Multi-Use Trail
A five mile multi-use trail runs along the CTfastrak bus-only roadway connecting the Downtown New Britain Station and the Newington Junction Station. Pedestrians and cyclists may use the trail to get to a CTfastrak station or simply for recreation.
The paved trail is 10 feet wide and separated from the roadway by a fence. A short section of the trail travels along East Street in New Britain due to an underpass that is too narrow to accommodate both the roadway and the trail. The trail rejoins the CTfastrak roadway at East Street Station.
Like all multi-use trails, it is open from dawn to dusk and is not cleared of snow, ice or leaves. However, sections of the trail that provide pedestrian access from local neighborhoods to stations will be kept clear. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the multi-use trail. Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed and under their owner’s control at all times, and owners must clean up after them.
At Newington Junction, the CTfastrak bus-only road meets up with and operates alongside Amtrak. The corridor narrows here so the multi-use trail ends at Newington Junction Station. The Capitol Region Council of Governments and CTDOT are working together to extend the trail from Newington Junction to Hartford along alternate routes.
Pedestrian Access Beyond the Stations
Although pedestrian access beyond the immediate station areas is beyond the scope of the project, CTDOT is working with regional planning organizations and municipalities to prioritize pedestrian access improvements in the CTfastrak communities. You should see additional connections being made as new projects are built in the station areas. For example, as part of the construction of a new campus police station, CCSU will build a sidewalk to connect the campus to the Cedar Street station sidewalks.
Security Features
The stations have been designed incorporating the principles of "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" (CPTED). This is a design approach that deters criminal behavior by designing safer station areas with improved visibility and a more open feel. In concert with this, the stations incorporate the use of video cameras and “blue light” call boxes. Additionally, stations have lighting along the sidewalks, parking lots and platforms.
The CTfastrak Multi-Use Trail is similar to other trails of its kind throughout the State; lighting and security features are not part of these types of recreational facilities, as they are intended for dawn to dusk use.
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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