Getting around Connecticut without a car might soon become more difficult and more expensive if a proposal from the state Department of Transportation (DOT) to significantly alter the state’s mass transit systems becomes a reality.
The proposal that would raise fares on both rail and bus lines in the state, in addition to reducing service at times, is the result of a shortfall in the state’s Special Transportation Fund.
Transit riders in New Haven learned about the proposal during a public hearing Tuesday. The hearing was one of a series of such events happening around the state to explain the proposed changes to residents who might be impacted.
Among the changes that would begin on July 1, the DOT is proposing raising bus fares by 14.3 percent and rail fares by 10 percent. The agency has also proposed making downtown shuttles in New Haven and Hartford that are now free $1 in addition to eliminating off-peak weekend and weekday service on multiple rail lines.
Several residents, including two New Haven alders, who spoke at the hearing expressed that the proposed changes would have significant negative impacts on residents’ ability to live their lives in the city.
DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said the proposals were crafted out of necessity to keep the department and transit in the state afloat in the midst of a difficult economic climate.
“These are not impacts that DOT is proposing because we want to. It’s a last resort to balance a transportation fund to keep our business running,” Redeker said.
The commissioner said the current proposals could potentially be avoided or their impact reduced with additional funding from state lawmakers.
“These will happen at some level. Something very much like this to achieve the same savings has to happen unless revenues come via the legislature this session," Redeker said.
He encouraged concerned residents to voice their concerns at upcoming public forums on the proposed transit changes.
For the list of upcoming public hearings or to leave a comment for the DOT, click here.
To see the full DOT presentation, click here.
