Emails: From day one, state DOT pushed hard promoting bus system
Hartford — As the $567 million bus-only corridor between Hartford and New Britain began operating this spring, state officials worked behind the scenes to shape public opinion of the project that has been a lightning rod for criticism because of its cost.
According to emails obtained by The Associated Press in a Freedom of Information request, a transportation consultant asked a top Transportation Department official on the March 28 opening of the 9.4-mile CTfastrak if the agency can "get ahead of this with a 'good news' summary."
Days later, another department official said in an email she traveled "undercover" on CTfastrak to observe its operations.
The Malloy administration says CTfastrak is taking cars off Interstate 84, cutting pollution and spurring economic development along the route. The state's share is $112 million.
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