There are various public transportation systems available to Connecticut passengers. Read on to learn about the Connecticut Public Bus System, ADA Paratransit services and the GO CT Card.
Most areas of Connecticut are served by local public bus service operated by CTtransit, Connecticut’s statewide system with eight divisions covering various parts of the state, or through regional transit districts. The services typically run on a fixed route schedule. Reduced fares are available for individuals age 65 or older and people with disabilities. CTfastrak is a system of bus routes that utilize a bus-only roadway for all or a portion of your trip. This service currently connects Waterbury, Cheshire, Southington, New Britain, Newington, West Hartford, Hartford and Manchester. CTfastrak routes are integrated with the CT transit system, making it easy to connect, transfer, and pay your fare. The Connecticut Department of Transportation provides regional Accessible Transportation Guides called “Getting on Board” to help participants understand what options are available to them. Visit the Connecticut Department of Transportation – Bureau of Public Transportation to access the guide. The Kennedy Center Travel Training is a program that teaches people with disabilities and older adults on a one-to-one basis how to properly and safely use the local bus and rail system throughout the state of CT. There is no charge for travel training, the program is grant funded by The Connecticut Department of Transportation. Learn more: Visit the CT Department of Transportation (DOT) website – Local Bus Service section. Visit the CT DOT Bureau of Public Transportation website to learn about CTfastrak.
People age 65 and older and people with a disability travel for half fares on public buses. For a one-way trip, the current reduced fare is $0.85. Multi-trip tickets and passes are also available. Eligible customers who use CTtransit (including CTfastrack) can register for a Go CT Reduced Fare ID Card which provides the same discounted fares as a multi-day pass (and offers the added convenience of being a prepaid tap-and-ride card for those who do not want to carry change). To demonstrate eligibility, individuals can show their Medicare card, or a state-issued Reduced Fare Photo ID. These can be obtained by application from CTtransit and have a $5 application fee.