CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: September 20, 2013

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

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NEWS  RELEASE

2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE • P.O. BOX 317546 • NEWINGTON, CT  06131-7546

              FOR RELEASE:       UPON RECEIPT

                                                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

                                                                             OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

                                                                             TELEPHONE:  (860) 594-3060

                                                                             FAX:               (860) 594-3066

                                                                             HOME PAGE: ct.gov/dot

HARTFORD COMMUTER EXPRESS BUS SERVICE EXTENDED TO TOLLAND

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the extension of the Vernon-Hartford Commuter Express bus service to Tolland. Beginning Monday, September 23, 2013, the #17 Express Route will provide limited service from and to the Park & Ride lot immediately off I-84 Exit 68 (Route 195 Tolland/Mansfield) in Tolland. Previously the service only went as far as Exit 67 in Vernon.

Vernon will continue to be serviced as usual, but the extended service to Tolland will be added for the first six scheduled trips each morning, as well as both midday trips. The final five trips of the evening will also provide service to the Tolland Park & Ride lot. Commuter Express bus service operates on weekdays only.

“The Department is enthusiastic about the opportunity to extend service on one of our most popular Hartford Express bus service routes,” stated CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “When our existing riders were surveyed, it was evident that there was significant customer demand for this service. This extension will allow more passengers north and east of Vernon to enjoy the benefits of using public transportation to get into and out of Hartford.”

“Those of us who live in the northeast region of the state are used to not having some of the conveniences and services available in other communities,” Lt. Governor Wyman said. “This extension will address that by giving residents greater access to employment and other opportunities that will benefit both them and our economy.”

Beyond the extension of service to the Park & Ride lot in Tolland, there will very little change to the existing service or schedule. The exception is the order of the stops in the afternoon. All afternoon and evening trips will now stop in the following order: Exit 64/65, Sacred Heart Church, Exit 67, and the final stop at Exit 68. This change was necessary to make Exit 68 the final stop of the route. 

The #17 Express route is the most heavily patronized of all privately operated routes of the Hartford Express bus system. The route is operated by Collins Bus Service under contract to the CTDOT. The route primarily serves residents of Vernon, Tolland and Ellington, but surveys show that it also includes passengers from thirteen other towns, including four communities in Massachusetts.

Fares for the service are $3.05 per trip, $27.45 for a 10-ride ticket and $104.00 for a monthly pass. Upon arrival in Hartford in the morning, the express bus arrives at Central Row and then makes a loop to serve major employers in the Capitol and Asylum Hill areas. A free transfer is available upon boarding for continuing service anywhere in the Hartford local bus service area.

Customers can review the new schedule and route information online at www.cttransit.com or pick up a new schedule on the #17 Express bus.

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