The CTfastrak bus system will soon have access east of the Connecticut River through a $6.5 million investment made by the state.
This expansion is happening just three months after the bus service launched. In a few months, riders will be able to hop on the bus in East Hartford and Manchester.
“That’s why today I’m announcing that our budget will expand Connecticut Fastrak Service all the way to Manchester,” Said Gov. Dannell Malloy.
The newest additions to Fastrak – stops in East Hartford, Manchester and maybe even beyond.
They join nine other towns in central Connecticut Governor Malloy says will benefit from the transit service.
“East of the river service would extend access to those employed at Pratt, Whitney and Goodwin college in addition to many large and small employers in those two towns,” Said Malloy.
Fastrak makes nearly 15,000 trips a day.
Local
And with ridership volume at nearly 500,000 people already Manchester Mayor, Jay Moran, said he is glad the buses will reach people in his community.
“Connecticut Fastrak coming across through East Hartford possibly to Buckland Hills area, Manchester out to Vernon, and further so that more people can live work and play east of the river,” Said Moran.
Nick Tamiso has been riding the bus and says once the Fastrak is available in Manchester he’ll be riding there, too.
“I think that’s good because I’ve got a lot of friends over there so I want to be able to get there pretty quickly,” Said Tamiso.
Fastrak also launched it’s reward program, which offers a variety of local business discounts to transit riders.
Department of Transportation officials say it’s a tool for business owners to attract more attention and customers.
“I love it its cut my travel time by half, I’m happy with it,” Said Salemo.
Governor Malloy says he hopes there will be access east of the river in a year.
