Danbury P+R 79 Federal Rd, Danbury, CT 06811, Connecticut, USA
Free & Easy Parking for Danbury Commuters & Shoppers
Type:
Public Commuter Park & Ride Lot
This is the Federal Road Park & Ride, a state-operated facility located on one of Danbury’s busiest commercial corridors. Its strategic purpose is to intercept commuters and shoppers, providing them with a free place to park their cars and connect to the local HART Transit bus system. This helps to alleviate traffic congestion on Federal Road and I-84, reduces the demand for parking in more crowded areas like the Danbury Fair Mall or downtown, and promotes the use of public transportation. It is a simple, no-frills surface lot designed for functionality and convenience for bus riders and carpoolers.
Open:
The car park is open and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing it to serve commuters with various work schedules. The lot is equipped with standard overhead lighting, providing a basic level of security for vehicles and passengers after dark.
Rating:
As a utilitarian public service, this lot does not attract many online ratings. It is viewed by its users as a practical and essential facility. Its key benefits are its free cost and its direct link to the bus network. It is a functional and reliable part of the local transport system.
Pricing & Permits
Parking at the Federal Road Park & Ride is completely free of charge. No permits are needed. This is a core feature of the Park & Ride program, designed to provide a strong financial incentive for people to choose public transit over driving their own vehicles for their entire journey. Commuters can park for the day without any cost, saving significant money on fuel and potential paid parking at their destination.
Capacity & Physical Features
The lot is of a medium size, with a capacity for approximately 50-80 vehicles. The surface is paved with asphalt, with standard parking bays marked by painted lines. The layout is a straightforward grid, making it easy to navigate. The primary feature on-site is a bus shelter, which offers waiting passengers some protection from rain, snow, and sun. The lot is open to the elements, with no covered parking spaces.
Accessibility
The facility is designed to be accessible. It includes designated disabled parking spaces situated closest to the bus shelter and pick-up area. The surface is flat and paved, allowing for straightforward access from a parked vehicle to the bus for individuals with mobility challenges. The HART Transit buses that serve the route are also equipped with ramps or lifts.
EV Infrastructure
At present, this Park & Ride lot does not have any dedicated Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. It is a basic facility focused solely on parking. Commuters who drive EVs must ensure they have sufficient battery range for their entire day’s travel, as on-site charging is not an option.
Peak Times & Occupancy
The lot sees its highest usage on weekdays. It fills up in the morning, typically between 7 AM and 9 AM, as commuters park to catch the bus to work. The lot can reach or approach full capacity on these weekday mornings. It gradually empties out in the late afternoon and evening as people return. On weekends, the lot is much quieter, used by shoppers or employees of the nearby retail stores.
Walkability Score and Locations:
The car park is located on a busy, car-centric commercial road and is not designed for walkability to most destinations. Its purpose is to connect to the bus system. While there are some stores and restaurants nearby (like Stew Leonard’s), crossing the multi-lane Federal Road on foot can be challenging and is not recommended.
Nearby Amenities:
The only on-site amenity is the bus shelter. However, the lot’s location on Federal Road means that a vast array of amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, big-box retailers, and banks, are just a short drive away. The HART bus provides direct access to many of these locations, including the Danbury Fair Mall.
Alternative Parking Comparison:
The alternative for commuters is to drive to their destination and pay for parking (if available) or to park at another transit hub like the Danbury train station, which has its own paid parking system. For shoppers, the alternative is to park in the often-congested lots of the individual shopping centres. This Park & Ride offers a free and less stressful alternative by connecting to the bus network.
Important Notices:
While generally safe, it is a public lot, and users should lock their vehicles and keep valuables out of sight. Multi-day or overnight parking is generally discouraged and is at the owner’s risk. Be sure to check the latest HART Transit bus schedules, as routes and times can change.
Maintenance:
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is responsible for the maintenance of the lot. This includes periodic resurfacing, line painting, and arranging for snow and ice removal during winter storms to ensure the lot remains operational for the public.Expert Tips:
To guarantee a space on a weekday, try to arrive before 8 AM. The lot is served by several HART bus routes; familiarize yourself with the route map to see all the destinations you can reach. This lot is an excellent meeting point for carpooling to destinations further afield.
Future Developments:
Future upgrades by CTDOT could potentially include the installation of EV charging stations, improved lighting, the addition of security cameras, or real-time digital displays showing bus arrival times. Expansion of the lot would depend on proven long-term demand exceeding its current capacity.
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