West Hartford’s legislative delegation has announced that the town will receive a total of $600,000 in the next two fiscal years to construct mobility hubs in the Center.

By Ronni Newton

As the 2025 legislation was drawing to a close and the state’s biennial budget was being finalized, West Hartford’s legislative delegation was able to secure funding for a key West Hartford initiative – the development of two mobility hubs in the Center.

State Sen. Derek Slap confirmed that $300,000 in FY2026 and $300,000 in FY2027 – a total of $600,000 – has been earmarked in the state budget for a mobility hub on LaSalle Road at the corner of Arapahoe Road and another on Farmington Avenue adjacent to the Veterans Memorial.

“The mobility hubs are in line with both the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Plan and the town’s Vision Zero Plan by enhancing multimodal transportation options, reducing vehicle congestion and improving safety for all road users,” stated an announcement issued by Slap’s office this week, noting that the legislative delegation worked closely with Mayor Shari Cantor and Town Manager Rick Ledwith to determine the needs.

“The hubs will integrate bike share, transit connections, e-charging stations, covered bike racks, pedestrian infrastructure, and emerging mobilitytechnologies. This infrastructure plan takes steps towards the town’s goal of a more sustainable and efficient transportation network, while also incorporating the goals of Vision Zero and increasing traffic safety.”

Mobility hubs were identified as an important component of the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan concept that was finalized last fall, and which is in the process of being implemented this year on LaSalle Road. The work will move to Farmington Avenue in 2026.

While bike lanes are not planned for either LaSalle Road or the portion of Farmington Avenue that passes directly through the Center, the mobility hubs are intended as an anchor for those utilizing a variety of types of transportation, and will provide a safe, covered space for storing bicycles. The hubs do not need to include identical components, and designs provided by Stantec, the town’s consultant for the project, suggest EV charging, rideshare pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) facilities, and branded wayfinding at the Arapahoe hub, with capacity for future bikeshare and e-bikeshare features.

The Farmington Avenue/Main Street hub, to be constructed in the alley just west of the Veterans Memorial, will provide bike storage as well as bus stop access, seating, branded wayfinding, and capacity for future bikeshare and e-bikeshare features. The town is also exploring creation of a direct connection from the Trout Brook Trail to this hub to further encourage more sustainable transportation options.

“I am thrilled to have been able to secure these funds for continued development of West Hartford Center,” said Slap in a statement. “The Center is the heart of our community and serves residents of all ages. The leadership and vision of Mayor Cantor and her administration is well-illustrated with this project, centering both economic development and pedestrian safety. I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition and our continued partnership to best serve the residents of West Hartford.”

Cantor expressed her thanks for the funding. “We are deeply appreciative of the state’s investment for the full implementation of two mobility hubs that closely align with our Center Infrastructure Plan and our Vision Zero Plan. These mobility hubs are designed to enhance multimodal transportation options, reduce vehicular congestion, and improve safety for all road users – goals that are foundational to West Hartford’s future and to broader regional priorities,” she said in a statement. “By integrating bike share, transit connections, e-charging stations, covered bike racks, pedestrian infrastructure, and emerging mobility technologies, these hubs will serve as anchors in our efforts to create a more connected, accessible, and safe West Hartford Center.

“Moreover, the mobility hubs directly support our Vision Zero strategy by addressing known high-risk areas with infrastructure that prioritizes safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. The investment in these hubs is not only a strategic move toward a more sustainable and efficient transportation network but also a moral imperative as we work to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries,” Cantor said.

Securing the funding was also supported as a priority by state Reps. Jillian Gilchrest, Tammy Exum, Kate Farrar, Bobby Gibson, and James Sánchez.

“I am in full support of expanding transportation options in accessible locations to meet a diversity of needs,” Gilchrest said. This is a smart, forward-looking investment in both our current and future economic vitality. I look forward to seeing the transportation hub foster greater interconnectivity, strengthen our sense of community, and enhance the overall quality of life for everyone it serves.”

“West Hartford is such a popular place to be,” said Exum. “I am pleased to see funding secured to make our town less congested, more connected, and safer by integrating bike share, bike racks, transit connections, e-charging stations, and more. I am excited about the possibilities the mobility hubs on LaSalle Road and Farmington Avenue, will offer.”

“State funding to develop two mobility hubs in West Hartford Center is a major step to improve more accessible transportation for all in our town and region,” said Farrar. “Any step to improve more seamless access to transportation options, such as biking, walking, and transit, supports our vibrant and healthy community.”

Sánchez said, “Funding for mobility hubs in West Hartford Center is a major step in building a more connected and inclusive community. These modern-day transportation centers will provide safe, accessible, and convenient options for people to get around. This investment helps ensure West Hartford remains vibrant and sustainable for all.”

“Having access to multiple forms of transportation will unlock the state for residents in our community. Transit centers are an excellent investment and I am excited to see how they transform West Hartford for the better,” said added Gibson.

Depending on the success and usage, the town may consider additional mobility hubs in the future, including at either end of Trout Brook Trail.

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