Naugatuck Valley Community College hosted a dual ribbon-cutting/groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, May 12 to celebrate additional enhancements to the #42 CTTransit Chase Parkway bus line that serves the College, made possible by a generous sponsorship from Saint Mary’s Hospital and a partnership with the City of Waterbury.

The hospital has funded the purchase of a new bus shelter along Chase Parkway. The City and College are splitting the cost of new sidewalks, which will run from the College’s west entrance to the east property line near the I-84 overpass.

“We are thrilled that we’ve found a way to enhance this vital transportation link to campus—even in this time of fiscal challenges,” said NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. “This just adds to the mobility momentum that began nearly four years ago when we stood side-by-side with the City and our legislative delegation in Hartford to return evening bus service to campus and the City.”

“Saint Mary’s and NVCC are both economic engines for Waterbury and better access to bus service will only make our community stronger,” said Waterbury Mayor Neil M. O’Leary. “Adding a new bus shelter to the sidewalks the City is building is just icing on the cake.”

“Saint Mary’s enjoys a great relationship with NVCC and many of their students train here at Saint Mary’s and go on to become members of our staff. We are pleased to improve bus service for NVCC students and local residents alike,” said Chad W. Wable, President and CEO of Saint Mary’s Hospital. “This is a win-win-win for the College, the City and the hospital.”

Members of NVCC’s Student Government Association led an all-campus walk for the sidewalk project last fall.