New transportation center officially opens at Bradley International Airport

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) officially opened its new ground transportation center at Bradley International Airport on Wednesday.

The $210 million facility will offer easier access to rental cars, more public parking and better access to public transportation.

“With the introduction of the ground transportation center, we have created a more efficient and overall better and more welcoming passenger experience,” said CAA executive director Kevin Dillon in a statement on Wednesday. “After five years of planning and construction, we are thrilled to showcase this new amenity to our travelers.”

The transportation center is located adjacent to the airport’s main terminal, Terminal A, and has five floors spanning 13.4 acres. The facility will include rental cars from Avis, Enterprise and Hertz.

“Avis Budget Group is excited to offer BDL customers innovative opportunities to simplify and enhance the rental car experience,” said Anne Morrison, Avis head of airports NA. “Enhanced mobile application, counter by-pass, automated exit gates, and electric vehicle opportunities are just some of the benefits customers see.”

With roughly 830 parking spaces between the lot and the garage, the center is a short walking distance from Terminal A. If travelers do not wish to utilize the parking spots, charter bus operations have been relocated for pick up and drop off at the facility.

In the future, the CAA plans to have the CTRail line and local buses have a drop-off location near the center.

No taxpayer funds have been used to pay for the facility. The project was financed by customer facility charge revenues, according to the authority.

To access the transportation center, travelers must follow the updated roadway and facility signage.