The study team has developed a draft preferred service scenario to improve CTtransit bus service for current and future riders in the New Britain/Bristol Division. This draft preferred scenario was developed based on the two preliminary service scenarios that were presented to the public during the spring of 2017 and the feedback received by the study team.

The map below presents the draft preferred service scenario, which is intended to address current issues and improve overall service. The preferred service scenario consists of three phases: Phase 1 would include the majority of service improvements listed below, while Phase 2 and Phase 3 each include additional service expansions that build on Phase 1. Phase 1 is cost neutral, and would not require additional funding to be implemented. Phase 3 includes all service improvement recommendations.

Please review the maps and service descriptions below. Afterwards, please share your thoughts in the comment form at the bottom of the page. Thank you!

• Desktop users: Click and hold the left mouse button on the circle to the left or right to toggle between existing and proposed service options.
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Draft Preferred Service Scenario

Download full maps here: Existing System, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3

Potential route-by-route changes in Phase 1 include:

• Route 501 would operate between New Britain and Meriden, but along an alternative alignment including Arch Street, Farmington Avenue, Lower Lane, Berlin Turnpike, and Colony Road. Service along Chamberlain Highway would be discontinued due to low ridership potential.
• Route 502 would operate between New Britain and Bristol via Tunxis Community College, along a similar but more streamlined alignment to the existing Route 503. Service in New Britain would operate directly along Main Street to Plainville, serve Connecticut Commons, and continue along the existing Route 503 alignment to Tunxis Community College. Service in Bristol would operate along Farmington Avenue and N. Main Street.
• Route 503 would operate along a new alignment providing more direct service from downtown New Britain to Malikowski Circle via Broad Street, Clinton Street, Corbin Avenue, and Farmington Avenue. It would create convenient connections between multiple apartment complexes and key retail/grocery destinations such as Aldi and Save-a-Lot.
• Route 505 would operate between downtown New Britain and the Stonegate Apartments along a new alignment, creating convenient connections between Stonegate and Super Stop & Shop on Corbin Avenue. Service would shift to Hart Street and Grand Street to directly serve the Hospital of Central Connecticut as well. Service would continue to Stonegate Apartments along Hart Street, Corbin Avenue, Clinton Street, and Slater Road.
• Route 506 would operate along a more streamlined alignment between downtown New Britain and UConn Health.
• Route 507 would operate along a more streamlined alignment between downtown New Britain and Alexander Avenue via Central Connecticut State University, and extend past Farmington Avenue to Slater Road and the Stonegate Apartments, providing new crosstown service.
• Route 509 would be consolidated with Route 510, and operate primarily along E. Main Street, East Street, Sunrise Avenue, Charles Street, Newington Avenue, and John Downey Jr Drive. Service south of Newington Avenue would continue along a redesigned alignment consolidating Route 510 and part of existing Route 512, ultimately serving Berlin Turnpike and terminating at Price Chopper.
• Route 510 would operate between downtown New Britain and Berlin Turnpike in Newington. It would serve the highest ridership segments of the existing routes 509 and 510, as well as some segments of the current Route 512.
• Route 512 would operate along a direct alignment between downtown New Britain and Norpaco in Middletown. It would also serve Webster Square and Walmart in Cromwell. Service on Berlin Turnpike north of Mill Street would be provided by a redesigned Route 510.
• Route 541 would connect downtown Bristol and Bristol Senior Center via N. Main Street, Farmington Avenue, Jerome Avenue, Stevens Street, and Stafford Avenue between downtown Bristol and Bristol Senior Center. The route would also extend west to serve Gaylord Towers, providing direct service between Gaylord Towers and other residential areas to shopping along Farmington Avenue and the Bristol Senior Center.
• Route 542 would provide new service connecting Bristol and Plainville to Southington, operating via West Street, West Queen Street, and Queen Street. Connections to other routes would be available at the Lake Avenue Park & Ride, downtown Bristol, and Connecticut Commons in Plainville.

Phase 2 would include an expansion of service in Southington:

• Route 542 would be extended farther south into Southington, operating along West Street, Main Street, and Queen Street.

Phase 3 would include an additional expansion of service north to Unionville:

• Route 502 would operate between New Britain and Tunxis Community College. Service between Tunxis Community College and Bristol would be provided by a redesigned Route 543, connecting Bristol and Unionville via Farmington Avenue and Tunxis Community College.
• Route 543 would be reintroduced as a redesigned route connecting Bristol and Unionville via Tunxis Community College, operating along N. Main Street, Farmington Avenue, and Plainville Avenue.

Phase 1 and Phase 3

Phase 1 is cost neutral, and could be implemented with the existing operating budget and vehicles. Phase 3 includes service expansions that would necessitate additional resources for operations and vehicles.

 

Comments

Please share your comments on the Draft Preferred Service Scenario. Comments will be accepted through January 7^th, 2018. Thank you!