CTDOT Announces Public Hearings on Proposed Fare and Service Changes for Bus and Rail

CTDOT announced a series of four public hearings to gather input on the proposed rail and bus service changes, as well as proposed rail fare increases. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Announces Public Hearings on Proposed Fare and Service Changes for Bus and Rail Posted on September 18 , 2023 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced a series of four public hearings to gather input on the proposed rail and bus service changes, as well as proposed rail fare increases. The biennial state budget adopted earlier this year included a funding increase for CTtransit bus service in Connecticut and a funding reduction for Metro-North Railroad (MNR) and CTrail Shore Line East (SLE) passenger rail service, to align with current commuting habits more closely. Proposed bus service changes include: One proposed new route in the CTtransit Hartford Division. Two proposed new routes in the CTtransit New Haven Division and proposed improvements to service frequencies on two CTfastrak routes. Additional changes proposed to eight routes in the CTtransit Hartford Division to better align with ridership demand and promote efficiency, such as decreased service frequency, route restructuring, and route elimination with replacement service. The state budget included significant investments for additional bus service improvements across the state, such as new Sunday service in Meriden. Those changes do not meet the threshold for a service equity analysis and thus not included.   Proposed rail service changes include: Decreased Monday through Thursday service on the New Haven Line from 239 trains to 237 trains. Decreased Friday service on the New Haven Line from 241 trains to 234 trains. Decreased weekday service on the New Canaan Line from 41 trains to 39 trains. Decreased weekday service on the Danbury Line from 28 trains to 26 trains. The proposed schedule changes for Shore Line East would not take effect until after the Amtrak Fitter Interlocking Project is completed and it differs from the construction schedule that took effect on September 5, 2023. Decreased weekday service on Shore Line East from 23 trains to 16 trains. Proposed Shore Line East Train 1640 will depart 5:45 p.m. eastbound from New Haven, eliminating a three-hour gap. Proposed rail fare changes include: An increase for Metro-North fares in Connecticut, Shore Line East fares, and Hartford Line fares, excluding monthly school passes. Metro-North fares in Connecticut have not increased since January 2018, while Shore Line East fares have not increased since 2016. Hartford Line fares have not been adjusted since the launch of the service. Full details on the proposed service and fare changes are available at ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges. "Commuting habits continue evolving following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and these proposed changes reflect this 'new normal' by prioritizing morning and evening peak train service and introducing bus service changes to meet a new demand," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "I encourage members of the public to attend one of the hearings and offer their comments and feedback on these proposals. Public input is critically important and helps ensure we deliver a safe, accessible public transportation system in Connecticut." At these hearings, CTDOT will provide information and accept public comments on the service and fare proposals and the Service and Fare Equity (SAFE) analysis. The SAFE analysis evaluates the proposed changes to determine if they will cause a disparate impact on people of color or a disproportionate burden to people with low incomes. The public hearings will be conducted in person in Hartford and New Haven and virtually online via Zoom. The in-person hearings include an open house during which staff will be available for questions and answers. The public hearing will begin after the open house.   DATE LOCATION TIME Monday, October 2, 2023   Kennedy Mitchell Hall of Records 200 Orange St., New Haven, CT 06510 5:00-6:00 p.m. (open house) 6:00-8:00 p.m. (public hearing) Tuesday, October 3, 2023 Capitol Region Council of Governments 3rd Floor Board Room 241 Main St., Hartford, CT 06106 5:00-6:00 p.m. (open house) 6:00-8:00 p.m. (public hearing)   Wednesday, October 4, 2023   Virtually via Zoom Webinar ID: 819 3851 5237 Passcode: 026281 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 4, 2023   Virtually via Zoom Webinar ID: 819 3851 5237 Passcode: 194387 6:00-8:00 p.m. The complete proposed service and fare changes are available at ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges. The public comment period is open from today, Monday, September 18, through Friday, October 6, 2023. The virtual meetings will be recorded and saved on the CTDOT YouTube Channel at youtube.com/@ctdotofficial. Registration is encouraged for the virtual public hearings; however, it is only required for those who would like to provide a comment during the hearing. To register, please visit ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges or call (860) 594-3612 and leave a voicemail with your full name and contact information. Registration will be accepted up to the day of the hearing and will remain open for the duration of the hearings. Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (833) 548-0282 and entering the Webinar ID. Persons with hearing or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Persons with limited internet access may also request that project information be mailed to them within one week by contacting (860) 594-3612 or dot.proposedtransitchanges@ct.gov. Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line at (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance. Closed captioning, including in non-English language, will be available on Zoom. For more information on the proposed changes and how to attend the public hearings, provide comments, and access the SAFE analysis document, please visit ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges. CTDOT encourages all members of the public to participate in one or more of the scheduled public hearings and submit comments. Members of the public may submit comments by emailing dot.proposedtransitchanges@ct.gov, or by calling (860) 597-8226. Written comments may also be submitted to: COMMENT ON PROPOSED FARE AND SERVICE CHANGES Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau of Public Transportation P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 CTDOT will consider all comments received during the public hearing and public comment process when approving the final service and fare proposal(s). # # #   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 and Operation Lifesaver Highlight Rail Safety Week 2023

Rail Safety Week helps raise awareness to prevent track tragedies. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver Highlight Rail Safety Week 2023 Posted on September 15 , 2023 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and Operation Lifesaver highlighted the importance of rail crossing safety earlier today with a special press conference to kick off Rail Safety Week 2023. The annual Rail Safety Week event helps raise awareness to reduce collisions between trains and motor vehicles or pedestrians and prevent track tragedies. About every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Over the last five years in Connecticut (2018-2022), 11 vehicles were struck by trains, resulting in 17 injuries. Over the same time, there were 42 incidents involving pedestrians, resulting in 13 injuries and 33 fatalities. CTDOT was joined by Senator Richard Blumenthal, local and state law enforcement, and rail safety partners at the Wallingford Railroad Station along the Hartford Line. Governor Ned Lamont also issued a special statement proclaiming September 18-24, 2023, as Rail Safety Week 2023 in Connecticut. "With hundreds of active railroad crossings in Connecticut, we remind the public that the road is closed when the red lights are on and the gates are down. Stop and wait for the train to pass. Do not try to cross or outrun a train – that is a race you will never win," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "Thanks to a strong partnership with Operation Lifesaver and with our dedicated CTDOT staff, we are making strides to improve rail safety and prevent track tragedies. Thank you to our elected officials, members of law enforcement, and rail partners for helping us raise awareness during Rail Safety Week 2023." CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver will hold various events during Rail Safety Week 2023. Members of the media are encouraged to attend the following: Tuesday, September 19, Operation Clear Track: To emphasize the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespassing laws, CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver will work with the Amtrak, Derby, New London, Norwalk, Stonington, and Wallingford Police Departments on Operation Clear Track, a public awareness and safety event at active railroad crossings. Wednesday, September 20, School Bus Crossing Safety: To highlight crossing safety, CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver will distribute safety information to school bus drivers in New Haven and Stamford. Thursday, September 21, Commuter Safety: To remind riders of safety around railroad tracks, CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver will speak with commuters at New Haven Union Station, Bridgeport Station, and Stamford Transportation Center throughout the day. Friday, September 22, First Responders: To increase public safety, CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver will work with the Ansonia, Bridgeport, New Haven and Plainville Fire Departments on training and safety guidelines. CTDOT and Operation Lifesaver encourage all people to practice railroad safety during Rail Safety Week 2023 and every day of the year. Connecticut is a leader in supporting highway-rail grade crossing and pedestrian safety programs through its local Operation Lifesaver Program. For more information on Operation Lifesaver, visit oli.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

It’s National Roundabouts Week!

Roundabouts Improve Safety and Reduce Carbon Emissions ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation It's National Roundabouts Week! CTDOT Highlights Important Role Roundabouts Play in Improving Safety and Reducing Carbon Emissions Posted on September 17 , 2023 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is celebrating National Roundabouts Week September 18-22, 2023, highlighting the critical role roundabouts play in improving safety and reducing carbon emissions. According to national data, converting a signalized intersection to a roundabout results in a 78% reduction in severe crashes and a 48% reduction in overall crashes. Connecticut has seen even more positive results, as a study of five roundabouts found an 81% reduction in severe crashes and a 49% reduction in total crashes. CTDOT has constructed 16 roundabouts in Connecticut and has 14 more planned for state roadways in the future. Click here for a list of active and upcoming CTDOT roundabout projects in the state. "I'm a strong advocate of roundabouts because they are proven to improve safety for all roadway users and reduce vehicle emissions polluting our air," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "By converting intersections to roundabouts, motorist, bicyclist, and pedestrian safety is improved, and traffic congestion is reduced. We'll continue building roundabouts where appropriate to ensure people reach their destination safely and efficiently every trip." A roundabout is a one-way, circular intersection where traffic flows counterclockwise. Unlike rotaries and traffic circles, roundabouts operate at lower speeds, making them safer and simpler. By eliminating left turns at intersections, roundabouts remove the potential for head-on or broadside crashes. By eliminating stop signs or signalized intersections, traffic can flow more freely, reducing congestion and carbon emissions. Modern roundabouts also improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, as crossing distances are typically shorter, traffic is moving slower and in only one direction. The CTDOT Roundabout Committee comprises experienced engineers who assist with the planning, designing, and constructing of roundabouts around the state and serve as a resource for Connecticut towns and cities. The Committee reviews roundabout concepts, advises on good design practices, and can help answer questions regarding size, suitability, materials, pavement markings, and more. For more information and resources on Connecticut roundabouts, 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

First Responders Can Ride Hartford Line Trains for Free to Attend Services for Detective Robert Garten

All uniformed first responders, members of the military, and their families may ride CTrail Hartford Line trains free of charge Friday and Saturday to attend services. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Announces Free Rides on all CTrail Hartford Line Trains for Uniformed First Responders and Members of the Military Friday and Saturday Posted on September 14 , 2023 In honor of fallen Hartford Police Detective Robert "Bobby" Garten, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today that all uniformed first responders, members of the military, and their families may ride CTrail Hartford Line (HL) trains free of charge on Friday, September 15 to attend Detective Garten's wake at Dunkin' Park, and on Saturday, September 16 to attend his celebration of life services at the XL Center. The calling hours for the wake at Dunkin' Park will be from 2-7 p.m. on Friday, September 15, and the celebration of life services at the XL Center will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 16. The return trip will also be free on all CTrail HL trains. Free parking will be available at the Berlin, Meriden, and Wallingford Stations on Friday and Saturday. Those who are not in uniform will be required to show identification to the conductor onboard the train. Please note the free tickets are for CTrail Hartford Line trains only, and purchased tickets will be required to board Amtrak Hartford Line trains. "Our law enforcement community does invaluable, critical work to support every one of our communities 24 hours a day. After this unspeakable tragedy, this is just one small thing we can do to help first responders and members of the military honor the life of Detective Garten," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "We hope that by offering this service, more family, friends, and supporters will be able to attend these services while reducing potential traffic congestion in and around Hartford." Passengers can find the latest Hartford Line schedule here and are encouraged to visit HartfordLine.com or Amtrak.com for the latest service information and scheduled departure times. Riders can also sign up for alerts sent directly to their phone or email at HartfordLine.com/service-alerts. 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