Transit Equity Day is February 4

CTDOT honors Transit Equity Day 2025 with commitment to fill gaps in public transit ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Honors Transit Equity Day 2025 with Commitment to Fill Gaps in Public Transit Posted on January 31 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Public Transportation (CTDOT) honors Transit Equity Day 2025 with a commitment to high-quality, accessible public transportation that connects people and communities to jobs, education, health care, and more. Transit Equity Day is observed every February 4, the birthday of late civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks, who helped fight for more equitable transportation. CTDOT is committed to improving and expanding equitable access for transit-dependent and transit-choice customers. On Tuesday, February 4, a special poster will be hung on a seat on all public transit buses to commemorate Transit Equity Day 2025. "The actions of Rosa Parks decades ago created a movement to ensure transportation is accessible for people of all backgrounds and abilities," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Karen Kitsis. "Whether it's a bus or train or shuttle, public transit connects communities together and is an integral part of everyday life for residents. We remain committed to seeing Connecticut's vast public transit network meet the needs of residents today and well into the future." CTDOT is dedicated to continued investments that make public transit accessible for all people. From transitioning the statewide bus fleet from diesel buses to zero-emissions buses to offering free Wi-Fi on CTtransit buses statewide and investing in new modern rail cars and creating transit schedules for today's commuters, CTDOT is improving lives through transportation. Furthermore, CTDOT is dedicated to filling gaps in public transportation, including: Bus Service Expansion Governor Ned Lamont's 2024-2025 Biennial Budget included $17.5 million to expand bus routes across Connecticut. CTDOT is creating smaller hubs, consolidating bus stops, and cutting down on wait times for riders. By optimizing the distance between stops, bus service can operate more efficiently. Seventeen local routes in Greater New Haven were extended to 1 a.m. ADA paratransit service was extended, and a new express route was added between Meriden and Waterbury. More Convenient Payment Options In October 2024, the CTDOT launched a contactless Tap & Ride pilot program on select bus routes allowing customers to use their mobile wallet and debit or credit cards to pay for bus fares. In addition to fare capping, Tap & Ride now also includes reduced rates for seniors or those with disabilities. Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Last year, a total of 36 vehicle grants totaling more than $3.2 million were awarded to non-profits and municipalities under the Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 program. Section 5310 is a federal grant program intended to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation service and expanding transportation mobility option Microtransit Pilot Program CTDOT's Microtransit Pilot Program provided nine transit districts and municipalities funding for on-demand microtransit services over a two-year period. This funding supported communities across the state to design and develop an on-demand microtransit service. This pilot program makes it easier for older people and people with disabilities to access public transit. It also eliminates the first and last-mile challenges by using an app or phone number to request and schedule a ride within designated areas. As of January 2025, the service has provided nearly 50,000 passenger trips. Bus Stop Enhancement Program Many of Connecticut's 1,300-plus bus stops need shelters, seating, or trip information. CTDOT is allocating $20 million to a bus stop improvement program, allowing communities to build and install ADA-compliant bus stops and shelters with real-time schedule information. Customer Experience Action Plan CTDOT released its first-ever Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan in 2023 with a series of planned investments throughout the state. The CX plan is based directly on customer and stakeholder feedback. For example, adding mobile ticketing options was identified as a need and implemented based on feedback. View the CX Action Plan at transitcx.com and the 2024 Annual Progress Report. The Progress Report provided an update on 26 priority items based directly on input from transit users. 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

Stay Safe During a Highway Emergency

Staying inside your vehicle is key to preventing injuries and saving lives ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Urges Motorists to Stay in Their Vehicles in Highway Emergencies Posted on January 27 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is issuing a critical safety reminder for all motorists: if you experience a breakdown or emergency on a highway, the safest place to be is inside your vehicle. Highways are designed for vehicles traveling at high speeds, and even a brief moment outside your car can have deadly consequences. CTDOT want all motorists to be informed and prepared to make the safest choices during roadside emergencies. "Every time someone gets out of their car on a highway, they put themselves at serious risk," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Staying inside your vehicle with your seat belt fastened and pulling as far off the road as possible is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. We want to prevent tragedies and keep everyone safe on our roadways." "Please pay attention to these basic measures to keep drivers and their passengers safe," said Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins. "We all need to work together to make the state's highways safer, and this is especially true on the side of a busy roadway." With an increase in roadside incidents and traffic-related injuries, the Connecticut State Police (CSP) is urging all drivers to stay inside their vehicles if they experience a breakdown or other roadside emergency. CSP Colonel Daniel Loughman emphasized that remaining in your vehicle is one of the safest actions you can take in these situations. "When your vehicle is disabled, your first instinct might be to step outside and assess the problem. However, this can put you at greater risk for being involved in a roadside crash or becoming vulnerable to other dangers," said Colonel Loughman. "Staying inside your car, and dialing 911 is the safest choice." CTDOT advises drivers to follow these critical safety tips in the event of a breakdown or emergency along the highway: Pull Over Safely: Move your vehicle into the right shoulder. If you can, position your car so it's entirely off the roadway and away from moving traffic. Call for Assistance: Use your phone to call 911. Stay in Your Vehicle: The safest place to be is inside your car. Keep your seatbelt fastened, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for help to arrive. If you are unable to stay in your vehicle due to fire, find a location away from both the burning vehicle and from the travel lanes. Be Visible: At night or during inclement weather, ensure your hazard lights are on and use any reflective gear you have. Avoid Exiting the Vehicle: Never stand or walk on the highway, even if you think traffic is light. The speed of passing vehicles can make it difficult for drivers to react in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. "Our goal is to educate drivers and reduce the number of preventable fatalities. These simple steps could save your life," added Commissioner Eucalitto. 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 Seeks Public Comment on Draft Agreement for Historic Preservation in Transportation Projects

Web Version     CTDOT Seeks Public Comment on Draft Agreement for Historic Preservation in Transportation Projects Posted on January 24 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is seeking public comment on the draft Section 106 Programmatic Agreement (PA) that will govern the way CTDOT reviews transportation projects in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. The PA is in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), and the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). This PA, which can be found here, will make efficiencies to the process for considering historic properties that may be affected by road, rail, and transit projects in Connecticut. CTDOT has implemented Section 106 PAs with FHWA successfully for over a decade and the new draft PA also incorporates similar reviews for transit and railroad projects. "We are committed to ensuring that transportation projects not only meet the needs of today but also preserve and respect our rich historical and cultural assets," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "This collaboration with our federal and state partners is crucial for maintaining transparency, efficiency, and accountability in our process, particularly when it comes to preserving the historic landscapes and structures that define our communities. We encourage all members of the public to provide their feedback." Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to identify and assess the effects of a project on historic properties. CTDOT archaeologists and architectural historians carry out this work on behalf of the federal agencies and in conjunction with SHPO, Tribes, consulting parties, and the public. This document lays out the roles and responsibilities for each agency to ensure compliance with Section 106. More information on Section 106 can be found on FHWA's and the ACHP's websites. Members of the public can provide comments on this draft PA online. The public comment period ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025. 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 Publishes $16 Billion Five-Year Capital Plan

Capital Plan includes road, bridge, public transit, and facility projects. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Publishes $16 Billion Five-Year Capital Plan Posted on January 14 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today released its five-year Capital Plan for Federal Fiscal Years 2025-2029, totaling more than $16 billion in projects throughout the state of Connecticut. The CTDOT Capital Plan informs the public about all planned capital investments over the upcoming five-year period and explains how projects are funded. Through continued federal investments and state-funded programs and initiatives, the state's infrastructure continues to improve. From bridge improvement projects to public transportation expansion and roadway reconfigurations and facility upgrades, CTDOT is making transportation safer and more accessible for all roadway users and people of all abilities. "These investments represent a bold, multi-year commitment to making transportation safer, more accessible, and easier to use," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Whether someone is driving, biking, walking or using public transit, we are delivering projects statewide to improve mobility, enhance safety, reduce carbon emissions, and create more opportunities for our residents and businesses." The CTDOT five-year Capital Plan and additional information can be viewed at portal.ct.gov/CapitalPlans. The full Capital Plan, a video overview, detailed funding breakdowns, and project overviews, are also available. A list of all state-managed projects in design or in construction can also be explored using an interactive map. CTDOT anticipates programming approximately $5.02 billion in federal and state capital funding for all transportation modes in Fiscal Year 2025. The 2025 Capital Program includes approximately: $2.71 billion for bus and rail, including the WALK Bridge in Norwalk, various train stations along the Waterbury Branch Line, and a new train station in Enfield. $2.10 billion for roadway and bridge infrastructure, including the Dutch Point Viaduct on I-91 in Hartford, safety improvements along I-95 between exits 6 and 7 in Stamford, and bridge improvements along the Route 8 corridor between Ansonia and Shelton. $210.9 million to support renovating transportation facilities across the state, including a bus transit garage in Preston and a CTDOT maintenance facility in Avon. The overall five-year Capital Plan (2025-2029) programs $16.27 billion in planned funding to improve safety and mobility throughout the state. Members of the public can provide comments on the five-year Capital Plan by emailing DOT.CapitalPlan@ct.gov or by utilizing an online form. The public comment period ends February 11, 2025. Those comments will help inform the development and revisions of future Capital Plans. For more information about the Connecticut Department of Transportation, 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 Asks Residents to Help Name Snowplows Across Connecticut

Contest runs through January 19, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Asks Residents to Help Name Snowplows Across Connecticut Posted on January 9 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is asking residents for their help to name snowplows across the state. CTDOT employees submitted their favorite and most creative names, and now the winners will be decided by members of the public. A total of 12 CTDOT snowplows will be named this year. Members of the public can vote by visiting ct.gov/dot and clicking the Snowplow Naming Contest link, or by directly visiting https://forms.office.com/g/89tD48ej7N. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The winning names will be announced by the end of January 2025. "CTDOT snowplows are some of the most visible vehicles on our roadways and they deserve special treatment," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "I hope residents from across the state will join the fun and help us name the next batch of plows in our snow fighting fleet." There are more than 630 CTDOT plow trucks clearing state roads and highways during inclement weather. Some of the CTDOT snow fighting equipment includes single axle plows with 9.5 feet of plowable width, triaxle single wing plows with 17 feet of plowable width, and tandem axle tow plows with 26 feet of plowable width. A variety of different plows will be named. This is the third CTDOT snowplow naming contest. Previous winners have included names like Buzz Iceclear, Husky McSalty, Scoop Dogg, SnowBob Plowpants, and Fast & Flurryous. The 12 names that receive the most votes will make their way onto CTDOT snowplows this winter season. A total of three plows will be named in each CTDOT maintenance district. Members of the public are encouraged to follow CTDOT on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram to find out the winners of the Snowplow Naming Contest, as well as winter weather alerts, safety messages, program updates and more. For real-time travel information, including current road conditions, road closures, traffic cameras and more, visit CTroads.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