Thursday, August 31, 2023

CTtransit and CTfastrak 31-Day Bus Passes Available for Purchase on Smartphones

Expanded Token Transit program includes 31-day passes beginning Friday, September 1, 2023 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

CTtransit and CTfastrak 31-Day Bus Passes Available for Purchase on Smartphones

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that CTtransit and CTfastrak customers can purchase their 31-day pass on their smartphones beginning Friday, September 1, 2023, through Token Transit.

On April 1 of this year, a pilot program was launched in partnership with Token Transit to allow customers to purchase two-hour Adult, Senior/Disabled, and Youth bus passes for all local CTtransit and CTfastrak buses on their smartphones. Customers routinely requested additional fare and payment options while CTDOT was developing its first Customer Experience Action Plan.

"Due to the success of the pilot program over the last several months and feedback from our customers asking for more fare options through their smartphones, we're excited to include 31-day passes for purchase through Token Transit," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "The ability to purchase bus fares through Token Transit improves the customer experience by giving our customers more freedom in paying for their fares and improving boarding times at stops."

To use Token Transit, customers can download the Token Transit mobile app or use Transit App, Moovit, Agile Mile, or Google Maps, which are all integrated with Token Transit.

Here's how it works:

  • As buses approach, customers who purchased passes via Token Transit will be able to open their app and tap on the pass to activate it.
  • The applicable period (two hours or 31 days) for which the ticket is available begins once the pass is activated.
  • Once on the bus, customers should follow the instructions in the app to validate the ticket and show the bus operator.

All CTfastrak and CTtransit local buses will accept Token Transit, including the Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford Divisions, as well as CTtransit in Bristol, Meriden, New Britain, Wallingford, and Waterbury.

CTtransit Express buses are not currently included as part of this pilot program. Any customer who uses Token Transit on a CTtransit local bus and transfers to a CTtransit Express bus will need to pay the difference in fares with cash at the farebox of the express bus.

Here's what passengers need to know when using Token Transit:

  • Passengers will need a mobile device with an internet connection to purchase and activate passes. The mobile ticketing technology works for iOS and Android devices.
  • Purchased passes can be used immediately or stored for future rides. Fares purchased on Token Transit never expire.
  • Passes can also be sent to any phone number, allowing customers to deliver bus passes to family and friends instantly.
  • If passengers need to transfer to another bus operated by another participating Connecticut transit agency, they can request a paper transfer upon boarding the initial CTtransit or CTfastrak bus. For a list of the transit agencies that accept transfers from CTtransit and CTfastrak, please visit CTtransit.com/fares/transfers.
  • Several security features are used to prevent fraud, including moving imagery to prevent screenshots and a current time ticker to prevent screen recordings.

The Go CT card will continue to be available to CTtransit and CTfastrak customers and will use a system called Fare Capping to calculate their fares and pay the lowest possible price with no guesswork for the user.

Token Transit partners with 143 other United States and Canada transit agencies.

For more information, help planning a trip, and a list of routes, visit CTtransit.com.


Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Shore Line East Schedule Changes Effective September 5, 2023

Schedule changes needed while Amtrak performs construction work ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

Shore Line East Schedule Changes Effective September 5, 2023

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting riders of the upcoming Shore Line East (SLE) construction schedule that will take effect on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. The construction schedule is needed for the Amtrak Fitter Interlocking Project, which when completed will improve Amtrak's ability to do maintenance on the tracks with less impact on service. This trackwork is anticipated to be completed before the end of December 2023.

 

This schedule change impacts the weekday and weekend schedules. Please note that some train departure times have been changed to accommodate this project. On the weekdays, fourteen trains will operate between New Haven Union Station and New London Station, and two trains will operate between New Haven Union Station and Old Saybrook Station. On the weekends, fourteen trains will operate between New Haven Union Station and New London Station. Additionally, more trains are stopping at Madison Station.

 

"We understand any schedule change can impact our Shore Line East riders. Therefore, we requested that Amtrak expand the number of cross-honor trains through this project to ensure we are meeting the needs of our riders. Thanks to Amtrak's partnership, customers can ride certain Amtrak trains with their normal Shore Line East ticket," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "This project improves reliability and increases rail operation flexibility. We appreciate the patience of SLE riders as this important project gets underway."

 

Amtrak's cross-honoring system allows SLE multi-ride ticket holders to ride a select number of Amtrak trains by utilizing Amtrak's Ride Reserve program, which can be found here. Passengers must reserve a seat in advance through Amtrak's mobile app or the Amtrak website. Multi-ride ticket types include SLE Monthly Ticket, SLE Monthly Plus Bus Ticket, Metro-North Railroad (MNR)/SLE Monthly UniRail Ticket, MNR/SLE Weekly UniRail Ticket, and SLE Ten-Trip Ticket.

 

The temporary expanded Amtrak cross-honor program will include the following trains:

 

Westbound:

  • 95 departs New London Station at 7:40 a.m.
  • 93 departs New London Station at 11:00 a.m.
  • 173 departs New London Station at 12:43 p.m.
  • 137 departs New London Station at 3:33 p.m.
  • 177 departs New London Station at 7:16 p.m.

Eastbound:

  • 172 departs New Haven Union Station at 12:51 p.m.
  • 86 departs New Haven Union Station at 2:10 p.m.
  • 176 departs New Haven Union Station at 5:15 p.m.
  • 94 departs New Haven Union Station at 7:27 p.m.
  • 178 departs New Haven Union Station at 9:42 p.m.

Passengers can find the updated SLE schedule here and are encouraged to visit ShoreLineEast.com for the latest service information. Riders can sign up for alerts sent directly to their phone or email at shorelineeast.com/service-alerts.

 

SLE passengers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. CTrail passengers may purchase their rail tickets using the CTrail eTix mobile ticketing app at CTrail ticket vending machines in New Haven or Amtrak ticket windows in New Haven, Old Saybrook, and New London (credit and debit cards only).


Thursday, August 24, 2023

CTDOT Announces New Complete Streets Design Criteria

New criteria improves roadway safety & mobility ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Web Version    
DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

CTDOT Announces New Complete Streets Design Criteria to Improve Roadway Safety and Enhance Mobility

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has implemented new Complete Streets design criteria to be incorporated into all projects. The Complete Streets design criteria is an expansion of CTDOT's Complete Street Policy, ensuring that every project includes a focus on pedestrian and bicyclist facilities and public transportation operations to create stronger intermodal transportation networks and improve safety.

Complete Streets Policies are aimed at creating roadways that work for everyone. By ensuring the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit customers of all ages and abilities, safety is improved, and a stronger transportation network is created.

"While this change may sound technical, it is a big deal for improving the safety of our transportation network. I am incredibly proud of our Bureaus of Engineering and Construction and Policy and Planning for tackling the challenge I posed to them and developing these new Complete Streets design criteria for all of our future projects," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We are doing everything we can break down barriers to transportation and make Connecticut roadways more accessible for everyone."

"Utilizing Complete Streets design criteria is just one of the many ways we're working to make Connecticut safer for all roadway users," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Chief Engineer and Bureau Chief of Engineering and Construction Scott Hill. "This change will solidify and ensure that pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorist safety is incorporated into the billions of dollars worth of projects we have planned in our Capital Program."

2022 was the deadliest year on Connecticut roadways in decades, with more than 360 fatalities, including more than 70 pedestrian deaths. The new CTDOT Complete Streets Design criteria focuses on three areas to improve safety and mobility:

  • Pedestrian facilities – includes sidewalks, shared use paths, or side paths on both sides of the roadway.
  • Bicycle facilities – includes paved outside shoulders, bike lanes, separated bike paths, or shared use paths on both sides of the roadway.
  • Transit provisions – includes crosswalks, shelters, benches, and other ways to make existing or proposed transit stops more accessible.

If any CTDOT project does not meet these three criteria, a formal design exemption and approval is required by the CTDOT Chief Engineer. The new design criteria can be viewed here.

The new design criteria is part of a larger CTDOT strategy to improve safety and mobility, and reduce roadway crashes and injuries. For more information on CTDOT Complete Streets, visit ct.gov/dot


Wednesday, August 23, 2023

New Canaan Branch Line Train Service Resumes September 2

First train departs at 6:20 a.m. on September 2 🚆 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Web Version    
DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

Train Service on the Metro-North New Canaan Branch Line Resumes Saturday, September 2, 2023

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) alerts riders that train service on the Metro-North (MNR) New Canaan Branch Line resumes on Saturday, September 2, with the 6:20 a.m. train.

Over the last several months, a track improvement project was underway along the line. Now that the project is completed, an existing speed restriction in the Stamford area has been eliminated, allowing trains to travel 20 miles per hour faster through this section. 

In advance of train service resuming, test trains will be operating along the New Canaan Branch Line between Stamford and New Canaan in both directions to test and inspect the railroad crossings and tracks.

"We appreciate the public remaining patient as this important work took place over the summer months. These infrastructure improvements allow for improved and more reliable service on the New Canaan Branch Line into the future," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Public Transportation Bureau Chief Ben Limmer. "We remind the public to use caution around the tracks as trains will resume operation shortly. We look forward to welcoming customers back on September 2 as we head into a busy fall season."

The public is reminded to use caution at all railroad crossings. CTDOT offers the following reminders and safety tips:

  • Red Flashing Lights and Gates mean "Road Closed".It is unsafe – and illegal – for pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicle operators to bypass flashing railroad warning lights or lowered gates. A person violating a crossing as a pedestrian or motorist can be held liable for injuries to train passengers/railroad employees or damages to railroad property resulting from a train making an emergency stop to avoid a collision.
  • Emergency Notification System (ENS). Each railroad crossing has a blue sign posted with a phone number and Crossing Identification Number to use in the event of a crossing emergency such as a car stuck on the tracks or malfunctioning warning devices. If your car gets stuck on the tracks – get out, get away, and phone the ENS number immediately.
  • Railroad Property is Private Property. Using the tracks for walking, cycling, or vehicles is unsafe and against the law.
  • Keep Pets Leashed. For their own safety and that of their handlers, pets should always be under control whenever near railroad tracks or crossings.

Customers are reminded the complete train schedule can be accessed at https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad.

All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Customers may use the MTA eTix app or ticket vending machines conveniently located at most New Haven Line stations. For information on how to use the MTA eTix app, visit https://new.mta.info/traintime.

For real-time service updates and information, customers can use the following options: 

MYmta app – Customers who use the comprehensive MYmta smartphone app will see real-time travel information for all MTA services in one place. 

new.mta.info – The "Service Status" box at new.mta.info is always the definitive source for the latest status for each line.

For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511. Connecticut customers should call (877) 690-5114. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.