Announces Massive Bus Service Expansion Beginning March 10

 

New Bus Routes Serving New Britain, Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, Stamford start this Sunday

 

(NEWINGTON, CT)— The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced new bus routes throughout Central Connecticut and Stamford are beginning Sunday, March 10. The new routes are in direct response to input from customers, employees, students, and stakeholders throughout Connecticut.

 

CTtransit will operate four new bus routes serving New Britain, Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, and Stamford. This also extends paratransit service under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to new portions of Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, and Darien. Additionally, bus service in greater New Britain and around Bristol will operate more frequently at night.

 

This service expansion is part of a larger package of bus service expansions, totaling more than $18 million, that was proposed by Governor Ned Lamont and supported by the legislature in the biennial budget. New routes will increase connectivity and improve frequency and service throughout Central Connecticut and improve service to Tunxis Community College and the Berlin Rail Station. The expansion introduces a new bus route connecting Plainville Center and Queen Street in Southington. These new routes target employment, education and training opportunities in Bristol, Berlin, and Meriden and at industrial parks along the Berlin Turnpike.

 

Furthermore, CTtransit will operate a new crosstown route in Stamford between the Springdale and Cove communities. This new 349 route will improve service and travel time by eliminating the need for a transfer at the Stamford Transportation Center.

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

For a complete list of new bus routes and services, click here. To learn more about future bus expansion projects, click here.

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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