New bus service begins today

9 Town Transit, operated by the Estuary Transit District, will begin a new bus route from Madison to Middletown along Routes 1, 81, and 154 starting Aug. 27. This route represents a partnership among the EDT, the towns, businesses, and educational institutions.

The route begins in the center of Madison and travels along Routs 1 in Madison and Clinton, Route 81 in Clinton, Killingworth and Haddam and Route 154 to Middlesex Community college and downtown Middletown. Free connections are available to CT Transit New Haven, CT Transit Hartford and Middletown Area Transit bus services, as well as connections to the other 9 Town Transit routes.

Although this route has specific time points along the way through the towns of Madi-son, Clinton, Killingworth and Haddam, riders may flag the bus down from any safe location along the route. All buses are handicapped accessible.

“This route will offer Killingworth regularly scheduled public transportation for the first time. Killingworth seniors, students, and businesses will all benefit greatly from such a route. It will also help make our town attractive to a new generation that is eager to be less dependent on private cars,” said Killingworth First Selectwoman Cathy Iino, a longtime advocate of the bus route.

The route has been in the works for about six years. During that period, there has been a significant amount of interest expressed by residents and businesses, and much anticipation of a start date. The service received federal funding in early 2017, but the state matching funds were withheld because the state faced a transportation funding crisis. With the legislature fixing the Special Transportation Fund this spring, the state funding could now be released to 9TT.

“I am grateful this route is in place for our residents, having transportation on the 81 corridor is vital for our region and the community,” said Haddam First Selectwoman Lizz Millardo.

9 Town Transit officials and state legislators have promoted the economic benefits public transportation could bring to the corridor. Clinton First Selectwoman Christine Goupil supports this position, saying, “This expansion of transportation and the upgrades to the Clinton Train Station provide connectivity and a diversity of options for all users. It is a stimulus to our local and regional economy while reducing emissions and congestion along Route 1, Route 81 and I-95.

Madison First Selectman, Tom Banish said, “Downtown Madison is a main connecting point for transit linking New Haven and Old Saybrook. This added service opens up many opportunities for people from all over the region to now be able connect to Mid-dletown and its hospitals, schools, jobs and attractions. We look forward to the conven-ience this will create for those looking for work on the shoreline and the opportunities it will create for Madison residents.”

Schedules for the new bus route can be found at www.9towntransit.com or by calling 860-510-0429.

Contributed by Joseph Comerford, Executive Director, Estuary Transit District d.b.a. 9 Town Transit, 17 Industrial Park Drive, Suite 6, Centerbrook