CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: September 13, 2013

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

CTDOT Launches Redesigned CTfastrak.com User-friendly Website Built for Connecticut's First Bus Rapid Transit System

      The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today the launch of the redesigned CTfastrak website offering residents a fresh look, new framework and user-friendly options to learn more about Connecticut's first bus rapid transit system.

      "The new CT fastrak website was created with Connecticut residents and future CTfastrak riders in mind.  As we transition from construction to operation and service phases, CTDOT needs to update residents about Connecticut's first bus rapid transit system that is scheduled to begin operations in early 2015," said Transportation Commissioner James Redeker.

      By visiting www.ctfastrak.com , the new website offers residents the latest information about the advantages of bus rapid transit, special features of CTfastrak , a close-up look at the CTfastrak transit stations and the bus routing throughout the system, including the Hartford "loop" which will distribute riders directly to many downtown destinations. The website also has photos, social media links, construction updates and news about the transit system.

      "CTfastrak has the potential to be a game changer for a lot of people living in this corridor – providing a viable public transit alternative to help people get to work, school, shopping and entertainment without having to rely on a car.  Our goal was to communicate this more effectively with the new CTfastrak website," said Michael Sanders, CTDOT Transit Administrator.

About CTfastrak
      The CT fastrak dedicated bus guideway is being constructed on an abandoned railroad corridor from New Britain to Newington Junction, and alongside the active Amtrak railroad right of way from Newington Junction to Hartford's Union Station, allowing buses to bypass some of the most congested portions of Interstate 84 west of Hartford. CTfastrak service will feature frequent shuttle, express and feeder routes that directly access the dedicated guideway. Service will connect with all existing local CTtransit bus routes in the New Britain, Hartford and Waterbury areas and with Amtrak service in Hartford and Metro-North Waterbury Branch rail service in Waterbury. The CTfastrak system will benefit a large geographic area and provide a one-seat, no transfer ride to many regional employment, shopping and healthcare destinations.  Buses will operate from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. The CTfastrak transit project will open for service in early 2015.  A new five mile multi-use trail between New Britain and Newington is also being built along the guideway for pedestrians and cyclists.

For general information about CTfastrak , visit www.ctfastrak.com. For the most recent project updates and discussions, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ctfastrak or follow us on Twitter @ctfastrak.