Commissioner optimistic about Fastrak busway

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- With only about two years until the planned ribbon cutting, the state's transportation commissioner is optimistic about the benefits of the Hartford to New Britain busway.

"Since we were last here in Hartford, we broke ground in June, and we're now 30 percent complete with the project," said James Redeker, CT Transportation Commissioner.

It might not sway detractors, but at least the Connecticut "Fastrak" busway connecting Hartford and New Britain is on time and on budget so far. With two years until the anticipated ribbon cutting, the state transportation commissioner gave an update Wednesday morning to roughly 30 concerned and curious at Hartford Public Library.

"We do this every couple months, usually every quarter, and we've been rotating between Hartford and New Britain so the entire length of the basic part of the corridor is represented and has a good opportunity to engage with the department," said Redeker.

The official vision remains in sharp contrast to a skein of skepticism.

"One of the benefits of this is, it's not stuck on a track," Redeker said. "We can add bus routes on every end; we're talking about potential extensions of the system all the way out to Tolland, to connect to UConn."

One misconception, says the commissioner, is that this is just a slab of concrete and asphalt connecting two points, Hartford and New Britain. In actuality, he says, it will speed up travel along many routes, quite a few of which are already in existence.

"Historically it's been talked about as a 9.5 mile route just between two places, and that's all it does," Redeker said. "What it really is, is a 9.5 mile major segment that, as you said, all buses can use."

As for any anticipated news regarding closure of Flower Street in Hartford, that bus hasn't arrived.

"More information is still being sent to the adjudicator for that," said Redeker. "We've presented our position, but we'll await the outcome of that."

The commissioner says the project will not be affected by the Governor's new two-year budget.