Thomas Breen photo
Jimmy Reardon, at work renovating the bus kiosk.
Jimmy Reardon cut a hole in the roof of the decades-old bus kiosk on the Green — to install a vent for a new air conditioner, and to help bring that long-shuttered building back online so that bus riders can buy passes in person again on Chapel Street.
Reardon and Joe Travaglino of the state-owned public bus system CTtransit undertook that repair work Wednesday morning at the bus kiosk on the northern side of Chapel Street between Church and Temple Streets.
That kiosk, located at the center of the city’s hub-and-spoke bus network, has long been the sole spot downtown where city bus riders can buy print tickets in person.
Since May 7, that kiosk has been closed up for repairs. Nearly two months later, it’s still devoid of anyone selling bus passes, and covered in signs reading: “Pardon our Progress! Our Sales Outlet Is Closed for renovation!”
Those signs contain QR codes pointing to this website to purchase bus tickets, and this site to download the Token Transit app. Click here for more info on where and how to buy bus passes. State Department of Transportation (DOT) spokesperson Samaia Hernandez said that, in addition to purchasing bus passes online, riders can also call customer service at 203 – 785-8930 or 203 – 624-0151.
On Wednesday, Travaglino and Reardon worked to install new walls, lighting, heating, and air conditioning in the tight quarters of the kiosk.
“We’re hoping to be done in a couple weeks,” Travaglino said. It’s taken longer than expected to renovate, he said, as CTtransit has waited for the relevant materials, and because the kiosk itself is “a crooked building.”
Reardon said the kiosk building dates back to the mid-20th century. Travaglino said he thinks it was a bus shelter that was ultimately enclosed.
Three bus riders — who gave their names as Evette Maysonet, Tyler J., and Shawn — said they’re eager for the kiosk to reopen. Not everyone has a phone, rendering those QR codes pointless, Tyler said.
Sure, you can still walk over to the Stop & Shop on Whalley to buy a bus pass, he said. “But what if you live that way?” he added, pointing east.
Outside, and inside (below), the mid-renovation kiosk.
Tyler J., Evette Maysonet, and Shawn: Not every bus rider has a phone, can use an app.
Thomas Breen file photo
All aboard, on Chapel St.