Context/Significance
The CTfastrak system is an innovative bus rapid transit corridor that links four communities in central Connecticut with a 9.4 mile-long busway. Eleven stations of the BRT system that opened for operations in 2015 serve Hartford, West Hartford, Newington and New Britain. DHK was the Architect of Record for the stations.
Description
The architectural concept was based on a consistent, systemic approach to the station areas that yielded a unified design aesthetic throughout the system. The various common elements that are reproduced at all the stations, such as canopies, information kiosks, shelters, separation walls between busway and railroad maintain a consistent design theme. At the same time, an effort was made to find specific local elements that identify each particular station.
The BRT system features a larger, end-of-the line station in New Britain, while at the other end Union Station is located in the vicinity of the historic train head house.
Special Features
Some stations are located in densely populated centers and have been designed as magnets for local activities.