With construction on the interstates, proposed rail service from New Haven to Springfield, Mass., and Tweed New Haven Regional Airport searching for ways to stay in business, Connecticut has become a hub of transportation transformation. Follow continuing coverage here from the New Haven Register.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced the resumption of fare enforcement and front door boarding on CTtransit buses statewide effective Monday, October 5, 2020. The use of the fare boxes and front door boarding was temporarily suspended statewide due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Other transit and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit operators in the state are in the process of reinstating fare enforcement and all are anticipated to have it in place by November 1st. Riders should look for notices onboard buses and check local transit operator's websites and social media to find out when fare enforcement will resume in their area.
"Bus service continues to be a critical lifeline to many during this public health crisis," said CTDOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti. "The relaxation of fare enforcement allowed us to continue to provide service while we upgraded our bus fleets with the installation of safety barriers. These barriers, along with appropriate social distancing and wearing of masks by our customers and bus operators, will help ensure the safety of the bus riding public."
Safety barriers between the driver and the fare boxes will be installed on all CTtransit buses in the Hartford, New Haven and Stamford divisions by October 5. These barriers will ensure the safety of both the bus drivers and passengers. Temporary barriers will be in place on bus services that are still in the procurement and installation process.
Prior to COVID-19, CTDOT installed permanent barriers on some CTtransit buses on a trial basis to test their effectiveness and ensure that they did not interfere with the regular operation of the bus. Feedback about the barriers from both drivers and passengers was positive.
"The permanent barriers did perform admirably in our tests, and we are thrilled to roll out this important safety feature on our fleet of vehicles" stated Dennis Solensky, Transit Administrator of CTDOT Bureau of Public Transportation. "As a result of the pandemic, we moved up the purchase and installation of these barriers to ensure that our drivers and passengers remain safe during these unique times. Through quick action of the Department, its employees, the manufacturer of the barriers and bus maintenance staff, these barriers were installed in short order to ensure our essential transportation infrastructure is ready for any challenge we may face."
Bus customers are also reminded about the availability of the Go CT card for quick, contactless payment at the farebox. Passengers who use a Go CT card, just tap their card at the farebox. Those who use the card will pay the lowest possible fare with no guesswork and the funds on the card never expire. Go CT cards can be purchased through the CTtransit online store, at CTtransit sales outlets and a growing network of retailers in the state. For more information about the Go CT card, please visit www.cttransit.com.
CTDOT is reminding passengers, "Forgot your mask? Just ask." Free masks are available to transit passengers at staffed bus and rail ticket sales outlets and onboard trains if a rider has forgotten their mask.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing a series of child seat checks, a safety event held to teach parents and caregivers about proper car seat installation, during Child Passenger Safety Week, September 20 – 26, 2020.
The events will teach parents and caregivers how to use car seats correctly and how to properly install them. Technicians will also be on-site to discuss car seat selections with parents and answer any other questions.
In 2018, one child under the age of 13 in a passenger vehicle was involved in a crash every 32 seconds. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car seats are misused.
"The most important task of a parent or caregiver is to keep their children safe," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti. "And part of that responsibility is ensuring children are safely buckled up in the correct, and properly installed car seat for their age and size — every trip, every time."
The consequences of misused car seats can be disastrous, and it is critical that car seat instructions are read and followed. Research shows that when used correctly, car seats decrease the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers (1 to 4 years old) in cars, and by 58% and 59%, respectively, for infants and toddlers in light trucks. Additionally, using the tether on a forward-facing car seat reduces the chances of injury in a crash.
Child Seat Check-Up events will be held during Child Passenger Safety Weekat the following locations:
295 Meridian Street, Groton September 26th (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
165 Miller Street, Meriden, September 26th (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers can also visit www.nhtsa.gov/therightseat to learn other tips on car seat safety, watch how-to videos, and sign up for car seat recall notifications.
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