Design History

In 1997, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) and Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency (CCRPA) undertook a Major Investment Study (MIS) for the Hartford West corridor.  This area was defined as Interstate 84, surrounding neighborhoods, arterial roadways, and the Bristol-Hartford and New Haven-Hartford rail lines. 

After the preparation of three technical reports* and a comprehensive public involvement program, the final recommendation was an exclusive 9.4-mile long Busway linking downtown New Britain with Hartford’s Union Station. 

The New Britain-Hartford Busway is the first in the State of Connecticut.  It will improve speed, reliability and convenience of bus service, increase mobility and promote a healthy environment.  You can also view and download PDFs of the Busway Shuttle and Feeder Routes and the Greater Hartford Regional Transit System.

* Technical Report 1: Preliminary Purpose and Needs Statement; Technical Report 2: Screening and Scoping Report; Technical  Report 3: Assessment of Transportation Performance 

Download meeting summaries using the maroon links below.

Images above are photos of the 2009 Final Design Open Houses

Community Outreach Timeline

2003:   Preliminary Design Open Houses

2004:   Community Design Charrettes (definition)

2006:   Right of Way | Station Design Workshops

2008:   Busway Service Plan Workshops

2009:   Final Design Open House Presentation

2009:   Final Design Open House Summary

Why A Busway?

The Hartford West Corridor Major Investment Study (MIS) examined various alternatives to address the forecasted growth in population and travel demand in the New Britain to Hartford metro areas.  Of all the options studied (highway widening, high occupancy vehicle lanes, commuter and light rail) a busway in the existing rail corridor was selected as the preferred alternative because it offers travelers the greatest speed, flexibility and ease of use. 

New bus routes designed to take advantage of the busway will offer residents of the region greater access to downtown and suburban employment centers, and the flexibility of busway operation will allow the transit system to more effectively respond to changing ridership demand and future development within the corridor. 

Click here to find out more about Bus Rapid Transit

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