CT Fastrak to Receive $38.9 Million Federal Grant for Electric Buses, Chargers

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is receiving a $38.9 million competitive grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to purchase 46 battery electric buses and install 29 chargers for the CTfastrak bus rapid transit service, the agency recently announced.

The grant will aid in CTDOT’s project of converting CTfastrak to an all-electric bus fleet.

The grant is being awarded through the FTA’s Low or No Emission Grant Program, which provides funding through a competitive process to states and transit agencies to purchase or lease low or no emission transit buses and related facility upgrades. Approximately $5.6 billion in funding was made available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for this program to support the replacement of thousands of public transit vehicles nationwide.

The overall $86.6 million project includes purchasing and deploying 46 battery-electric buses for service on CTfastrak routes out of the CTtransit Hartford Division. The funding will also be used to buy and install 25 depot chargers at the Hartford facility and four on-route chargers at the CTfastrak New Britain Station, in addition to associated electrical infrastructure. This project is supported by more than $17 million in matching state funds and $30 million from federal formula funds.

CTfastrak is Connecticut’s first bus rapid transit system and provides direct service to and from Waterbury, Cheshire, Southington, Bristol, Plainville, New Britain, Newington, West Hartford, Hartford, and Manchester. It utilizes a bus-only roadway for a portion of the locations it services.

Earlier this year, CTfastrak was ranked the best bus rapid transit system in the United States by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP).  From its inception in 2015 through June 2024, CTfastrak has carried more than 26.5 million total passenger trips.

"This achievement is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication and the unwavering support of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and our customers," said Thomas E. Stringer Jr., CTtransit general Manager. “CT fastrak is honored to lead the way in sustainable urban transportation and remains committed to providing safe, efficient, reliable and accessible public transit for the community. Thank you, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, for this incredible recognition." 

ITDP defines a bus rapid transit (BRT) as a high-capacity bus-based transit system that delivers fast, reliable, high quality, safe, and cost-effective services at relatively low cost, metro-level capacities. It achieves that through “dedicated bus lanes that are median aligned, off-board fare collection, level boarding, bus priority at intersections, and fast and frequent operations.”

The awarding of this grant helps accelerate Governor Lamont’s goal of converting the overall statewide public transportation bus fleet from diesel to zero-emission models by 2035, which he directed CTDOT to complete through Executive Order No. 21-3.

 “The new battery-electric buses and chargers will help us meet the growing demand for reliable, efficient, and environmentally-friendly transit options, and will greatly benefit the thousands of residents and commuters who rely on CTfastrak services every day,” Lamont said. ‘Thank you to the Biden-Harris administration for continuing to invest in green technology that will modernize Connecticut’s public transit system and spur new economic opportunities across the state.”

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes added, “During my time in Congress, I have advocated for federal funding to help local school districts replace diesel buses with zero-emissions buses to serve our children while also reducing our carbon footprint. Once again, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to make vital investments to benefit residents, commuters, and communities in Connecticut.”

CT fastrak is only the second BRT system in the New England area utilizing a bus-only roadway, according to published reports. The BRT system features free Wi-Fi. Connecting, transferring and paying fares are easily integrated with the CTtransit system. CT fastrak also offers connections to the New Haven Line-Waterbury branch rail and CT rail Hartford Line service. 

State DOT Commissioner Eucalitto said, “Investing in electric buses for the CTfastrak fleet is a forward-thinking move that highlights Connecticut’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. These low-emission vehicles ensure Connecticut will meet its commitment to modernize our public transportation system, ensuring cleaner, quieter, and more efficient travel for our communities.”