Touting it as Connecticut”™s first major transit project to commence under his administration, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy broke ground on the CTfastrak bus line that will provide rapid service between New Britain and Hartford.
The state will reference public transportation projects under the CTrides slogan going forward.
“For years, Connecticut public transit has languished,” Malloy said, in a written statement. “Outdated systems and antiquated infrastructure have slowed travelers, commuters, and commerce. With the investment in bus rapid transit, putting new railcars in service in southern Connecticut, and moving forward to build interstate higher speed rail, we are well on our way to turning the page on years of neglect.”
CTfastrak is being constructed on an abandoned railroad corridor from New Britain to Hartford”™s Union Station alongside the active Amtrak rail right-of-way, with 11 stations planned. Buses will operate from 4:30 a.m. to the following 1:30 a.m, including at intervals as tight as three minutes at peak rush hour.
The federal government will cover $455 million of the $567 million project cost, with the remaining $112 million funded by the state.  An estimated 4,000 construction jobs and at least 100 permanent jobs will result.
