Calling it an important investment in regards to the growth of the city, region and state, Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra praised the Department of Transportation’s decision to not only keep the Star Shuttle but to keep service exactly the way it is for the foreseeable future.
“As we work to make Hartford a choice destination for tourism, the time is right to work closely with the State to improve signage, enhance the marketing and messaging, and revisit the route of this mode of transportation. This service is environmentally friendly and economically sound when it comes to our conventions and fits right in with our One City, One Plan for conservation and development and iQuilt to better connect our open space with our cultural assets. Now we must work collaboratively to increase ridership on non-event days and amongst our growing Downtown population. As I said during the hearings, we need to put our foot on the gas when it comes to the Star Shuttle, not the brake,” said Mayor Segarra.
The Star Shuttle first came into service in September of 2005 and has been a deal maker when it comes to Hartford attracting conventions because of its convenience to transporting group members from the Convention Center to hotels, restaurants and Downtown Arts and Entertainment attractions. A special nod goes out to CCEDA, CT Transit, the Hartford Business Improvement District (HBID), the MetroHartford Alliance, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau for everyone’s combined efforts to make the Star Shuttle successful.
As Hartford continues to position itself for future economic development and growth, Connecticut’s Capital City will be the transportation center and job hub of the state. The Star Shuttle will serve as a connector for the Hartford-New Britain Busway and later the high speed rail, helping people get to work. Employees can also be encouraged to take the Star Shuttle from the parking garages to their workplace.
