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

FOR RELEASE: November 27, 2017

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

Connecticut Department of Transportation Announces Additional Free Parking, Including Downtown New Britain, for CTfastrak Customers

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced the availability of additional free parking options for CTfastrak customers. CTfastrak customers can park for free in downtown New Britain at the Szczesny Garage starting Monday, November 27, and a new overflow lot has been added across the street from East Street Station in New Britain.

“The increasing popularity and use of the CTfastrak system has created a demand for additional parking,” stated CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “In order to meet that demand and to ensure that this valuable service continues to see an increase in use, the Department has been looking at several parking options and we believe we have found the best and most convenient solutions for our customers going forward.” 

The Szczesny Garage is located at 35 Bank Street and is just one block from the CTfastrak Downtown New Britain Station. There are 100 spaces allocated for CTfastrak customers who will need to show their CTfastrak ticket when exiting the parking garage in order to park for free. “The City of New Britain is proud to work with our state partners to improve the experience for all CTfastrak riders,” said New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart. “It is our hope that this additional free parking will encourage riders to make greater use of CTfastrak and visit our downtown, which is close to a world class art museum, a vibrant business district, and many other attractions.”

The overflow lot for East Street Station has 31 spaces allocated for CTfastrak customers and is located at 1360 East Street, New Britain (formerly the Dawg House restaurant).  “CTfastrak has exceeded all expectations since its inception, but we will not rest on those numbers. We will continue to improve the experience of our customer in order to attract more riders and continue the economic development that we are seeing along the corridor,” stated Richard Andreski, CTDOT Bureau Chief of Public Transportation.

CTfastrak began operations on March 28, 2015 and has experienced tremendous growth. Average ridership on CTfastrak and the New Britain to Hartford corridor has remained strong at 19,000 passenger trips per weekday. The free parking now offered in downtown New Britain is just one of the amenities of the nationally-recognized, award-winning transit system. Recently, the CTDOT installed motion-activated infrared heaters on all CTfastrak station platforms. Passengers also take advantage of real-time bus arrival displays, level boarding, and on-board and station bike racks. Many local businesses have partnered with CTfastrak to offer discounts and incentives for passengers with a valid CTfastrak fare ticket.

For information about CTfastrak, visit www.ctfastrak.com, connect via Facebook at www.facebook.com/ctfastrak or via Twitter at @ctfastrak.  Route timetables are available at www.cttransit.com under the “Services/CTfastrak” tab.