GHTD Paratransit Operations & Maintenance Center

- 148 Roberts St, East Hartford, CT 06108

For many residents in the Greater Hartford region of Connecticut, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities, independent mobility is crucial. The GHTD Paratransit Operations & Maintenance Center in East Hartford serves as the foundational hub for ensuring this mobility through essential public transit services. This facility is the headquarters for the operations that provide federally mandated complementary paratransit service, adhering strictly to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. It functions as the nerve center for the Greater Hartford Transit District (GHTD)'s commitment to offering equal access to public transportation for those unable to use the fixed-route services operated by CTtransit.

More than just an office, the facility at 148 Roberts Street is a state-of-the-art center that houses the dispatch, reservations, and maintenance departments vital for running a safe, efficient, and high-quality transportation fleet. The goal of GHTD Paratransit is to provide a shared-ride, advanced-reservation, origin-to-destination service that operates within a three-quarter mile radius of the CTtransit fixed routes, covering a wide service area that includes East Hartford, Hartford, and portions of over twenty surrounding towns like Manchester, Glastonbury, and West Hartford.

This operation is not merely a taxi service, but a dedicated, professional Handicapped Transportation Service focused on community welfare. The services are meticulously designed for eligibility-certified riders, offering a reliable means for them to travel to and from appointments, social engagements, and vital community resources. Their commitment extends beyond daily rides, encompassing crucial internal operations such as maintenance testing, mechanical work on the fleet, and comprehensive operator training to ensure the highest standards of safety and professionalism for all Connecticut passengers.

The GHTD Paratransit Operations & Maintenance Center is strategically located in East Hartford, a central and easily accessible point within the Greater Hartford area, which allows the fleet to efficiently reach its extensive service region. The facility is a purpose-built structure, designed to manage the high demands of a professional transit operation.

The official address for the center is:

148 Roberts St, East Hartford, CT 06108, USA

The center's design strongly emphasizes accessibility for staff, visitors, and the paratransit fleet itself. Accessibility features are a top priority, reflecting the nature of the services provided:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensures all visitors and staff, regardless of mobility, can enter the administrative and public-facing areas of the center without impediment.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Clearly designated parking spaces are available to accommodate employees and any visiting riders or applicants who arrive by personal vehicle.
• Restroom: The facility includes accessible restrooms, ensuring comfort and convenience for all personnel and visitors at the center.

While the location is the hub for operations, riders typically interact with the service by phone or online to schedule their rides, utilizing the fleet that is dispatched from this central point to various pickup and drop-off locations throughout the service area in Connecticut.

The GHTD Paratransit Operations are multifaceted, covering not just the transportation of riders but also the critical support services necessary to sustain a high-quality, professional public transit system. The primary goal is to provide comprehensive accessible travel for eligible members of the Connecticut community.

Key services provided by or managed from this center include:

• ADA Paratransit: The core service, offering complementary, shared-ride, door-to-door transportation for individuals certified as eligible due to a disability preventing them from using fixed-route public transit.
• Accessible Transportation: All fleet vehicles are fully equipped to transport passengers using wheelchairs and other mobility devices, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for everyone.
• Transportation For Seniors: A significant focus of the paratransit and community programs is providing essential mobility for older adults, enabling independence and access to critical services.
• Community Transportation: Service extends to general public transit coordination and other programs like "GHTD Link" or similar ride-sharing initiatives in specific areas, promoting wider community access.
• Accessible Taxi Service: Providing oversight and coordination for specialized taxi services that can accommodate people with disabilities, serving as an extension of accessible public transport options.
• Travel Training: Dedicated programs to educate and train eligible individuals, including seniors and persons with disabilities, on how to safely and effectively use both the fixed-route bus service and the paratransit system to maximize their independence.
• Pick Up and Drop Off: Standard origin-to-destination service model for all ADA and community paratransit rides, offering curb-to-curb service across the extensive service area.
• Charter Work: Providing specialized transportation services for groups, organizations, or contracted events.
• Maintenance Testing and Mechanical Work: Operating a full-service maintenance facility to ensure the entire fleet is kept in optimal, safe, and reliable operating condition through regular inspection, maintenance, and repair.
• Operator Training: Conducting thorough training for all drivers to ensure professional, safe, and sensitive operation of accessible vehicles and interactions with diverse passengers.
• Drug Testing: Managing mandatory drug and alcohol testing programs for transit operators, adhering to strict federal and state safety regulations for public transportation.

The GHTD Paratransit Operations & Maintenance Center stands out as a critical piece of Connecticut’s public infrastructure, representing a strong commitment to accessibility and operational excellence.

The notable features and highlights of this center and its services include:

• State-of-the-Art Operations and Maintenance Facility: The 148 Roberts Street address houses a modern, purpose-built center with dedicated maintenance bays, wash bays (often with water reclamation systems), fueling stations, and separate operational areas for dispatch, reservations, and training, ensuring maximum efficiency and vehicle readiness.
• Strict ADA Compliance: The entire service is designed and operated in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, guaranteeing equal access and non-discrimination for all eligible users in the Greater Hartford region.
• Extensive Service Area: The paratransit services extend well beyond Hartford and East Hartford, providing vital transportation across a large portion of Central Connecticut, including key towns in the Greater Hartford Transit District.
• Dedicated Reservation Line: The central phone number provides a direct link to the Reservations Office, which is open seven days a week (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), offering convenience for riders to book trips up to five days in advance.
• Flexible Payment Options: Riders can pay the fare using cash on the vehicle or utilize convenient online payment options with a credit card or E-Check, often at a reduced rate per one-way trip.
• Shared-Ride Model: The service utilizes a shared-ride concept which is cost-effective for the District and promotes community interaction among passengers, offering an affordable fare for a high-quality, specialized service.

For Connecticut residents and visitors requiring ADA Paratransit services in the Greater Hartford region, the primary contact point for scheduling rides and obtaining information is the phone number associated with the Operations Center.

• Address: 148 Roberts St, East Hartford, CT 06108, USA
• Reservations Phone: (860) 724-5340 (Select 1 for Reservations)
• Mobile Phone: +1 860-724-5340 (Main Line)

The Reservations Office is available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week, to assist with scheduling. It is recommended that eligible riders call this number to book their rides at least one day in advance, or up to five days ahead, to ensure availability. For general information, eligibility questions, or visitor eligibility, alternative contacts within the Greater Hartford Transit District may apply, but the central phone number is the primary operational hub.

For eligible Connecticut residents—including those with disabilities and seniors—the GHTD Paratransit service, based at the East Hartford Operations Center, is not just an option but an indispensable, regulated, and professionally managed resource. What makes this service worth choosing above other transportation alternatives is its guaranteed adherence to the ADA, ensuring that every ride is both fully accessible and professionally managed. Unlike a general taxi or ride-share service, GHTD Paratransit vehicles and their operators are specifically trained and equipped for individuals with mobility challenges, prioritizing safety and dignity.

The operational rigor, supported by the state-of-the-art Maintenance Center on Roberts Street, translates directly into fleet reliability, minimizing unexpected breakdowns or delays that are particularly challenging for paratransit users. The extensive nature of the service area, encompassing much of the Greater Hartford region, provides the widest possible coverage for essential travel. Furthermore, the official public transit status ensures that this is a sustainable, regulated service that the community can depend on for the long term. Choosing GHTD Paratransit means choosing a trusted, government-compliant, and dedicated system designed specifically for the specialized travel needs of Connecticut's most vulnerable residents, allowing them to remain connected to their community with confidence and independence.

GHTD Paratransit Operations & Maintenance Center

148 Roberts St, East Hartford, CT 06108, USA