115 Ash Street Willimantic, CT 06226; Phone: 860.456.2223 WRTD logo

Windham Region Transit District

About WRTD

Contact WRTD

Mailing Address:
115 Ash Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
Telephone:
(860) 456-2223
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ServiceTDD service:
800-833-8134.
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm

WRTD History

Formation, Members, & Service Area

The Windham Region Transit District was formed in accordance with Chapter 103a of the Connecticut General Statutes in 1979 with the towns of Windham, Mansfield, and Coventry voting to join. Subsequently, Ashford, Hampton and Columbia joined the district. Representatives from these six towns meet quarterly, or more frequently, to act on matters necessary in managing the district's affairs. WRTD's service area, however, includes all ten towns of the Windham Region (Ashford, Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, Hampton, Lebanon, Mansfield, Scotland, Willington and Windham.)

Services

Dial-A-Ride began serving the region in the fall of 1976. WRTD became the primary funding source of Dial-A-Ride in July of 1981, providing federal and state funds to subsidize the service. The Storrs-Willimantic Bus fixed route service began operations in October of 1981. The Willimantic City Bus fixed route service began operations in March of 1989. The Route 32 Commuter Bus service between Willimantic, Norwich and Foxwoods Resort Casino began in April of 2000. While all WRTD services are open to the public, the Route 32 Commuter Bus Service is particularly intended to help individuals access employment and employment-related activities.

Funding

Funds to pay for WRTD's services come from the Federal Transit Administration, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the ten towns of the Windham Region, fares, donations, and advertising revenue.


Benefits Provided by WRTD

Rides

A combined total of over 2 million passenger trips have been provided on WRTD's various services through June 2002.

Mobility

Provides mobility not otherwise available to:

Economic & Employment

Brings customers to the region's retail centers and provides increased sales to area businesses. Improves access to jobs and job training opportunities.

Education

Provides access to educational opportunities at the University of Connecticut, Eastern Connecticut State University, Quinebaug Valley Community College, Windham Technical High School, Windham High School, E.O. Smith High School, as well as the Mansfield Public Library and the Willimantic Public Library.

Parking

Reduces the need for parking spaces at area retail and employment centers.

Clean Air

Decreases the number of vehicles crowding the region's roads, thereby lessening air pollution.

Safety

Reduces the number of vehicles on the roads resulting in fewer traffic jams and fewer accidents.

Coordination

WRTD coordinates its own transit services within the region with those of other carriers serving the region.