CTDOT Encourages Safe Driving Habits During National Teen Driver Safety Week

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20-26, 2024 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Encourages Safe Driving Habits During National Teen Driver Safety Week Posted on October 19 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to encourage parents, guardians, and caregivers to have important conversations with their teen drivers about road safety during National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 20-26, 2024. "Parents can play a vital role in shaping their teens' driving habits and safety awareness. Talking to your teens about the dangers of risky driving behaviors can be lifesaving," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "This week serves as a reminder that we must guide young drivers through the risks they face every day. Having these conversations can improve safety for everyone on our roadways." According to NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for teens ages 15-18 in the U.S. In 2022, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen (15-18 years old) driver. In Connecticut in 2022, an estimated 1,037 teen drivers (15-18 years old) were injured in motor vehicle crashes, and an estimated 2,033 people were injured in crashes involving teen drivers, accounting for almost 6% of all those injured on the roadway that year. Key risks for teen drivers include alcohol use, inconsistent or no seat belt use, especially in the back seat, distracted driving, drowsy driving, speeding, and having multiple passengers in the car. Parents and caregivers are urged to familiarize themselves with Connecticut's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws to better protect their teens on the road. As part of its ongoing commitment to educating teen drivers, the CTDOT Highway Safety Office will continue to bring two longstanding programs to Connecticut high schools during the 2024-2025 school year: Choices Matter: This program focuses on the dangers of impaired driving and will visit several Connecticut high schools during National Teen Driver Safety Week. For more information, visit choicesmatter.us. Save a Life Tour: This interactive program raises awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and will be stopping at several high schools throughout the state. Learn more at savealifetour.com. For more information on National Teen Driver Safety Week and tips on keeping teens safe behind the wheel, 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

CTDOT Updating ADA Transition Plan

Public invited to review plan and offer comments ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Seeking Public Comment on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Section 504 Transition Plan Posted on October 9 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Section 504 Transition Plan to showcase the agency's commitment to providing an accessible transportation network for all while meeting federal ADA requirements. The ADA was signed into law in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in everyday activities. The ADA Transition Plan provides a roadmap for removing physical barriers to accessibility in transportation systems and facilities. "CTDOT has made significant progress since the last update in 2019 to improve accessibility in transportation systems, recognizing that mobility is vital to quality of life," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Karen Kitsis. "By engaging with municipalities, advocates, and stakeholders, CTDOT has gained valuable insights into the specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. This feedback is essential for shaping policies that meet the needs of all people." "CTDOT is dedicated to improving accessibility among the State's transportation networks and this month opens the 2024 Update to the ADA Transition Plan for public comment," said Connecticut Department of Transportation ADA Coordinating Engineer Katherine Hedberg. "I hope the public will join us at one of our events to learn more about the progress we are making, and the work that lies ahead." CTDOT will be conducting public outreach both in-person and virtually. These events will offer opportunities for the public to provide input on the ADA Transition Plan. Meeting materials and any updates to outreach locations/dates/times will be updated on the CTDOT ADA Transition Plan website. CTDOT will be holding in-person and virtual events on the following dates: October 15, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Veterans Memorial Hall, 235 Grand St., Waterbury, CT 06702 October 16, 10 – 11 a.m., Virtual Presentation on Zoom, register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7ErI1T1XRKWsYaemgKUeew#/registration October 22, 1 – 3 p.m., Wilson Branch Library, 303 Washington Ave., New Haven, CT 06519 October 23, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Otis Library, 261 Main St., Norwich, CT 06360 October 23, 6 – 7 p.m., Virtual Presentation on Zoom, register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WhjycZLoQmGg27ySLvUUNQ#/registration October 24, 1 – 3 p.m., New Horizons Village, 37 Bliss Memorial Rd., Unionville, CT 06085 October 29, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Norwalk Public Library, 1 Belden Ave., Norwalk, CT 06850 October 31, 2024, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Capital Region Council of Governments, 350 Church St., Third Floor, Hartford, CT 06103 CTDOT's ADA Plan involves a coordinated effort throughout the entire agency to use the best available data to compile ADA Compliance for CTDOT assets utilizing the Transportation Enterprise Database (TED) for managing data, asset inventories and inspections. To achieve ADA compliance improvement projects will be on-going for decades and priorities may change on a variety of reasons including but not limited to community requests, funding opportunities and constraints and CTDOT programs and evaluations.  The 2024 Update to CTDOT's ADA Transition Plan also includes: CTDOT's ADA policies and procedures CTDOT's ADA Coordinators CTDOT's accessibility guidelines, and standards Inventory updates for physical obstacles that limit the accessibility of facilities to individuals with disabilities Barrier removal programs that are used to make facilities accessible. Public outreach process for Plan development CTDOT encourages the public to submit their questions and feedback on the ADA/Section 504 Transition Plan by Friday, November 8, 2024, to DOT.ADATransitionPlan@ct.gov or via digital survey. To learn more about CTDOT's ADA Transition Plan, please visit CTDOT ADA Transition Plan and Self Evaluation. 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 Launches Tap and Ride Pilot Program

Quick, easy, and secure way for customers to pay their bus fare via mobile wallet and debit or credit cards ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Launches Tap and Ride Pilot Program for Contactless Payments on Public Transit Posted on October 8 , 2024 Quick, easy, and secure way for customers to pay their bus fare via mobile wallet and debit or credit cards The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the launch of its new Tap & Ride pilot program, which allows customers to pay for their bus fare by tapping their Visa or Mastercard branded debit card, credit card, or mobile wallet at contactless payment readers on River Valley Transit and CTtransit Meriden Division buses. This project marks a major step in modernizing public transportation in Connecticut, providing a seamless and secure way for customers to quickly pay while boarding the bus in select service areas. No downloads or signups are necessary. This project is being funded through the USDOT's Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant program, which was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. CTDOT was awarded a $2 million Stage 1 SMART grant and is eligible for a Stage 2 SMART grant to expand the project in the future. "We are excited to support the Connecticut Department of Transportation on this effort, a key project to modernize and improve the transit experience for riders in this community," said Ben Levine, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology at the U.S. Department of Transportation. "Contactless payments have become a part of everyday life. We want our transit customers to have a quick and convenient experience when it comes to paying fares, one that doesn't require them to have exact change or even download a mobile app," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "Thank you to the USDOT for funding this pilot project, which will help Connecticut test this technology out with customers and develop our roadmap for a large-scale implementation of contactless payments across all bus services in the state." "River Valley Transit is excited to be included in CTDOT's Tap & Ride pilot," said River Valley Transit Executive Director Joe Comerford. "We look forward to sharing our experience implementing this new technology with other bus service providers throughout Connecticut." Here's what customers need to know when using Tap & Ride: Tap & Ride is a pilot program only available on River Valley Transit fixed routes, and CTtransit Meriden division local routes 561, 563, 564, 565, 566, and 567. Only contactless enabled Visa or Mastercard branded products are accepted at this time. On your first tap of the day, you will be charged $1.75. You can transfer and tap for free on any bus with the Tap & Ride contactless payment readers for two hours after your first tap. If you tap again after two hours, you will be charged another $1.75. Now that you have reached the day cap of $3.50, you can transfer and tap for free on any bus with the Tap & Ride contactless payment readers for 24 hours after your first tap. Within a 31-day period, if your contactless fare payments sum to $52.50 you will not be charged for any additional taps made until the end of that 31-day period. Customers must use the same payment method for every tap to receive the benefit of fare capping.    You can review your contactless fare payment history here. For more information on the Tap & Ride program, please visit portal.ct.gov/TapAndRide.   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 Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day is October 9

CTDOT encourages schools and students to participate in active transportation events. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     National Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day is October 9 Posted on October 4 , 2024 Wednesday, October 9, 2024 is the Fall Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is encouraging schools, students, and their families to participate. No matter how a student typically arrives at school, Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day is a great opportunity to try an active route. As of today, 23 schools across Connecticut have registered their event on the national Walk, Bike, & Roll To School website. These events provide an opportunity to advocate for and evaluate pedestrian safety surrounding Connecticut's schools while encouraging students to be more active during their school commute. "We are looking to build on the success of the Spring Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day by having more schools participate in the annual Fall event," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Karen Kitsis. "It's a beautiful time of year to use active modes of transportation to get to your destination." In 2005, the CTDOT established a Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS). Since then, many communities participating in the SRTS Program have shown improved safety and accessibility for students with and without disabilities. CTDOT is excited to share the following updates from the SRTS Team: Equity: Safe Routes to School programs are available for all K-12 students in Connecticut, regardless of their ability, grade level, and location, ensuring that all students are able to participate in safe, accessible, and sustainable active transportation. Education: Updated curriculum resources and SRTS Team technical assistance to offer bicycle and pedestrian safety education at all grade levels. Awarded Connecticut's first Vision Zero Program Distinction for Schools. Encouragement: Supported National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day events across the state. Distributed over $250,000 through the Active Transportation Microgrants Program, available (up to $5,000) for schools, school districts, municipalities and non-profits. Evaluation: Completed a number of Safe Routes to School Walk Audits with reports in ArcGIS StoryMaps, with recommendations that are being implemented. Safe Routes to School Action Plans are available to communities that have previously participated in the walk audit program. For more information on the Safe Routes to School Program, please visit ct.gov/SafeRoutes. To sign up or participate in a Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day event, visit walkbiketoschool.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