Bikes on Board

All CTtransit buses have bike racks. Buses can carry a maximum of two bikes, on a “first-come, first served” basis. Only single seat, two-wheeled bikes will fit in the racks. Combining bike riding with the bus is a great way to relieve traffic congestion while you keep fit and save money.

Collapsible personal vehicles, such as collapsible bicycles, and e-scooters are permitted to be transported onboard the bus. They must be folded, secured by the vehicle owner, and stored out of aisles and exits. They may not be transported in the mobility device securement area. Non-collapsible personal vehicles are not permitted. Gasoline-powered personal vehicles, such as mopeds, are also prohibited.

At the bus stop

  • Be prepared for the arrival of the bus. Be off your bike so the bus operator will recognize you are waiting for the bus.
  • Bikes are only permitted on the exterior bike racks. If the bike rack on the approaching bus is full, you must wait for the next bus.
  • Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop.
  • Let the bus operator know you will be loading a bike, and keep in the operator’s sight.

When loading your bike (Exterior Loading)

  • When approaching or leaving the bus, be aware of the bus operator’s blind spots and avoid them. As a word of caution, areas behind the wheels on both sides are blind spots outside the range of the operator’s mirrors.

  • For your safety, do not step into traffic.
  • It is the policy of CTtransit that bus operators cannot leave the bus or help load and unload bicycles.
  • Once loaded and secured with the support arm, the bike is held firmly in place and you are ready to board the bus.

Safety

Operators may decline to transport bicycles that impede their safe operation of the bus.

  • It is the policy of CTtransit that bus operators may decline to transport bicycles that obscure the clear view through the windshield, or impede their safe operation of the bus. 
  • Bicycles are transported at the owner’s risk. CTtransit is not responsible for damage to improperly secured bicycles, loss due to theft, or bicycles forgotten by owners.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • You may use a personal bike lock to secure your bicycle to the rack.

When you reach your destination

  • Remember to take your bike! Inform the bus operator that you will be unloading your bicycle.
  • If there are no other bikes in the rack, please fold up the rack when you have removed your bicycle.
  • Wait until the bus moves away from the stop before getting on your bike.

CTfastrak Customers

Boarding the bus

Board the CTfastrak bus at the door marked with a bicycle symbol

  • Once other passengers have entered the bus, board the bus with your bike at the rear door marked with a bicycle symbol.
  • Keep your bike on your left side as you board.  The platforms at the station are designed to match the height of the bus floor. If you are boarding where there isn’t a platform lift up the front wheel of your bike to roll it onto the bus. Regardless of whether you are boarding from the road or a platform, stand on the right side of your bike and keep your bike on your left side when entering through the door of the bus with the bicycle symbol.

Place your bike in the bike rack (Interior Loading)

  • Place your bike into the bike rack by either rolling it in or lifting it  in.
  • On the wall adjacent to the bike rack is a securement strap. Reach back and secure the strap around the frame of your bike. Secure the strap to the Velcro.
  • Do not block the aisle or steps.
  • If you haven’t paid a fare proceed to the front of the bus and pay your fare at the farebox. If you have valid proof of payment, there is no need to use the farebox, enjoy your ride!

Exiting the bus with your bike

  • At the end of your ride, remove the securement strap off the frame of your bike.
  • As a courtesy pull the stop request cord to alert the bus operator that you will be unloading your bicycle.
  • Allow passengers around you to exit. Roll or lift your bike off the bus onto the station platform, road or sidewalk.  

Each CTfastrak station has bicycle racks if you choose to park your bike instead.

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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