CTfastrak

New Britain and Hartford, Connecticut

As one of the nation’s largest bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, CTfastrak is easing the daily commute for thousands of existing and new transit riders in this Central Connecticut corridor.  The region’s first dedicated mass transit system in more than 50 years provides an efficient connection to employment, healthcare facilities, shopping/entertainment destinations, educational institutions and businesses in the corridor.

Michael Baker served as project manager for the design, construction and operational implementation of CTfastrak, a nine-and-a-half-mile bus-only roadway that is aimed at reducing congestion along Interstate 84 in central Connecticut. Designed for speed and efficiency, the system maintains ten bus stations which provide platform-level boarding, ‘real time’ bus arrival informational signage, sheltered waiting areas, bicycle racks, ticket vending machines for pre-boarding fare purchases and pre-board platform validators for riders using the bus system Smartcard payment option.  

Michael Baker also managed a comprehensive public outreach campaign that included a construction community liaison program implemented to mitigate construction impacts for residents and businesses. Our team also led an extensive public relations, branding, social media, marketing and community outreach campaign to target potential riders and educate the corridor communities on the benefits of a BRT system in the region.

Project challenges included addressing a shared right-of-way with Amtrak, relocation of utilities, intelligent transportation system application, station area development and coordination among project stakeholders.

Now completed, CTfastrak provides Central Connecticut residents greater access to downtown Hartford and suburban employment centers. The flexibility of busway operation allows the transit system to respond more effectively to changing ridership demand and future development within the entire corridor. The system was designed to improve the speed, reliability, and convenience of bus service; enhance mobility; and promote a healthy environment.