CTDOT eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation Be on the Lookout for Connecticut's New Alternative Fuel Corridor Signs Posted on December 14 , 2020 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that motorists on Connecticut's interstate highways (I-84, I-91, I-95, and I-395) will now see new signage posted to identify the state's Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). The new signs delineate the start and end points of the federally-designated corridors and will promote public awareness of the availability of alternative fuel options in proximity to the corridors. The AFC designations in Connecticut are part of a national network of corridors that support alternative fueling infrastructure.    "Designating Connecticut's network of Alternative Fuel Corridors is another meaningful step forward into our carbon emissions-free future," said Governor Ned Lamont. "More than a sign that Connecticut is headed in the right direction on climate action, these designated corridors are laying the groundwork for easy access to clean alternative fuels. With more certainty and reliability in alternative fueling options, we can grow the electric car market right here in Connecticut and beyond." "We know that the transportation sector is Connecticut's single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and that alternative fueled vehicles not only help us fight climate change but also the negative public health impacts of tailpipe emissions," said CTDOT Commissioner Joe Giulietti.  "The AFC program is an important tool to to improve the awareness of alternative fuels and help drivers plan for extended trips knowing that they will be able to refuel or recharge their vehicles away from home. I thank the Federal Highway Authority for their administration of the AFC program, and our partners at DEEP who are working with us every day in our attempt to move to a cleaner transportation future." "We are very grateful to our DOT partners for their work on this initiative," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "This signage is one of many efforts called for in DEEP's Electric Vehicle Roadmap for Connecticut (EV Roadmap), our strategy for achieving widespread deployment of electric vehicles in the state, which is one of the keys to meeting the state's greenhouse gas reduction targets. Consistency in the consumer experience at charging stations is fundamental to the successful adoption of EVs. Clear and uniform signage is critical to ensuring a positive experience while driving electric, and reducing range anxiety." The new signs are designed to increase travelers' awareness of alternative fuels along the corridors, and drivers are encouraged to use the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuel Station Locator to pinpoint specific fueling locations along the routes. The following locations are now designated and signed as AFC's: EV:     I-84 (NY border to MA border)*             I-91 (New Haven to MA border)*             I-95 (NY border to RI border)*             I-395 (Waterford to MA border CNG:   I-91 (New Haven to MA border)             I-95 (NY border to RI border) LPG:    I-84 (NY border to South Windsor) *Three EV corridors above are also included in more extensive multi-state corridors helping to ensure that EV drivers can easily travel out of state and always be within the range of a charging station.  Those corridors are: EV:    I-84(Middletown, NY to CT/ MA border)           I-91(New Haven, CT to Norwich, VT)           I-95(Augusta, ME to Petersburg, VA) The CTDOT is working with DEEP to coordinate state efforts that support the use of alternative fuels, as well as participating in several New England initiatives to improve alternative fuel vehicle travel by promoting low carbon, zero-emission transportation options, addressing barriers such as range anxiety, integrating alternative fuels into transportation planning efforts and highlighting public interest and awareness of alternative fuel availability. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation New Customer Convenience Features for Hartford Line and Shore Line East Mobile Ticketing App - CTrail eTix Now Accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay, Easier Account Login Posted on December 8 , 2020 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced improvements to the CTrail eTix mobile app which provides CTrail Hartford Line and Shore Line East riders with the ability to purchase tickets using smartphone devices. The app is a more convenient way to pay rail fares without needing to carry and display a paper ticket. The app now accepts both Apple Pay and Google Pay, and allows users to log in using Face ID/Touch ID (Apple) or fingerprint (Android). "These improvements will make CTrail eTix much more user friendly," said CTDOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti. "The app first launched in February of this year, and contactless ticketing has become especially important during this pandemic. If you are planning to ride the Hartford Line or Shore Line East, I encourage you to download and try the eTix app to see how easy and convenient it is to use." "The addition of Apply Pay and Google Pay to CTrail eTix is the result of our continuing commitment to the customer experience," said Public Transportation Bureau Chief Rich Andreski. "Travel on public transportation should be as easy and convenient as possible." The app login experience has been enhanced greatly by adding biometric security - the option to turn on Face ID or Touch ID in Apple's iOS or fingerprint authentication on Android devices. Previously, users needed to manually enter their password to ensure the security of their ticket purchases from within the app. With CTrail eTix, customers can now purchase tickets using Google Pay or Apple Pay in addition to a credit or debit card and store them electronically on their device. When ready to use a mobile ticket, the customer simply opens the CTrail eTix app and presses a button to activate the mobile ticket. After the ticket is activated, customers then show their smartphone screen to their train conductor. The app can be used to purchase Shore Line East and Hartford Line tickets, with optional connecting service on New Haven Line (Metro-North Railroad) trains using a single device for one transaction. In addition, customers utilizing the stations in Berlin and Wallingford have the ability to purchase parking through the app. The CTrail eTix app can be downloaded from Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation Connecticut DOT Issues Safety Tips and Reminds Residents to be "Pedestrian Aware" with Upcoming Time Change Posted on October 28 , 2020 October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and in conjunction with the upcoming shift to Eastern Standard Time, the Connecticut Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Office strongly urges motorists and pedestrians to be more alert to roadway risks as the end of Daylight Saving Time approaches. The change to Eastern Standard Time, occurring on November 1, at 2:00 AM, means drivers' evening commutes will suddenly switch from daylight driving, to dark, nighttime driving conditions, with the sun going down as or before most motorists begin their afternoon commutes home. The change is literally – night and day. The most obvious increase in danger is a result of poorer visibility – motorists will rush home, now in darkness, when only a few days prior, they were still commuting during daylight hours. Pedestrians, who were easily visible before, in all likelihood, will be significantly less visible to motorists as a result of the time shift. "Our top priority is safety and we all have a role to play," said Joseph Giulietti, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Transportation. "I urge everyone, whether you're a pedestrian or a motorist, to look out for one another, to remain alert, drive cautiously, avoid distractions, and follow the rules of the road." According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), twenty-six percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred from 6 to 8:59 p.m. in 2018. There are steps motorists can take to help reduce or prevent injuries and tragic loss of life on Connecticut's roadways: 1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility. 2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather. 3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. 4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the cross-walk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too. 5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can't see. 6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street. 8. Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present. 9. Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path. Additional safety information, including tips for parents, caregivers and children can be found at NHTSA's Pedestrian Safety Page here. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Announces $18 Million in State Local Bridge Program Grant Funding Available to Municipalities - Communities Encouraged to Apply Before November 30, 2020 Posted on October 26 , 2020 The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced that the Department is now accepting Fiscal Year 2021 State grant applications from Connecticut cities and towns for the State Local Bridge Program (SLBP). This grant program provides funding to Connecticut towns and cities for the removal, replacement, reconstruction or rehabilitation of local bridges. There are about 4,200 bridges and culverts on locally-owned, municipally controlled roadways across the state. The Connecticut General Assembly created the SLBP in 1984 to provide state grant funding to assist municipalities in offsetting the costs for maintaining these critically important local structures. There is $18 million available for SLBP grant awards. The application period is now open and the Department will be accepting applications through November, 30, 2020.   Interested towns and cities should visit the CTDOT's SLBP website at www.ct.gov/dot/localbridge for more information and materials to apply for funding. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT eAlert: News from the Connecticut Department of Transportation

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation Train Service Set to Resume on the Waterbury Branch on Monday, October 26, 2020 Posted on October 23 , 2020 The Connecticut Department of Transportation is pleased to announce the resumption of train service on the Waterbury Branch Line, beginning Monday, October 26, 2020. The restoration of rail service follows a six-month suspension and bussing of the service, to allow rail line construction projects to be accelerated. During the suspension, the CTDOT and Metro-North Railroad accelerated components of a $116 million dollar capital improvement project to enhance service reliability and enable increased Waterbury Line rail service in the future.  Work on the line includes signal and communications upgrades, track improvements, rail siding installation (to allow trains to pass), and bridge repairs to three major rail bridges in Derby, Seymour, and Naugatuck. The remaining work will be completed in 2021. "Waterbury Branch improvements, not only to support and improve current operations but also future enhancements in the service, have been long overdue," Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. "I extend my appreciation to our customers who patiently tolerated the inconveniences, while at the same time our crews were able to accomplish so much work in such a short period." All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Customers may use the MTA eTix smartphone application or ticket vending machines at New Haven Line stations. CTDOT and Metro-North Railroad would like to remind customers to always wear a mask or face covering and to practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible at stations and onboard trains. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a distance of six feet from others, when possible. Customers who feel sick should not use public transportation. The updated Waterbury Line train schedule is available at www.mta.info/mnr. Customers are encouraged to check the schedules and status of service before they travel. Connecting bus service to Waterbury will be provided for the New Haven Line train scheduled to arrive in Bridgeport at 5:43 p.m. For information on how to use the MTA eTix app visit www.mta.info/mta-etix. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly