Hartford Bus Corridor Project Faces Criticism

Connecticut's transportation commissioner is defending a half-billion dollar, bus-only corridor as critics say its construction is wrecking neighborhoods in Hartford. WAMC’s Lucas Willard has more…

In an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday, Commissioner James Redeker said the project is the state's biggest, but officials aren't deterred. He says the state is "1,000 percent" behind delivering the project on schedule and on budget, or perhaps earlier and cheaper.

Redeker said the state will also increase marketing for the project.

State Sen. Joe Markley, a project critic, has denounced its cost and says the construction that began this summer threatens businesses. He compared it with urban renewal in the 1960s that damaged neighborhoods in many U.S. cities.

The 9.4-mile CTfastrak is expected to open in 2014 and connect the Hartford and New Britain downtown districts.

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