About Us

Formation, Members, & Service Area

The Windham Region Transit District was formed in accordance with Chapter 103a of the Connecticut General Statutes in 1979 with the towns of Windham, Mansfield, and Coventry voting to join. Subsequently, Ashford, and Columbia joined the district. Representatives from these five towns meet quarterly, or more frequently, to act on matters necessary in managing the district’s affairs. WRTD’s service area, however, includes all nine towns of the Windham Region (Ashford, Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, Lebanon, Mansfield, Scotland, Willington and Windham.)

Services

Dial-A-Ride began serving the region in the fall of 1976. WRTD became the primary funding source of Dial-A-Ride in July of 1981, providing federal and state funds to subsidize the service. The Storrs-Willimantic Bus fixed route service began operations in October of 1981. The Willimantic City Bus fixed route service began operations in March of 1989. The Willimantic-Norwich Rt. 32 Commuter Bus service between Willimantic-Norwich and Foxwoods Resort Casino began in April of 2000. While all WRTD services are open to the public, the Willimantic-Norwich Rt. 32 Commuter Bus Service is particularly intended to help individuals access employment and employment-related activities.Willimantic-Danielson Deviated Fixed Route service connecting WRTD and Northeast Area Transit District twice a day began in September, 2007.

Funding

Funds to pay for WRTD’s services come from the Federal Transit Administration, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the nine towns of the Windham Region, fares, donations, and advertising revenue.


Benefits Provided by WRTD

Mobility

Provides mobility not otherwise available to:

  • those permanently or temporarily without a car, with limited access to a car, or those who don’t drive;
  • those with temporary or permanent injuries or disabilities which prevent use of a car;
  • those who need support services in order to continue to live in their homes (medical services, food shopping, etc.);
  • those who without such service would be forced into costly personalized care such as a nursing home, possibly at public cost.

Economic & Employment

Brings customers to the region’s retail centers and provides increased sales to area businesses. Improves access to jobs and job training opportunities.

Education

Provides access to educational opportunities at the University of Connecticut, Eastern Connecticut State University, Quinebaug Valley Community College, Windham Technical High School, Windham High School, E.O. Smith High School, as well as the Mansfield Public Library and the Willimantic Public Library.

Parking

Reduces the need for parking spaces at area retail and employment centers.

Clean Air

Decreases the number of vehicles crowding the region’s roads, thereby lessening air pollution.

Safety

Reduces the number of vehicles on the roads resulting in fewer traffic jams and fewer accidents.

Coordination

WRTD coordinates its own transit services within the region with those of other carriers serving the region.