Park And Ride I-84 Exit 28 2125 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Plantsville, CT 06479, Connecticut, USA
Free and Convenient Commuter Parking off I-84
Type:
State-Operated Commuter Park & Ride Lot. This is a public car park owned and operated by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). Its specific purpose is to serve as a commuter hub, allowing individuals to park their personal vehicles and connect with public transport services or private carpools. Located strategically at Exit 28 of Interstate 84 on the Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike (Route 322), it is designed to reduce traffic congestion on major highways by encouraging the use of shared transportation. This surface-level, open-air lot primarily serves commuters travelling towards Hartford, Waterbury, and other employment centres. It is a key piece of the state’s transportation infrastructure, providing a safe and organised meeting point for carpoolers and a boarding point for express and local bus services. The lot is not intended for general long-term parking, residential use, or for customers of nearby businesses, but exclusively for transit-related purposes.
Open:
The car park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to accommodate various commuter schedules, including those who work early morning or late-night shifts. While parking is permitted for extended periods (e.g., a full work week), it is not designed for indefinite long-term storage of vehicles. The official CTDOT rules generally permit continuous parking for a maximum of 30 days. The lot is well-lit to ensure the safety of commuters arriving or departing during hours of darkness. The 24/7 access provides the flexibility needed for a modern workforce and for those participating in multi-day vanpools. This constant availability is a core feature of the Park & Ride system, ensuring it is a reliable option for all commuters regardless of their work hours.
Rating:
N/A (Generally rated as part of the CTtransit bus service). Commuter lots like this are typically not rated independently. However, user feedback on transit forums and in reviews for the associated bus routes often indicates an appreciation for their existence. Positive aspects frequently mentioned are the strategic location, free parking, and the sense of security provided by lighting and regular patrols by State Police. Negative comments, when they arise, may relate to the lot reaching capacity on busy days, the need for resurfacing, or a desire for more amenities like shelters. Overall, these lots are viewed as a highly valuable and essential public service that saves commuters money on fuel and parking while helping to reduce traffic and environmental impact.
Pricing & Permits:
Free. Parking at all CTDOT-operated Park & Ride lots is completely free of charge. No permits, tickets, or registration are required. This no-cost model is a primary incentive for commuters to use the service. By removing the cost barrier of parking, the state encourages more people to opt for carpooling and public transit over driving alone to their destinations. The free parking, combined with the savings on fuel and wear and tear on their personal vehicles, makes using the Park & Ride system a financially attractive option for daily commuters. There are no reserved spaces; all parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Capacity & Physical Features:
Approximately 100-150 spaces (Official capacity may be listed on the CTDOT website). This is a large, paved car park with a tarmac surface. The parking bays are clearly marked with painted lines, and the lot is organised into rows to ensure efficient use of space and smooth traffic flow. The physical condition is generally good, maintained by CTDOT, though it is subject to heavy use and the rigours of New England weather. Key features include:
- Bus shelters with benches to protect passengers from the elements while they wait.
- Informational signage displaying bus route numbers, schedules, and maps.
- Overhead lighting on tall poles for night-time safety.
- Designated accessible parking spaces close to the bus loading areas.
The lot is typically open and exposed, with minimal landscaping, prioritising function and capacity over aesthetics. There are clear ingress and egress points from the Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike.
Accessibility:
The car park is designed to be accessible in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It features designated disabled parking spaces, which are van-accessible and located in the most convenient positions for accessing the bus shelters and loading zones. The lot is paved and relatively flat, and there are curb cuts and ramps to ensure a smooth, barrier-free path from the accessible parking spaces to the waiting areas. The CTtransit buses that serve these routes are also equipped with lifts or ramps to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs. CTDOT is committed to ensuring that public transportation services are accessible to all residents.
EV Infrastructure:
As of the latest information, the vast majority of CTDOT Park & Ride lots, including this one, do not have Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. The state is actively working on plans to introduce EV chargers to its transportation facilities, but widespread implementation has not yet occurred. Commuters with EVs can park in the lot but will not be able to charge their vehicles during the day. They must ensure they have enough range for their entire round trip. Future installation of Level 2 chargers at these lots is a logical step as the state moves towards its clean energy goals, but there is no specific timeline for this location yet.
Peak Times & Occupancy:
The car park is busiest on weekday mornings, between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM, as commuters arrive to catch buses or meet their carpools. During this morning rush, the lot can reach a high percentage of its capacity. The occupancy remains high throughout the business day and then gradually empties out during the evening commute, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. On weekdays, the lot is largely empty overnight. On weekends and public holidays, the lot is almost entirely empty, as its primary users are Monday-to-Friday commuters. Anyone planning to use the lot should aim to arrive with a reasonable amount of time to find a space during the morning peak.
Walkability Score and Locations:
The walkability score is very low. The car park is located in a car-centric area, right next to a highway interchange. It is not designed to be a starting point for pedestrian activity. There are no shops, restaurants, or residential areas within a safe or convenient walking distance. The sole purpose of the location is to facilitate the transfer from a personal car to a shared mode of transport (bus or carpool). Once parked, the only place to walk to is the bus shelter. Any attempt to walk to nearby commercial areas would likely involve crossing busy roads without adequate pedestrian facilities.
Nearby Amenities:
The only on-site amenities are typically a bus shelter and rubbish bins. There are no restrooms, vending machines, or customer service offices at the lot itself. Commuters should bring their own coffee and snacks. The area immediately surrounding the I-84 interchange has some commercial development, including fast-food restaurants, petrol stations, and hotels, but these are all designed to be accessed by car, not on foot from the Park & Ride lot. All necessary amenities for a comfortable journey should be brought by the commuters themselves.
Alternative Parking Comparison:
For commuters, the alternative to using the Park & Ride is driving their own vehicle all the way to their destination. This would involve higher fuel and maintenance costs, the stress of driving in rush-hour traffic, and potentially very high daily parking fees in a city centre like Hartford. Other nearby Park & Ride lots, such as the one at Exit 30 (CT-10) in Southington, offer a similar service. The choice between them depends on the commuter’s home location and which bus route is more convenient for their destination. Compared to the cost and hassle of driving alone, the free Park & Ride lot is an exceptionally attractive and efficient alternative.
Important Notices:
Parking is limited to a maximum of 30 consecutive days. The lot is for commuter purposes only; it is not for storing vehicles, conducting commercial activities, or for recreational use. Security is provided by regular patrols from the Connecticut State Police, but users should still take standard precautions: lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables in plain sight. CTDOT is not responsible for any loss, damage, or theft. For bus schedule information, consult the CTtransit website.
Maintenance:
The car park is maintained by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Maintenance responsibilities include litter collection, repair of the tarmac surface (pothole filling), repainting of lines, upkeep of shelters and signage, and landscaping/mowing of any surrounding grass areas. Crucially, CTDOT is also responsible for snow and ice removal during the winter to ensure the lot remains open and safe for commuters. The state generally does a good job of keeping these essential facilities in a functional condition.
Expert Tips:
If you are new to the service, check the CTtransit bus schedule online beforehand to plan your arrival time. Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your bus is due, especially during the morning peak, to allow time to find a parking space. Consider parking in a less crowded area of the lot to reduce the chance of door dings. If you are meeting a carpool, establish a specific meeting spot within the large lot (e.g., “by the third light pole on the left”) to avoid confusion. Note your parking spot so you can easily find your car upon your return.
Future Developments:
The most anticipated future development for CTDOT Park & Ride lots is the addition of EV charging infrastructure. The state has pilot programmes and long-term plans to roll out chargers across its transportation network. Other potential upgrades could include enhanced security features like real-time CCTV monitoring, the addition of solar panel canopies to generate clean energy and provide covered parking, and improved real-time bus tracking information at the shelters. Any major upgrades or changes would be announced on the CTDOT and CTtransit websites.
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