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.

Public Backed Service Expansions Now Underway!

New Bus Routes Available in New Britain, Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, and Stamford

When the public talks, CT transit listens.

In March of this year, the Connecticut Department of Transportation implemented new bus routes, now serving communities in New Britain, Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, and Stamford. These new bus routes will bolster connectivity and amplify coverage throughout central Connecticut.

“Public transit is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a lifeline that connects individuals to career opportunities, businesses to customers, and communities to growth,” said General Manager of CT transit, Thomas Stringer. “A robust public transportation system is essential for driving economic impact and supporting local businesses.”

But wait, there’s more!

This service expansion is just the beginning of a series of upcoming expansions, totaling more than $18 million, proposed by Governor Ned Lamont and supported by local legislature. These new routes will provide greater access to a broader range of employment centers and career opportunities across the region, ultimately enhancing residents' career prospects and improving their quality of life.

 

“This major bus service expansion is the latest effort to connect customers with critical jobs, housing, and services while expanding opportunities for Transit Oriented Development (TOD)—allowing people to live and commute with ease,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Karen Kitsis. “CTDOT is grateful for the support of Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut General Assembly, which responded to customer needs by investing in the expansion of our transit system.”

These new routes were, in part, discovered through feedback from community members, frontline transit workers, and key government officials.

Public Service by the Numbers:

  • 4,300 community members surveyed online
  • 36 community events across Connecticut
  • 29 interviews with transit providers, councils of government, and transit district reps
  • 10 customer focus groups

CTDOT’s Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan team gathered this wealth of responses. Based on insights from those we serve, they lead the initiative to develop public transportation innovations throughout the state. This energized team will continue responding to the needs of the people—the customers and supporters of public transit—and propose new paths forward.

 

Pictured left to right: Samaia Hernandez, Alicia Leite, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Lisa Rivers, and Karen Kitsis.

“As Connecticut works to be a leader in delivering major new transit investments, including CTfastrak and CTrail Hartford Line, we recognize the support and input of our transit providers and customers across Connecticut,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Public Transportation Bureau Chief Benjamin Limmer. “We look forward to launching new transportation services in communities across Connecticut in the months ahead.” 

home text