Framework

Stop Typology and Available Enhancements

CTDOT has assigned every bus stop in the State a “type” to plan and prioritize appropriate levels of enhancement. Bus stop levels are determined based on average daily boarding (ADB) thresholds unique to each service area. This results in a statewide framework that takes each service area’s varying level of ridership into account.

Type 1: Basic Coverage

Stops with limited-space contexts, ADA boarding pad, post and sign, and passive lighting.

Available Enhancements: Post and Sign

Type 2: Regular Coverage

Stops potentially warranting seating, rider info, and site-specific lighting.

Available Enhancements: Post and Sign, Post Mounted Seating or Standalone Bench, Post Mounted Solar Lighting

Type 3: Enhanced Coverage

Stops with high ridership and or transfers between routes justifying shelter.

Available Enhancements: Post and Sign, Shelter and Shelter Mounted Bench, Shelter Mounted Solar Panels and Lights, Waste Receptacles

Type 4: Transportation Hub

Stops with very high ridership justifying a full suite of amenities or site-specific design.

Available Enhancements: Post and Sign, Shelter and Shelter Mounted Bench, Solar Lighting, Solar Panels, Advertising Case, Map Case, Wind Screens, Grillwork, Waste Receptacles, Art Glass and Vinyl Wraps, Real-Time Information Signs, and Text-To-Speech Buttons

* Images adapted from Metro Hartford Rapid Routes and indicative of buildouts by BSEP Type

All stop types include ADA compliant enhancements and either direct or indirect lighting. Stop types 2, 3, & 4 include either seating or shelter. For more information on available enhancements please see the Stop Enhancement Application Guide on the Program Documents Page.

Program Eligibility and Stop Screening

Stops with five (5) or more ADBs will be considered eligible for enhancement through the BSEP. Eligibility is further determined by the BSEP phase specifics. Municipalities, transit districts, and tribal entities are guided to submit the list of eligible stops and preferred enhancements for the current phase using the Stop Enhancement Application (SEA). Applications received by the Office of Transit & Ridesharing will be reviewed for technical engineering feasibility. Stops that are determined feasible will then be submitted for environmental, historical, and cultural impact review and permitting. Stops with no adverse impacts are then referenced for the drafting of site design drawings and product purchase orders to be reviewed by all relevant stakeholders.

Program Phasing and Expected Timelines

CTDOT is installing 64 bus shelters as part of the BSEP Pilot, which will determine the effectiveness of the program’s procurement and installation processes. Bus stop sites selected for the Pilot were based on the municipality’s or transit district’s willingness to participate in the pilot and the review of their prioritized site recommendations.

*pictured left: a shelter installed through the Bus Stop Enhancement Program pilot in Middletown at the intersection of High Street & William Street, - Latitude, Longitude 41.555819,-72.654664

Phase 1 – Sheltering

(Calendar Year 2026 – 2029)

CTDOT is prioritizing the installation of bus shelters at the most utilized bus stops in the State (Type 3 and Type 4 bus stops) based primarily on reported average daily boardings. The objective of Phase 1 is to double the number of sheltered bus stops statewide. In total, CTDOT expects to shelter between 500 and 700 bus stops, with 150 bus shelters targeted for delivery in the first year of Phase 1 (2026) and will continue over the next four years. Stops sheltered through Phase 1 will benefit approximately 50% of the State’s bus ridership.

Phase 2 – Specialty Products

(Calendar Year 2027 - 2029)

Phase 2 will focus primarily on the delivery of Real-Time Information Signs (RTIS) at the highest ridership stops. If additional funding is secured, Phase 2 will be expanded to deliver additional specialty product enhancements to additional stop types with lower levels of ridership. Examples include but are not limited to pole mounted solar lighting systems, pole mounted seating, and text-to-speech buttons.

Phase 3 – ADA Enhancements

(Calendar Year 2028 – 2038)

Phase 3 plans to take advantage of the BSEP framework to deliver ADA enhancements to all bus stop types in coordination with CTDOT’s Title II ADA Transition Plan.

Phase 4 – Community Investment and Ongoing Maintenance

(Calendar Year 2028 - Until Otherwise Noted)

Under Phase 4, CTDOT will shift focus towards supporting the long-term community investment in and maintenance of previously installed enhancements by highlighting existing resources and promoting community art programs and stewardship of bus stops to incorporate community character and deter graffiti and vandalism while extending the life of the bus stops.

*Phases were created to assist in internal project planning and are planned to overlap. Timelines are subject to change based on new project developments.

Program Framework