Services
CTtransit is the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT)-owned bus service.
Service Types
Local
Local bus routes make frequent stops, typically every 2 to 3 blocks, linking neighborhoods with urban centers and providing connections within and between communities. Although individual trips on some local buses operated in a limited- or skip-stop fashion, local bus routes primarily serve city streets and may also operate into malls, hospitals or shopping centers.
Flyer
Flyer bus routes are local routes that provide limited-stop service at all times, often by using highways, HOV lanes or busways for part of their route. Flyer bus routes offer somewhat faster service than their local counterparts for at no additional charge.
Bus Rapid Transit
CTfastrak bus routes are local routes that provide limited-stop service and operate primarily on HOV lanes or busways. Bus Rapid Transit routes offer significantly faster service than local routes and feature off-board fare collection (customers pre-pay their fare before boarding the bus at stations).
Express
Express bus routes are long-distance services that link cities or connect suburbs with regional urban centers. Express bus routes make very few stops and operate non-stop over long distances. As a result, express bus routes charge distance-based fares.
Connector
Connector bus routes offer peak-hour weekday bus service connecting rail stations to central business areas. Buses are timed to meet certain CT Rail New Haven Line operated by Metro-North, CTrail Shore Line East and Amtrak trains at the station. Connector bus routes hold for connecting trains to allow customers to make more reliable connections to nearby destinations that are not within walking distance of the train station.
Shuttle
Shuttle bus routes are short-distance services, usually operating in the downtown area, designed to bring customers closer to their destination. Shuttle bus routes operate free of charge, without the hassle of having to obtain a paper transfer or re-swipe their bus pass.
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