FAQs - Fares

Why is CTDOT choosing to resume fare collection?  

The funding for the fare free bus program expires on March 31, 2023. Furthermore, Federal restrictions prevent the state from extending this suspension for any longer than 12 months. Thank you for riding with CTtransit.  

Can I use any passes that were purchased before the fare free began? 

  • If you purchased a pass (i.e., 31-day, 3-day, 5-day & 7-day) and it was activated, it has expired. Passes are active for the month or time period in which they are purchased. For example, if you purchased a 3-day, 5-day, 7-day or 31-day pass in February 2022 and began using it, the pass has expired. If you did not activate it in February 2022, it is still usable. 
  • If you purchased a 10-ride ticket and have not used all available rides, the pass is still usable. 
  • If you purchased a 2-hour or All-Day pass and it has NOT been activated, the pass is still usable. 

For CTfastrak riders please note, that passes purchased at the TVM are active upon completing your purchase.  Do not buy passes at the TVM if you are not using them for your immediate trip needs.

My previous account balance is missing from my Go CT Card.  How do I rectify this problem?

Please call Customer Service at 877-255-7433 and an Agent will research your concern regarding your account balance and any other issues you’re experiencing.

Am I eligible for reduced fare?

Senior citizens (65 years +) and persons with a qualifying disability can travel for a reduced fare at any time on CTtransit and all other bus systems operating under contract to the CTDOT. You must apply for the reduced fare via the Reduced Fare Transit Photo ID Card Application.  This application can be downloaded from the CTtransit website, mailed by request, or obtained at a CTtransit Sales Outlet.

Can I buy my pass before April 1st?

Individuals can buy tickets and passes before April 1st at a sales outlet, or online.  Buying your ticket or pass in advance of April 1st may improve your boarding experience after fares resume as you can avoid any delays at the farebox onboard the bus or at the sales outlet.

Where can I buy passes?

Downtown Hartford

CTtransit Customer Service and Sales Outlet
State and Market Streets (Adjacent to the Old State House)

Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm

 

New Haven Green

CTtransit Customer Service and Sales Outlet
On the New Haven Green (Chapel Street)

Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday 9:00AM to 3:00PM

 

Stamford Transportation Center

CTtransit Customer Service and Sales Outlet 
Passageway from North State Street, Stewart B. McKinney Transportation Center

Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm

 

Online

Visit CTtransit.com to buy your passes/tickets, please allow 5-7 business days for delivery by first class mail of tickets ordered online.

Can I buy a ticket or pass at Stop & Shop?

  • You may purchase a 10-ride local ticket (regular and senior/disabled) and a 31-Day local pass (regular and senior/disabled).  
  • You may also purchase a 10-trip ADA-paratransit book.

How do I buy tickets for CTfastrak?

Tickets are available at vending machines located at each CTfastrak platform and at several bus stops in downtown Hartford on April 2, 2023.  Reminder: tickets purchased for use on CTfastrak may also be used on CTtransit service. 

Please note that CTfastrak operates as a proof of payment system where you purchase your fare prior to boarding the bus.  A fare inspector may board the bus and request you provide a valid fare, valid means that the ticket is current and being used appropriately.

Connecticut Receives $38.9 Million Grant from Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to Upgrade CTfastrak to All-Electric Fleet

Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto (second from the left), Governor Ned Lamont (center), and the Federal Transit Administration’s Peter Butler (farthest right) present the milestone award grant.

CTtransit is excited to share that Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) recently announced a $38.9 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant to help convert our CTfastrak to an all-electric bus fleet.

“This significant investment showcases our commitment to sustainable transportation and underscores our dedication to fostering skilled professionals for the future,” said Thomas E. Stringer Jr., General Manager. We look forward to this initiative’s positive impact on our community, environment, and local economy. Thank you to the FTA and the CTDOT for their continued support.”

L to R: Peter Butler, FTA Region 1 Administrator, and Thomas E. Stringer Jr, CTtransit General Manager.

This significant grant, awarded through the FTA's Low or No Emission Grant Program, will facilitate the purchase or lease of zero-emission transit buses and the necessary facility upgrades.

CTtransit will use these funds to acquire 46 battery-electric buses and install 29 chargers for the CTfastrak bus rapid transit service. The grant will also cover the cost of installing 25 depot chargers at the Hartford facility, four on-route chargers at the CTfastrak New Britain Station, and the required electrical infrastructure. This initiative is backed by over $17 million in matching state funds and $30 million from federal formula funds.

This milestone represents a monumental leap towards Governor Lamont's objective of transitioning the entire statewide public transportation bus fleet from diesel to zero-emission models by 2035. It's a testament to our collective commitment and the potential for a greener future.

Governor Lamont.

“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,” said Governor Lamont. “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.”

Around $5.6 billion in funding has been allocated through President Joe Biden’s recently enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the replacement of thousands of public transit vehicles nationwide.

 

Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto addresses the media.

“Investing in electric buses for the CTfastrak fleet is a forward-thinking move that highlights Connecticut’s dedication to sustainability and innovation,” said Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.

CTfastrak was recently recognized as the best bus rapid transit system in the United States by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy.

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