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.
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.”
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