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FTA 33-03
Contact: Kristi Clemens
Tel.: (202) 366-4043
Monday, September 22, 2003
Federal Funds Awarded for the Bridgeport Intermodal Transportation Center
BRIDGEPORT, CT -- The long-awaited Bridgeport Intermodal Transportation Center moved a step closer to completion today as Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Emil Frankel and U.S. Representative Christopher Shays (CT-04) presented an $8 million grant to state and local representatives.
“The Bush administration is committed to building a safe, secure and reliable transportation system that operates efficiently, strengthens the economy and improves our quality of life,” said Assistant Secretary Frankel. “This investment will allow even more residents in the Bridgeport area to enjoy the many benefits of public transportation, including increased community mobility, reduced congestion and protection of the environment.”
During an event at the future site of the Bridgeport Intermodal Transportation Center, Assistant Secretary Frankel and Rep. Shays presented a check to John Fabrizi, Mayor of Bridgeport, CT. Rep. Shays stressed the importance of continuing to improve area transportation systems and said, “This intermodal project will help improve our transportation systems and boost economic development in Bridgeport. I am grateful for this funding from the Department of Transportation for the continuation of this very significant and exciting transportation project.”
The grant provides the city of Bridgeport $8 million for the final design and construction of the transportation center’s bus terminal and connections. The terminal, which will be connected to the Metro North/Amtrak rail station via pedestrian walkways, will serve as the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority’s central operating hub.
The bus terminal replaces a functionally obsolete facility and will be built on city owned land currently used as a commuter parking lot. Intercity bus service also will use the facility, and is accommodated in the design. The new terminal will increase capacity, providing seventeen bus berths on two boarding platforms. The facility, which includes a covered link connecting the facility to the train station, will provide over 2,000 square feet of waiting and retail space.
The transportation center has long been a priority of state officials. When completed, the $106.5 million project will improve connections between several existing and proposed transportation modes in the heart of the central business district. Each phase of the project is constructed as a stand-alone operating entity, designed to efficiently connect with other project components as they are completed.
Phase 1, completed in 2000, is a new parking garage for transit users; Phase 2A is the new bus terminal; Phase 2B is a replacement train station; and Phase 3 consists of pedestrian linkages between the Transportation Center, Downtown and the Waterfront.
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