career opportunities across the region, ultimately enhancing residents' career prospects and improving their quality of life.
“This major bus service expansion is the latest effort to connect customers with critical jobs, housing, and services while expanding opportunities for Transit Oriented Development (TOD)—allowing people to live and commute with ease,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Karen Kitsis. “CTDOT is grateful for the support of Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut General Assembly, which responded to customer needs by investing in the expansion of our transit system.”
These new routes were, in part, discovered through feedback from community members, frontline transit workers, and key government officials.
Public Service by the Numbers:
- 4,300 community members surveyed online
- 36 community events across Connecticut
- 29 interviews with transit providers, councils of government, and transit district reps
- 10 customer focus groups
CTDOT’s Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan team gathered this wealth of responses. Based on insights from those we serve, they lead the initiative to develop public transportation innovations throughout the state. This energized team will continue responding to the needs of the people—the customers and supporters of public transit—and propose new paths forward.
“As Connecticut works to be a leader in delivering major new transit investments, including CTfastrak and CTrail Hartford Line, we recognize the support and input of our transit providers and customers across Connecticut,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Public Transportation Bureau Chief Benjamin Limmer. “We look forward to launching new transportation services in communities across Connecticut in the months ahead.”
home text