Tips for Commuting in Connecticut

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Commuting can be stressful. Like many other drivers, Connecticut workers often find themselves wasting time during their daily commute. Drivers in Bridgeport and New Haven spend 42 and 35 hours in traffic delays per year, respectively, while taking public transit for long distances can take hours. If you’re looking for a quicker, more affordable commute, check out these options.

Carpooling

Less than nine percent of Connecticut workers carpooled in 2013, marking one of the lowest rates in the country. Because the typical 9-to-5 job isn’t as common as it used to be, finding a group to carpool with can seem like a challenge. 

Ride-sharing efforts such as CTRides, a program designed to connect carpoolers, has organized nearly three million rides since its launch in 2005. According to ctrides.com, the ride-sharing service has more than 32,000 members and averages about 5,000 rides per week. If you don’t have access to a car, carpooling can help you save money on public transit and can help you get to work faster.

Public Transportation

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) offers multiple options for public transport. CTtransit, CDOT’s bus service, runs along local routes, flyer routes, and rapid transit routes. If you’re working in downtown Hartford, a shuttle bus route can drop you off free of charge. Meanwhile, if you live in a suburb but work in an urban center, express routes make few stops across long distances.

CTtransit also provides a Park & Ride system for commuters. Park & Ride lots can be found along each of the express routes, while the express fare zones can be found here. Zones are based on distances from Hartford unless otherwise noted. If you’re not sure which route to take, the Trip Planner features individual route schedules and stop locations.

Personal Vehicle

According to NerdWallet, driving is often the cheapest way to commute in Connecticut. Although investing in a car and commuting in Connecticut can be expensive, shopping around for car insurance can help you save money.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out Lynch Toyota, a Toyota dealership in Manchester, CT. Whether you’re searching for a new or used car, Lynch Toyota can help you get pre-approved within seconds. And with flexible financing options, you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank.

Bike 

Biking to work is not only a great way to save —it can also help you squeeze a workout into your day. Biking to work might seem challenging, but it’s easier than you think. All you need is a bike in working condition,  weather-appropriate clothing, and a helmet. Additionally, invest in a storage system for your bike, such as a rack or a backpack, along with a lock to secure your bike. 

If you’re out of shape, ease yourself into biking and always stay hydrated. Make sure to consider the traffic on your route to work and give yourself extra time in the morning. To figure out the best route for your commute, Bike Walk Connecticut offers a map of routes used by bike commuters.

If a bike is outside of your budget, don’t worry—Bike New Haven, a bike share in New Haven, CT, is an inexpensive way to get to and from work. If your commute is short, a single ride to work will only cost you $1.75. With over 200 bikes located at 31 stations throughout New Haven, you’re guaranteed to find a station near you. 

Commuting to work in Connecticut can be a pain, especially if you don’t have access to a car or need to travel long distances. All in all, following these tips can help you save money while shortening your commute time.

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