CTfastrak Expansion Study

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is planning a multi-year strategy for expanded transit service east of the Connecticut River. The end goal is an enhanced system with many of the bus rapid transit features available on CTfastrak.

Initial Study Results and Recommendations

Initial Results (April 2016) in PDF format

"CTfastrak 'East of the River' Transit Study Recommends Expansion of Local Bus Service"

Press Release from CTDOT Summarizes Initial Results of Study

About CTfastrak System Expansion

Because the region can’t wait for a full expansion of the CTfastrak system, the plan focuses first on service improvements to the existing transit system along high ridership corridors and new markets. 

A second stage of the planning effort identified physical roadway and bus stop improvements to create a bus rapid transit service using existing streets, park and ride lots and the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. This would not be an exclusive roadway for buses, but would incorporate many of the features of a bus rapid transit system. These include:

  • Attractive stations
  • Real time bus information displays
  • Fewer stops to speed up travel time
  • Free WiFi
  • Distinctive vehicles
  • Pavement treatments
  • Signal preference to improve bus travel time when on local roads

The implementation planning effort is being conducted in two stages. The plan for these enhancements were announced in September 2016, which also included a more detailed schedule of timing of the physical improvements.


What areas are included in the expansion study?

CTfastrak already includes some service east of the river on Route 121 to East Hartford and Manchester via Silver Lane. Some possible connections include: East Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor, Vernon, Tolland, Bolton, Coventry, and Mansfield (including UConn Storrs)

Expanded CTfastrak services would target the following markets:

  • Existing higher bus ridership corridors to Hartford
  • Major regional destinations, such as Buckland Hills, Pratt and Whitney, and Rentschler Field
  • Educational Institutions, such as UConn Storrs, UConn Hartford, and Goodwin College
  • Existing or new park & ride facilities
  • Through routes to take you beyond downtown Hartford without transferring
     

Will there be a CTfastrak guideway?

There are no plans to design and construct a ‘bus only’ roadway at this time, but some smaller capital improvements may be recommended as the study progresses. New routes may make use of the existing I-84/I-384 HOV lanes to improve travel times between the eastern part of the study area and Hartford. The HOV lanes would not be exclusive to buses, but would remain open to other high-occupancy vehicles exactly as they are now.

Other Downloadable Materials (PDF format)

Connecticut Receives $38.9 Million Grant from Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to Upgrade CT fastrak to All-Electric Fleet

Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto (second from the left), Governor Ned Lamont (center), and the Federal Transit Administration’s Peter Butler (farthest right) present the milestone award grant.

CT transit is excited to share that Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) recently announced a $38.9 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant to help convert our CT fastrak to an all-electric bus fleet.

“This significant investment showcases our commitment to sustainable transportation and underscores our dedication to fostering skilled professionals for the future,” said Thomas E. Stringer Jr., General Manager. We look forward to this initiative’s positive impact on our community, environment, and local economy. Thank you to the FTA and the CTDOT for their continued support.”

L to R: Peter Butler, FTA Region 1 Administrator, and Thomas E. Stringer Jr, CT transit General Manager.

This significant grant, awarded through the FTA's Low or No Emission Grant Program, will facilitate the purchase or lease of zero-emission transit buses and the necessary facility upgrades.

CT transit will use these funds to acquire 46 battery-electric buses and install 29 chargers for the fastrak bus rapid transit service. The grant will also cover the cost of installing 25 depot chargers at the Hartford facility, four on-route chargers at the CT fastrak New Britain Station, and the required electrical infrastructure. This initiative is backed by over $17 million in matching state funds and $30 million from federal formula funds.

This milestone represents a monumental leap towards Governor Lamont's objective of transitioning the entire statewide public transportation bus fleet from diesel to zero-emission models by 2035. It's a testament to our collective commitment and the potential for a greener future.

Governor Lamont.

“The new battery-electric buses and chargers will help us meet the growing demand for reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly transit options, and will greatly benefit the thousands of residents and commuters who rely on CT fastrak services every day,” said Governor Lamont. “Thank you to the Biden-Harris administration for continuing to invest in green technology that will modernize Connecticut’s public transit system and spur new economic opportunities across the state.”

Around $5.6 billion in funding has been allocated through President Joe Biden’s recently enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the replacement of thousands of public transit vehicles nationwide.

 

Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto addresses the media.

“Investing in electric buses for the CT fastrak fleet is a forward-thinking move that highlights Connecticut’s dedication to sustainability and innovation,” said Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.

CT fastrak was recently recognized as the best bus rapid transit system in the United States by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy.

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