Long before it was built, CTfastrak was a popular foil for critics of government spending, meaning primarily Republican candidates for state office. Critics said it was outrageous to spend $567 million in state and federal aid on a “Bus Rapid Transit” system to serve the Hartford-New Britain area, including building a 9.4-mile road dedicated strictly to bus service.

There were predictions of buses running empty all day and cynicism about CTfastrak’s ability to boost commerce.

Though it is unlikely to appease the critics, the statistics from the first few weeks of operations are encouraging. In the five weeks since operations commenced March 28, ridership has grown to more than 7,000 riders per day on the bus-only route, the state Department of Transportation reports.

Include growth in ridership on the CTtransit bus routes that connect with the new service and the progress is more impressive. The DOT estimated a minimum of 11,200 daily rides in the corridor by the end of the first year of service, but the corridor is averaging about 14,000 per day already, according to data provided by the transportation agency.

The system provides what experts say is necessary for successful mass transit. The frequent, high-capacity service means wait times of less than 10 minutes during peak periods. The high-quality vehicles, with Wi-Fi service are easy to board and provide a quiet, clean and comfortable ride.

An on-going Harvard study of upward mobility has identified reliable and affordable commuting options as the most important factor in improving the odds of escaping poverty. Over time, planners expect to see residential and commercial development to take advantage of CTfastrak.

The transit system provides direct service to Hartford, New Britain, Waterbury, Cheshire, Southington, Bristol, Newington, West Hartford, East Hartford and Manchester.

Though built primarily to serve commuting workers, the Bus Rapid Transit system has had an added benefit that planners had not anticipated. On weekends, students from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain are using CTfastrak to frequent the club scene in Hartford. The buses provide safe transportation back to the college. It has meant more activity in Hartford and likely fewer intoxicated drivers on the road.

It will take far more time, of course, to determine if CTfastrak was worth the investment, but it already appears worth the try to improve mass transit options in the state and gauge their impact.