Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/992084
94 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 2018 2018 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 94 Bus Boom From Hartford to New Britain, Connecticut's 3-year-old busway has put development on the fast track By Cara Rosner In the three years since it launched, CTfastrak has alleviated roadway congestion in the state and made travel faster and more convenient for millions of passengers. But its longest-lasting impact may prove to be the economic boom it has brought to cities and towns along its path. The bus rapid transit system, which began in March 2015, carried 15 million passengers in its first three years, and ridership has increased each year, according to the state Department of Transportation. "It's been a really positive operation," said DOT Commissioner James Redeker. "It is exceeding our [ridership] forecast for the year 2030. I would credit its success to the high-quality system that it is. It's really heavily utilized." People are drawn to the service, he added, for various reasons: buses, which run frequently, are equipped with Wi-Fi, tickets are automated, and riders can bring their bicycles aboard. CTfastrak uses a bus-only roadway for all or part of riders' trips and provides direct service to and from Waterbury, Cheshire, Southington, Bristol, Plainville, New Britain, Newington, West Hartford, Hartford and Manchester. It's integrated with the CTtransit system to make connecting with other lines and services in the state easy. As CTfastrak's popularity has grown, it continues to spur developments in towns that have bus stations, according to DOT. In particular, the location of bus stations has brought new life and uses to buildings throughout the region. Among them: Near Hartford's Parkville station, the former Hartford Rubber Works Company building at 55 Bartholomew Avenue has been redeveloped into Hands on Hartford's new headquarters, which is used for office space, job training and community events. Also, several businesses, including Hog River Brewing and business incubator reSET, have Governor Dannel Malloy cuts the ribbon on the CTfastrak project, which offers bus service on a dedicated busway. DOT Commissioner James Redeker [Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Department of Transportation] TRANSPORTATION