Governor Ned Lamont, joined by state and local officials, announced a comprehensive plan to enhance safety and security across Connecticut's CTfastrak bus rapid transit system. The initiatives include expanded private security, infrastructure upgrades, and increased law enforcement presence, aiming to provide a safer environment for millions of riders.
Effective July 15, 2026, CT transit implemented a new private security contract, deploying two officers per shift with a rotating supervisor to bolster oversight. Additionally, CTDOT and CT transit plan to replace four enclosed waiting shelters at Downtown New Britain, Sigourney, Parkville, and Flatbush stations with open glass wind breaks to improve visibility. New lighting has also been installed along the pedestrian walkway between the Downtown New Britain station and Columbus Boulevard.
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) and State Police are expanding their partnership with CT transit. This includes increased high-visibility patrols, targeted enforcement, real-time camera access for faster response, and data analysis to optimize resource deployment. The state is also working to establish procedures to ban repeat offenders from CT transit and CTfastrak property.
"Every rider deserves peace of mind when they step onto a bus or wait at a transit station," Governor Lamont said. "We are making targeted investments to boost security and create a safer environment for the millions of people who rely on CTfastrak each year." Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto added that improving safety "requires strong partnerships and a willingness to take action." Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins stated these improvements "will serve as a strong deterrent to criminal activity." New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez thanked the Governor for "listening, taking these concerns seriously, and acting decisively."
These new measures build upon existing safety investments, such as dedicated State Troopers, a security operations center with real-time monitoring, and direct camera access for Troop H dispatch. CT transit will also continue its Conn-Etiquette campaign and expand fare enforcement efforts, which recently involved inspecting 550 bus trips and engaging over 4,200 passengers in June. Since its launch in 2015, CTfastrak has provided over 40 million rides and was ranked the best bus rapid transit system in the U.S. in 2024.