The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has secured $35.7 million in federal funding to modernize and expand the Windham Region Transit District (WRTD) bus facility in Mansfield. The grant, awarded through the Federal Transit Administration’s FY25 Bus Low or No-Emission Grant Program, will support significant upgrades to the current facility.
With this investment, the facility will more than double its size and be able to accommodate up to 50 low and zero-emission battery electric buses. Planned improvements include 25 new charging stations, expanded administrative space, a bus wash, and indoor storage designed to ensure reliable service for eastern Connecticut.
WRTD currently operates nine fixed routes as well as ADA paratransit and dial-a-ride services across 23 municipalities, including service to the University of Connecticut Storrs campus. The expanded facility is expected to benefit both WRTD and UConn transit operations by improving regional connectivity and access to employers, healthcare providers, and educational institutions. Over half of residents in WRTD’s service area have limited or no access to a vehicle. In fiscal year 2024, WRTD reported more than 1.1 million passenger trips.
Governor Ned Lamont commented on the announcement: “This investment is a major step forward in our commitment to clean transportation and reliable public transit. By modernizing this facility, we’re not only reducing emissions and improving service, but also creating jobs and expanding access to opportunity in eastern Connecticut. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure our state needs.”
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said: “This huge federal boost for clean and green transportation will be a game changer for eastern Connecticut. Federal funding of $35.7 million will allow the Windham Region Transit District to upgrade its bus facility to support more zero- and low-emission buses. This is a smart investment in climate friendly transportation that will reduce emissions and help prevent air pollution. I am thrilled that U.S. DOT funded this critical project and will keep fighting for strong federal support to improve Connecticut’s infrastructure.”
Senator Chris Murphy added: “So many people in eastern Connecticut, particularly college students and rural seniors, don’t have reliable access to transportation, which can make it impossible for them to consistently get to work, medical appointments, or class. But with these federal dollars, we are going to majorly upgrade and expand the UConn and WRTD transit networks to make it much easier for eastern Connecticut residents to get where they need to be – and we’re going to create a lot of good paying jobs in the process. This is going to be a game changer for thousands of people in rural communities and provide a significant boost to the region’s economy.”
Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) noted: “This 2021 Infrastructure Law grant award is great news for bus service in eastern Connecticut. The project will double the size of the current WRTD-UConn bus facility in Mansfield, which supports both WRTD and UConn bus service, and upgrade the facility to support up to 50 zero emission electric buses. In an area with so many college students at UConn and Eastern Connecticut State University who rely on public transportation, and with so much new housing along Route 195 in Mansfield, this project is really a perfect fit. It’s exactly the type of targeted investment in our communities that the Infrastructure Law was passed to make possible. Four years after Congress passed the bill, it continues to pay dividends for eastern Connecticut.”
Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto stated: “This project reflects CTDOT’s commitment to a cleaner, more efficient transit future. We’re proud to work with our transit partners to deliver a facility that meets the needs of our communities today and into the future. This work would not be possible without continued federal and state financial support. Thank you to USDOT Secretary Duffy, FTA Administrator Molinaro, our Congressional delegation, and Governor Lamont for believing in this important expansion project.”
Corrie Washington, executive director of WRTD said: “This infrastructure investment will significantly enhance the public transportation WRTD serves across eastern Connecticut. I’m excited for what this project means for our employees, passengers, and our region. The new facility will increase storage and charging capacity. It will also allow us to operate more efficiently, strengthen regional mobility, and provide cleaner, quieter, and more reliable transportation for the communities we serve.”
The upgraded hub is expected serve nearly 90 staff members while incorporating advanced safety features such as fire suppression systems as well as exhaust-free environments.
The total cost of upgrading the Mansfield-based facility stands at approximately $49 million; state funds totaling $13.3 million are set aside as matching contributions alongside federal support.
