Accessibility

All buses have wheelchair lifts or ramps for people with disabilities to access. Also, the bus can "kneel" to lower the first step height. Please ask the operator to kneel the bus to assist you in boarding or alighting.

Most mobility devices (wheelchairs, 3-wheel scooters, and walkers) can be accommodated on the buses. Each bus has a system for securing wheelchairs. CTtransit safety policy requires a 4-point securement for all mobility devices. The lap belt is recommended for the customer´s maximum safety.

Please ask the operator to deploy the mobility access unit if you wish to use the lift or ramp to board the bus.

Senior citizens (65 years +) and persons with a qualifying disability can travel for a reduced fare at any time on CTtransit and all other bus systems operating under contract to the CTDOT.

Senior Citizens: If you have a Medicare card, you can ride for a reduced fare. Show your Medicare card to the operator when you board the bus. Your local transit provider is required to accept the Medicare card for half fare.

State of CT-issued Reduced Fare ID or Medicare card must be shown using a Senior/Disabled pass or ticket.

All trains and stations are handicapped accessible. When boarding or leaving a train in a wheelchair, back on and off so that the larger rear wheels lead. This makes it less likely that the small front wheels will get caught in the gap between the platform edge and the train. Whenever the gap or the difference in height between the train and the station is too large, ask the train crew to set a bridge plate in place to span the gap.

If you ride CTfastrak, CTfastrak Supervisors will inspect CTfastrak station platforms and CTfastrak buses. Remember to keep your pass or ticket handy, as you may be asked to show your Proof of Payment more than once during your trip. If you are riding at a reduced fare you must present proper ID and proof of payment.

You are welcome to travel on buses with your service animal. A service animal is any guide dog or signal dog individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.

A service animal (dog) is not allowed to occupy a seat on the bus. Customers with disabilities can bring their service animals (dogs) into all transit facilities. The animals (dogs) must be securely leashed for the safety of all customers.

Personal Care Attendants (PCA)—A PCA is a person who assists the eligible rider with daily life functions and assists with the ride or at the destination. The PCA does not pay a fare.

Travel Training Program

The Kennedy Center Travel Training is a nationally acclaimed program that teaches people with disabilities and seniors how to properly and safely use the local bus and rail system on a one-to-one basis throughout the state of CT. Since 1991, The Kennedy Center has successfully travel trained more than 3,000 people with cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities, aged 16-95, to use local buses and trains to access the community. There is no charge for travel training, the program is grant funded by The Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Accessible Formats

Information is available in alternative formats including but not limited to Braille, large print, audio or electronic media. Anyone requesting service information or assistance in any accessible formats may call the Customer Service Department at 860-525-9181. 

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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