CTfastrak's Role As A Top Transit System Now Woven Into The "Fabric" Of Most Central Connecticut Communities

After eight months of Bus Rapid Transit operations throughout central Connecticut communities -- including Hartford, West Hartford, Newington, New Britain, Bristol, Manchester, East Hartford, Southington and Cheshire -- CTfastrak has emerged successfully as a strong transportation option for residents living and business professionals working in the region.

From the popular CTfastrak route 101 bus service that runs in between Hartford to New Britain every 10 minutes or so to the CTfastrak route 128 bus service that operates to Westfarms Mall, CTfastrak is now carrying, as an average, over 16,000 riders every weekday to popular neighborhood and city destinations. Yes, there’s even a popular CTfastrak route 121 bus service going to the booming UConn Health campus in Farmington.

“CTfastrak has turned out to be a great ‘people moving’ transportation system. Even the choice of color of the bright green buses makes it easy to use. Because CTfastrak operates seven days a week and up to 21 hours a day most days, people see it and use it like our very own subway system. It’s fast and efficient ,” said James Verano, owner of Black Eyed Sally’s Restaurant in Hartford, CT. “We’re seeing people and business professionals from points all around the region visit Hartford because of CTfastrak. I think they just need to try it once to see how easy and friendly this new transit system can be.”

“We’re now seeing increasing foot traffic into our business, and that is at least partially due to CTfastrak. I really believe people in the surrounding towns are starting to see the advantages of just stepping onto a bus and relaxing a little on the way to their destination. We are located near Panera and the Sports Authority in Farmington where the CTfastrak Route 121 passes right by,” said Joel Roffer, owner, Roffer Eye Care in Farmington.

Located directly across from the CTfastrak Elmwood Station at the corner of New Britain Avenue and New Park Avenue in West Hartford, The Corner Pug Restaurant is perfectly situated as an unofficial stop for transit riders and their guests. “Even before CTfastrak began operations during the construction process, I’ve seen improvements made to our Elmwood neighborhood. As a result of those changes, more and more people are making Elmwood a destination for dining, recreation and living,” said Chris Foley, manager of the Corner Pug Restaurant in Elmwood. “From business lunches to family weekend dinners, CTfastrak has brought us new customers. And the new CTfastrak Rewards Program is a win-win for riders and businesses alike.”

“As the head of a major arts and events organization, I welcomed CTfastrak from its first day. Open Studio promotes arts events throughout central Connecticut and the CTfastrak transit network fits perfectly with the location of our art gallery and art venues,” said Cynthia Bulaong, director of Open Studio in Hartford. Open Studio this year has over 30 art venues welcoming thousands of people. It’s important for the success of Open Studio to attract visitors from all areas of Connecticut. Already, I know we’ve had people from Meriden and New Haven drive to the convenient CTfastrak Cedar Street Station right off of Rt. 9 and take CTfastrak into Hartford.”

“Yes, I believe communities are now welcoming CTfastrak’s role as a viable transportation option for work or play. It’s dependable, affordable and easy to use. From UConn sporting events at the XL Center in Hartford to dining at Blue Back Square in West Hartford to visiting the new wing at the New Britain Museum of American Art, CTfastrak is a great way to go -- wherever you are heading in central Connecticut,” said Gerry Amodio, director of the New Britain Downtown District.

CTfastrak Bus Rapid Transit system provides direct service to and from Waterbury, Cheshire, Southington, Bristol, Plainville, New Britain, Newington, West Hartford, Hartford, East Hartford and Manchester with routes that take advantage of the bus-only CTfastrak roadway. The CTfastrak system offers a one-seat, no-transfer ride to many major regional employment, education, shopping and healthcare destinations as well as connections to the New Haven Line-Waterbury branch rail in Waterbury and Amtrak service in Hartford. A new 4.5 mile multi-use trail was built parallel to the CTfastrak bus-only roadway from New Britain to Newington Junction. A recently launched benefits program that offers riders discounts or bonuses at area businesses called CTfastrak Rewards is also available.

For information about CTfastrak, visit www.ctfastrak.com, connect via Facebook at www.facebook.com/ctfastrak or via Twitter at @ctfastrak. Route timetables are available at www.cttransit.com under the “Schedules/CTfastrak” tab and the latest CTfastrak Rewards information is available at www.ctfastrak.com/rewards.