CTDOT Releases First-Ever Customer Experience Action Plan

New CX Action Plan guides future investments to improve public transportation in Connecticut ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Releases First-Ever Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan Posted on June 26 , 2023 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today unveiled its first-ever Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan that outlines programs, policies, and investments to improve bus and rail services for all of Connecticut. The Action Plan is the culmination of a yearlong engagement effort with transit customers, community stakeholders, service providers, and transit employees. The CX Action Plan can be found at transitcx.com. "Public transportation ensures people get to where they need to go safely and efficiently. It breaks down barriers to education and employment, providing more opportunity throughout the state," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "From the moment someone decides to use public transportation to the minute they reach their destination is all part of the customer experience. I am incredibly proud of the outreach and engagement of the CX Team. That meaningful feedback drives this Action Plan and is helping us create a safer and more accessible transit system in Connecticut." "With a renewed focus on enhancing the customer experience, we are proud to deliver our first ever CX Action Plan for transit customers across the state. I am incredibly privileged to celebrate this accomplishment and support the next steps and path forward," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "Our customers told us what matters most to them and we're taking those priorities and making them a reality. We're improving service, making transit easier to use, and creating a more comfortable and accessible transportation system for all." "The process we went through to get here is just as important as the plan. We set out to engage with customers and stakeholders in a real way and we accomplished that," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Customer Experience Supervising Planner Alicia Leite. "We learned a great deal over the last year and remain committed to using what we learned – and will continue to learn – to improve public transportation in Connecticut." The CX Action Plan will be updated every three to five years to reflect evolving customer needs and priorities with yearly progress reports from CTDOT on the status of priority actions. The CX Team will be holding pop-up events over the next few months at bus stops and transit hubs, rail stations and community events to get the word out about the Action Plan. For more information and to the read the full Customer Experience Action Plan, please visit transitcx.com. 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 Celebrates National Pollinator Week

🦋🌼🐝 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Celebrates National Pollinator Week Posted on June 18 , 2023 June 19-25, 2023 is National Pollinator Week and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is highlighting ongoing efforts to help pollinators thrive. The CTDOT Pollinator Program was implemented in 2017 and has grown to 123 conservation areas comprised of approximately 205 acres of state right of way. The goal of the Pollinator Program is to provide critical habitats for pollinating insects, such as bees and monarch butterflies, through strategic plantings and vegetation management. "Pollinators are important to our food supply and health of the environment, and we are proud to join the national effort to increase pollinator habitats on properties throughout Connecticut. We're reclaiming these areas along the highways with wildflowers and vegetation to help protect pollinators that are at risk," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Each year we're identifying additional conservation areas that we can add to this program as part of our broader goals to create a more sustainable environment. However, our rights of way cannot provide the pollinators with everything they need. I encourage the public to join our efforts to help pollinators flourish in Connecticut." The CTDOT pollinator corridors are marked with conservation area signage and consist of warm season grasses, native wildflowers, and low-growing vegetation. They bloom in late June and continue through the summer months. Some examples of plants found in conservation areas include milkweed, goldenrod, joe pye weed, and aster. Varying species with staggered bloom time promotes biodiversity, healthy habitats, and increases the survival rate of pollinators in the area. These corridors along the highways provide an extensive network for pollinators. Motorists traveling throughout Connecticut can see these corridors near highway ramps, medians, and along roadside shoulders. While the blooms are beautiful to see, motorists are asked not to stop on the highway to take photos or videos of the conservation areas. For more information about the CTDOT Pollinator Program, visit Section 7 of the CTDOT Vegetation Management Guidelines. For more information about National Pollinator Week and the importance of pollinators, visit pollinator.org.   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 Raises Awareness on Railroad Crossings

June 15 is International Level Crossing Awareness Day ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Raises Awareness on Railroad Crossings on International Level Crossing Awareness Day Posted on June 15 , 2023 (Newington, CT) - The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and Operation Lifesaver today joined local law enforcement in Connecticut to help raise awareness of railroad crossing safety.  June 15 is International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), a worldwide initiative to improve awareness of level crossing safety. CTDOT joined local municipal police departments, as well as Metro-North and Amtrak police, to share information with the public on the importance of railroad safety. Today's event follows a grade crossing crash in Norwalk on June 14. "Every three hours, someone in the United States is struck by a train. It is essential that we raise awareness to the public so these types of crashes are reduced, and we can stop track tragedies," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Rail Officer and Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator Kevin Burns. "There are hundreds of active rail crossings throughout Connecticut, and unfortunately, crashes still occur, as we just saw on June 14. We need people to remember when they see tracks, to think train. We'll continue working with Operation Lifesaver and our law enforcement partners to get the word out to help reduce crashes and injuries." CTDOT spent the day in Bethel, Norwalk, and Wallingford handing out information to motorists and connecting with school bus drivers. Last year in Connecticut, there were five grade crossing crashes, which resulted in 16 injuries. Nationally, there were nearly 2,200 crossing collisions in 2022. CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver share the following tips for drivers: The only safe and legal place for anyone to cross railroad tracks is at designated crossings. Always obey warning signs and signals. Always look for a train before proceeding. Always expect a train. Trains may be closer and traveling faster than they appear and can run on any track at any time. Freight trains don't travel at fixed times, and schedules for passenger trains often change. Before crossing, be sure there is space on the other side to completely clear the tracks. If your vehicle gets stuck or stalls at a crossing, get everyone out and far away immediately. Then look for the blue sign near the crossing which includes the rail crossing information and contains the emergency toll-free phone number to report an emergency or problem. CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver share the following tips for bicyclists and pedestrians: Always expect a train. Trains are quieter and faster than you think, can run on any track, at any time, from either direction. The only safe place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings with a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate. Crossing tracks on a bike, with a stroller, in a wheelchair, or on other narrow wheels requires caution and extra attention. Plan ahead when choosing a route. Never pass flashing lights or go around lowered gates. Always wait until lights have stopped flashing and gates are completely raised. Wait to cross until you can see clearly in both directions. Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains. To report an emergency or problem, look for the blue sign near the crossing which includes the rail crossing information and contains the emergency toll-free phone number. For more information on the CTDOT Rail Safety program, visit ct.gov/dot. 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 Commissioner Eucalitto Applauds Passage of HB5917

Statement on "An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Vision Zero Council" ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Commissioner Eucalitto Applauds Passage of HB5917, "An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Vision Zero Council" Posted on June 7 , 2023 (NEWINGTON, CT) – Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto released the below statement regarding the passage of HB5917, "An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Vision Zero Council." "On behalf of our team at CTDOT, I am thrilled that HB5917, 'An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Vision Zero Council', has passed the House and Senate with significant bipartisan support. "It's no secret that our roadways have become more deadly, and we are laser-focused on doing everything we can to ensure travelers in Connecticut are safe. "This bill represents over a year's worth of work by the Vision Zero Council members and subcommittee volunteers. At its most basic level, this bill implements policies and authorizes using strategies and tools that have proven to reduce crashes and injuries when implemented in other states. It is a comprehensive package addressing engineering, education, enforcement, and equity. "The bill empowers municipalities to deploy automated traffic enforcement with significant oversight from CTDOT, requires more robust safety education be provided to drivers, requires us to consider recommendations from equity stakeholders in our annual capital plan development, and requires we continue our work to raise public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, and more. "We are confident the provisions in this bill will help improve public health and safety for every resident, especially people of color who are disproportionately impacted by serious injuries and fatalities on our roadways. "We have incredible partners in the leadership of the Transportation Committee, Rep. Roland Lemar, Sen. Christine Cohen, Rep. Kathy Kennedy, and Sen. Tony Hwang, as well as the Vision Zero Council members and subcommittee volunteers. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with these dedicated stakeholders and others to improve safety on our roadways." 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

National Secure Your Load Day is June 6

Always ensure all cargo is safely secured ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation National Secure Your Load Day is June 6 Posted on June 6 , 2023 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding drivers to always Secure Your Load when driving to ensure safety for all. National Secure Your Load Day, which is celebrated on Tuesday, June 6, started in 2004 thanks to the work of Robin Abel, a Washington State resident, whose daughter was severely injured by an unsecured load on the roadway. According to NHTSA, more than 700 fatalities a year are attributed to unsecured loads, and 17,000 more are injured because of objects in the road. Most of these crashes (81%) involve unsecured loads on passenger vehicles. Every state has a law making it illegal for a driver to operate a non-commercial motor vehicle with an unsecured load. Violating these laws can carry state-specific penalties of up to $5,000. "It is every driver's responsibility to ensure their cargo is properly and safely secured to their vehicle to protect all roadway users. Materials and debris on the roadway caused by unsecured loads can cause serious injuries and deaths," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Before transporting anything, check that the cargo is fastened on the top, sides, and back to ensure nothing will fall out. Then check it again to make sure it is secure." Follow these tips to ensure properly secured cargo: Tie the load down with rope, netting, or straps. Tie large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer. Consider covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting. Don't overload the vehicle or trailer. Always double-check the load to make sure it's secure. For more information, visit nhtsa.gov. 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