The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Friday announced a new program that offers discounts and deals for rail riders at a variety of businesses in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.
The Transit Rewards Program will be tailored to Hartford Line, Shore Line East and CTfastrak customers, a CTDOT statement said. More than 50 dining, entertainment, shopping and other businesses are currently participating.
The perks program comes as state officials try to urge more Connecticut workers and drivers to trade in their cars for public transit, including rail and bus services that taxpayers have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in, in recent years.
Some companies in Hartford and around the state, including Aetna and Travelers, also offer their own rewards/discount programs to encourage employees to use public transportation.
“This exciting new rewards program is designed to benefit area businesses, restaurants and attractions and encourage transit ridership,” CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said in a statement. “It’s a ‘win’ for local businesses and a ‘win’ for our loyal transit riders.”
Riders can redeem their rewards by showing their transit ticket, pass or a transit rewards coupon at time of purchase, the DOT said. A list of the rewards and coupons is available at www.CTrides.com/TransitRewards.
Some of the businesses participating in the rewards program include the Hartford Yard Goats, Infinity Music Hall & Bistro Connecticut, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, Mystic Seaport Museum, Connecticut Sun and New England Black Wolves at Mohegan Sun, Black Eyed Sally’s, Front Porch Brewing, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, Hanging Hills Brewery, Springfield Museums and retailers including Costco and Amato’s Toy & Hobby.
