Connecticut program rewards transit riders

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) said Tuesday it is launching its CTfastrak Rewards Program.

The program offers discounts at partnering local businesses for people who utilize public transit.

Businesses that are a part the program include Amato's Toy and Hobby in New Britain, Pho Viet Restaurant in Newington and The Corner Pug in West Hartford. Business owners are able to join the program with no fees or other requirements.
 
Local business owners said the program is an excellent way to reach additional customers and improve overall business activity.
   
"The new CTfastrak Rewards Program is a smart tool for business owners to attract more attention and customers," Black Eyed Sally's in Hartford Owner James Varano said. "It's just one of the many evolving advantages of this new CTfastrak Bus Rapid Transit system."
  
The transit system provides service through Waterbury, Cheshire, Southington, Plainville, Bristol, New Britain, West Hartford, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester and Newington. It also offers no-transfer rides to several areas where large groups of transit patrons shop or work or visit   health care facilities. It also has specific roadways that are exclusively for CTfastrak buses.

In order t receive discounts, riders must show their fare ticket.