Free Transportation To Hammonasset This Summer With ParkConnectCT

MADISON, CT —The state is making it a little easier for folks to get to state beaches and parks this summer. And after all folks have endured during the pandemic year-plus, a day at the beach is well-deserved.

The Connecticut Departments of Transportation and Energy and Environmental Protection created the ParkConneCT program, which aims to provide safe and reliable transportation within a 10 minute walk to Hammonasset Beach, Silver Sands, Bluff Point, Fort Trumbull and Sleeping Giant state parks.

The ParkConneCT Pilot Program began Memorial Day weekend and runs through until Labor Day weekend.

Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said the free transit service will include a loop through downtown Madison, the train station, and the 79 commuter lot, connecting riders to Hammonasset.

"We hope this helps reduce traffic congestion and parking issues on our roads during the busy summer season while also offering expanded opportunities for people to visit the state beach and enjoy Madison businesses," Lyons said.

All buses will operate without collecting fares on Saturdays, Sundays (if operating), Independence Day, which is observed on July 5, and Labor Day as part of the Weekend Wheels program promotion. Routes to these parks also serve train stations to provide access to the parks on a regional basis.

The program offers transportation through bus transit in each of the different towns to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, Silver Sands State Park in Milford, Bluff Point State Park in Groton, Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, and Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden.

The Silver Sands Shuttle, Madison shuttle and Clinton Trolley will also be free on weekdays, it's noted.

For more details on schedules, train, bus and even ferry connections, directions, FAQs and more, click here.