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The History of Bus Service in Waterbury
Early Beginnings: Jitneys and Streetcars Public transportation in Waterbury began in the early 20th century with a mix of independent jitney (shared taxi) operators and streetcar lines. By the 1920s, jitneys were common, and several small companies-including the Cooke Street Line and the Waterbury & Milldale Tramway (the "Green Line")-provided local transit. The Connecticut Company, originally a street railway operator, began converting its trolleys to motor buses by the 1930s, completing the transition by 1937. The Rise of Private Bus Companies The Connecticut Company was the dominant transit provider in Waterbury until the mid-1930s, when its franchise was taken over by the Connecticut Railway and Lighting Company (CR&L). CR&L maintained bus service until 1973, at which point it surrendered its franchise due to financial difficulties and declining ridership25. During this period, North East Transportation Company, Inc. (NET), founded in 1925 by a group of jitney operators, began to emerge as a key player in local transit. Transition to Public-Private Partnership With the decline of private operators in the early 1970s, Waterbury’s bus service faced a crisis. In 1972, CR&L ceased operations, and NET was awarded the franchise to operate all public bus routes in the city by the state Public Utilities Commission12. Recognizing the essential nature of public transit, the City of Waterbury and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) established a public/private partnership, providing financial support to keep NET operating. This partnership laid the foundation for the modern bus system in Waterbury. Modernization and Expansion In 1980 and 1994, NET expanded its services to include fixed-route and ADA paratransit operations in Meriden and Wallingford. By July 2000, NET was also operating ADA and non-ADA paratransit services in Greater Waterbury, as well as off-route and off-hour services under the city’s welfare-to-work program. Over the years, NET introduced evening service, expanded routes, and began operating 365 days a year, eventually providing over 2.8 million trips annually. Integration with CTtransit Today, Waterbury’s bus system is operated under the CTtransit brand, a division of CTDOT. NETCO (North East Transportation Company) continues to operate the system under contract, running 24 fixed routes and several “tripper” routes that serve workplaces and schools in Waterbury and neighboring towns such as Naugatuck, Watertown, Middlebury, and Wolcott1. The main garage and offices are located at 1717 Thomaston Avenue, and NETCO also manages paratransit and dial-a-ride services for the Greater Waterbury Transit District. Legacy of Streetcar Lines Some of Waterbury’s current bus routes are direct descendants of former streetcar lines. For example, the Waterbury and Milldale Tramway, which ceased streetcar operations in 1933, was replaced by bus service that continues today as CTtransit route 4254. The evolution from streetcars to buses reflects broader trends in American urban transportation throughout the 20th century. Conclusion The history of bus service in Waterbury is characterized by adaptation and resilience. From early jitneys and streetcars to a modern, state-supported bus network, Waterbury’s transit system has continually evolved to meet the needs of its residents. Today, it remains a vital link for the city and its surrounding communities, providing essential mobility to thousands every day. Sources: 1 Waterbury Regional Bus Ridership Study 2011 2 North East Transportation Company, Inc. (NET) 4 Wikipedia: Waterbury and Milldale Tramway 5 Wikipedia: CT Transit |
Bus Service in Waterbury
Greyhound: Bus Station 188 Bank Street (203) 755-2700 Peter Pan Bus 188 Bank Street (800) 343-9999 Durham School Services 62 Fulkerson Drive (203) 591-1847 First Student Inc 173 E Aurora Street (203) 756-3849 Thomaston Transportation Co. Inc. 237 E Aurora Street (203) 574-7970 All-Star Transportation - Waterbury SPED 146 Huntingdon Avenue (203) 753-8366 Connecticut Transportation Solutions, Llc 440 Chase River Road (203) 592-7213 All-Star Transportation - Wolcott 515 Wolcott Street (203) 879-1334 |