From the late 1800’s until the early 1900’s, shoreline residents could travel by trolley cars throughout the region. But automobiles soon caused the demise of the trolley companies, and regional public transportation became non-existent.
As the population grew in the 1970s, Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency director Stan Greimann saw a growing need for public transportation. He envisioned a bus system that would not only enable commuting to New Haven, but would provide travel throughout the nine town region. He worked tirelessly to spread his vision, until in 1981, nine estuary region towns created the Estuary Transit District (ETD).
Thirty-two years later, the transit district Greimann created and led for over two decades has grown to provide nearly 100,000 passenger trips annually servicing the estuary region with 13 buses connecting to four other regional transit systems under the name 9 Town Transit.
As a tribute to Greimann’s contribution to public transit in the region, the ETD board of directors dedicated the new Old Saybrook bus shelter in his memory. The dedication ceremony, held on April 25, 2013, was attended by local elected officials and members of his family.
Long time ETD board member Virginia Zawoy of Clinton said of Stan, “He spent countless hours looking for ways that would enhance public transportation in the estuary region.”
A plaque memorializing Greimann and his contributions to public transit was installed on the shelter located on the Boston Post Road across from Staples. State representative Marilyn Giuliano commented that “Stan’s contributions were many, commendable and deserving of this honor.”
The Estuary Transit District provides public transit service to Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook through its 9 Town Transit service. Connections are available to New Haven, Middletown, Hartford and New London/Norwich bus services as well as the Shoreline East Commuter Rail. All services are open to the general public with no age or disability restrictions.
Additional information, route maps and schedules are available online at www.9towntransit.com or by calling 9 Town Transit at 860-510-0429.