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Planning commission approves four River Valley Transit bus‑shelter site plans
Summary
The commission approved four site plans for River Valley Transit bus shelters at High & William, Newfield Street (near Newfield Towers), Stonycrest and the FedEx facility; planners said the shelters improve ADA access and operations and are funded in a state‑sponsored first phase.
Middletown planning commissioners approved four site plans June 25 for bus‑stop passenger shelters proposed by River Valley Transit as part of a state‑funded bus‑stop enhancement program.
Transit planner Brenton Garrity described the proposed shelters: a shelter at the northeast corner of High and William Street to serve Wesleyan and Washington Street routes; two shelters near Newfield Towers (one northbound, one southbound) to serve high‑ridership residential towers; and a larger shelter adjacent to the FedEx facility (49 FedEx Drive) sized to accommodate shift changes and higher peak demand. Garrity said sites were chosen to avoid private property conflicts, maximize ridership benefit and ensure adequate setback from intersections so buses do not block traffic when boarding.
The proposals include concrete boarding pads and minor sidewalk widening at a few sites to provide ADA access; CTDOT reviewed siting and supported improvements to existing sidewalks where needed. Garrity noted the shelters use clear glazing to minimize sight‑line and street‑tree impacts and that CTDOT and the state program are funding the first phase of installation.
A daily rider, Ron Schaeffer, testified in support, saying shelters make transit safer and more dignified for seniors and people with disabilities. Commissioners asked operational questions about the current flag‑stop practice and whether fixed stops would change ridership patterns; Garrity said River Valley Transit is transitioning from flags to fixed stops and that these shelters will help concentrate passengers in safer, visible locations.
After questions and brief discussion about future phases and tree plantings (which are not funded in the current state grant), the commission approved each of the four site plans individually by voice vote.
