Bus-only corridor free for passengers in first 9 days in operation beginning in late March

Central Connecticut's bus-only corridor will offer free rides to passengers in its first nine days in operation when it begins service March 28.

Michael Sanders, the state Department of Transportation's transit administrator, told The Hartford Courant (http://cour.at/1Dp5TtF ) that officials believe that will help give passengers a chance to try out the $567 million CTfastrak system.

Sanders said the DOT also plans a major advertising campaign to encourage ridership on the dedicated bus line and will have staff answer questions and guide riders.

Officials from towns hosting the busway say they believe it will lead to economic activity and revitalization.

Gerry Amodio, executive director of New Britain Downtown District, said Central Connecticut State University is moving 200 administrators downtown near the busway.

___

Information from: Hartford Courant, http://www.courant.com