Joan Hartley

Sen. Hartley Advocates for Express Bus Alternative Transportation Options for Commuters Traveling to Work or School

The start of the Route #940 Meriden-Waterbury Express bus route, which will provide increased transportation options for Waterbury commuters to Meriden and greater ability to connect to the Hartford Line, was welcomed by State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury). The bus service will provide riders traveling to work or school outside of the city a public transit option on the weekdays. The transportation service is operating fare-free until February 28, 2022, with payment to ride starting on March 1, 2022.

“The launch of this express bus service is critical for Waterbury commuters at a time when other bus options between the city and Hartford have been temporarily suspended,” said Sen. Hartley. “Since the suspension of similar services, I’ve worked diligently to find a solution in a quick manner so as to reduce the impact on people’s commutes. I’m grateful to the Department of Transportation for working with me in setting up the #940 route.”

“The new route will better connect residents of both cities and provides better access to the Waterbury Line, the Hartford Line, and many destinations throughout the state,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief for Public Transportation Rich Andreski in announcing the launch of the express bus route between Waterbury and Meriden.

The Route #940 Meriden-Waterbury Express begins at the Waterbury Green. It makes a stop at the Waterbury Branch Line train station before heading to the Meriden Train Station, which connects to the Hartford Line. Commuters can use the rail line to travel to train stops including in Hartford, New Haven, Berlin, and Wallingford.

To ensure ease of travel, the bus schedule has been set for it to arrive 10 minutes before Hartford Line trains and the bus will wait for 10 minutes for connecting train passengers to board it. It will then travel from the train station back to the Waterbury Green.

The Route #940 Meriden-Waterbury Express runs on a weekday-only schedule from about 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The bus service provides half-hourly service during peak hours and hourly service in the midday and evening. In addition, the buses come with free Wi-Fi and charging ports for riders to re-charge their mobile devices.

The schedule for the bus route and more information can be found at CTtransit.com.

According to the Department of Transportation, the bus service will follow a CTtransit Express Bus Zone 2 fare based on the distance between the stops. The following express bus route fare breakdown is planned to go into effect on March 1, 2022:

• A two-hour pass is $3.20 and includes unlimited local and express bus rides for the number of zones paid during that two hours. A full-day pass is available at $6.40
• Children age four and under can ride for free. Up to three children receiving free fare can board the bus with an adult paying to ride
• Seniors and people with disabilities are charged $1.60 for a two-hour bus pass or $3.20 for a full-day pass. A State of Connecticut issued Reduced Fare ID or Medicare must be shown before receiving discounted bus prices
• Ten-Ride Tickets, Senior/Persons with Disabilities Ten-Ride Tickets, and 31-day passes are available to purchase