Busway Project Drives Forward
By Robin Vinci at April 8, 2024 | 7:00 am | Print
A project New Britain officials see as key to the future of the City received the go ahead by Gov. Dannel Malloy on Monday.
Malloy gave approval to the $572 million Hartford to New Britain Busway Project, committing $113 million in state money.
“The busway and associated transit oriented development will mean hundreds of jobs for local residents and will be instrumental to continue progress on New Britain’s downtown revitalization and economic development plan,” said Mayor Timothy Stewart.
Malloy said he heard both sides and came to a decision based on a lot of factors.
“I believe it’s the right thing to do based on the availability of funds,” said Malloy.
He said he will also look at Waterbury to New Haven train system.
“This is a great event for our city and for central Connecticut — one that I hope will make great strides toward meeting our transportation needs. The busway not only offers connectivity between New Britain and Hartford, it also offers significant opportunity for economic development and growth,” said State Senator Terry Gerratana (D-6). “Additionally, the governor commitment to take on the analysis of a potential rail system is welcome news for the entire 6th District.”
The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the City.
“Gov. Malloy’s decision to construct the busway is a visionary choice for the future of our region and the whole state,” said State Rep. Tim O’Brien (D-24). “It will create new economic development and jobs and new community development opportunities. I am proud that we have a Governor who believes in building the economy of our state by investing our state’s first rapid transit system.”
O’Brien also hailed the Governor’s decision to begin the process of planning commuter rail service through New Britain and Bristol.
“Amid the arguments that he had to choose between the busway or rail, Gov. Malloy had the wisdom to see that both are good priorities – that the busway should be built and that we should be working toward commuter rail service. That is a real win-win for New Britain and Bristol,” said O’Brien.
As the leader of the pro-busway team, O’Brien pointed out the importance to New Britain of the busway.
“New Britain is fortunate to be at the center of Connecticut’s first rapid transit line. It will mean that our city will have opportunities for business and economic growth and jobs into the future and that New Britain will be at the center, in our state, of transit-oriented development in neighborhoods. And the many, many construction jobs will mean employment and new opportunities for many, many New Britain residents.”
Gerratana also pointed to the significance of employment opportunities.
“In these continuing difficult economic times, the potential for job creation that this project offers cannot be ignored. Any mass transit option that will reduce congestion on our roadways, including Interstate 84, would be a positive thing,” said Gerratana. “I appreciate the governor’s support of this project, and I’m hopeful that this will just be a part of a greater vision for mass transit development in central Connecticut and across the entire state.”
