From left to right, Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Lyme First Selectman Ralph Eno, Deep River First Selectman Dick Smith, Leslie Strauss, Westbrook First Selectman Noel Bishop, John Forbis of 9 Town Transit and Essex First Selectman Norman Needleman prepare to cut the ribbon to celebrate the roll-out of 9 Town Transit’s newest buses. (Photo courtesy of Roland Laine).
Shoreline transit users are getting a more comfortable — and colorful — ride thanks to eight new buses introduced over the past several months.
The new buses rolled out by 9 Town Transit (9TT) include the region’s first two low-floor buses. These buses have no steps inside, making it easier for passengers to board. Each bus also offers a ramp for people utilizing wheelchairs or walkers instead of the traditional wheelchair lifts. With this delivery, the fleet now has five hybrid electric buses. Hybrid technology saves fuel and emissions, resulting in reduced cost and environmental impact. The 9TT fleet is now 40 percent hybrid electric.
9 Town Transit does not only rely on hybrid vehicles to save fuel. There are two diesel buses and one mini bus that also service the district. The diesel powered buses consume 40 percent less fuel than their gasoline counterparts. The mini bus has improved gas mileage over the traditional 12-passenger-buses and is easier to navigate into residential driveways for our dial-a-ride passengers.
The purchase represents the largest single year vehicle investment in 9TT’s history at a total price tag of $873,073. The project was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Federal Transit Administration, the Connecticut Clean Fuels Program and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
9 Town Transit provides service to all parts of Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook, with connections to New Haven, New London and Middletown. All services are open to the general public.
Additional information, route maps and schedules are available online at www.9towntransit.com or by calling 9 Town Transit at 860-510-0429.