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

FOR RELEASE: September 26, 2013

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

POPULAR DOWNTOWN HARTFORD SHUTTLE REBRANDED

      The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that the popular free downtown Hartford circulator bus formerly known as the Star Shuttle was renamed "dash."

      The rebranded service was showcased at an event on Thursday, September 26, 2013, in front of the Connecticut Convention Center. After the event the bright orange dash bus went for an inaugural run welcoming passengers along the way to view the new look. In addition to the newly branded bus, updated signs will be installed in downtown Hartford at the various stops.

      “The Star Shuttle has been a very popular free service that enabled residents, employees and tourists to connect to the many destinations in downtown Hartford,” stated CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “The revised look and name will further promote this valuable asset so more people can take advantage of this free service.”

      Regular dash shuttle service operates every weekday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., departing every 15 minutes from the Connecticut Convention Center. During major events in downtown Hartford, schedule enhancements may include later evening service on weekdays, as well as service on Saturdays and Sundays. When enhanced service is available, it is announced on the CTTRANSIT website and Facebook page.

      Since the free shuttle began operating in September, 2005, nearly 727,700 passengers have used the bus to enjoy dining in downtown restaurants, travel from hotels to the Convention Center, and explore attractions such as the CT Science Center and Bushnell Park. The free dash service also offers convenient connections to both the Bradley Flyer bus and to regular CTTRANSIT bus service. 

The dash shuttle is a service of the Connecticut Department of Transportation and is operated by CTTRANSIT. More information can be found at www.cttransit.com, and a map of the route is located online at www.cttransit.com/PDFs/dash_map_online.pdf.