Wednesday, March 22, 2023

CTDOT Releases Five-Year Capital Plan Focused on Safety, Sustainability, and Accessibility

Capital Plan outlines implementation of federal infrastructure law ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

CTDOT Releases Five-Year Capital Plan Focused on Safety, Sustainability, and Accessibility

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) released its five-year Capital Plan for fiscal years 2023-2027, outlining the implementation of funding, policies, and programs from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). CTDOT developed the Capital Plan with feedback from stakeholders, including the state's Councils of Government (COGs).

The historic federal investment and ongoing robust state-funded programs will move Connecticut forward in reducing transportation emissions and accelerating investments in a safer, more equitable, and sustainable transportation system that is easier to use for all residents.

CTDOT will be presenting the Capital Plan at a public hearing with the Joint Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, Transportation Bonding Subcommittee, and Transportation Committee on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Visit cga.ct.gov for meeting room and livestreaming information.

"Connecticut's residents and visitors will see a lot more orange cones across the state in the coming years," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Over the last decade, CTDOT's capital investments in our infrastructure have increased and will continue to grow. Most of these projects are being done with an eye towards making it safer and easier to get to where you are going. We will continue to prioritize roadways, bridges, and rail stations based on where repairs are most needed. Our broader goals continue to be reconnecting communities, and creating a more accessible, sustainable, and safe transportation infrastructure for all users in our state."

CTDOT anticipates utilizing approximately $2.2 billion in total capital funding for all transportation modes in FY23. The 2023 Capital Program includes approximately:

  • $850 million for bus and rail
  • $1.3 billion for roadway and bridge infrastructure
  • $50 million to support renovating transportation facilities across the state

Despite challenges with inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions, CTDOT continues to expedite active projects and initiate new projects to obligate the increased available funding.

Approximately $1.37 billion worth of projects are being accelerated, including:

  • Improvements to the I-91/I-691/Route 15 Interchange in Meriden
  • Reconfiguration of the Route 17 On-Ramp onto Route 9 North in Middletown
  • Resurfacing and safety improvements on I-95 in Stamford
  • Rehabilitation and replacement of ten bridges along Route 9 and Route 72 in Berlin, New Britain, and Plainville
  • New Haven Line track mobility improvements between Bridgeport and Stratford

IIJA makes more than $100 billion in competitive federal grants available for Connecticut to pursue. CTDOT applied for and received approximately $229.2 million in discretionary funding in 2022. Many grants are available for COGs and municipalities to apply for—in 2022, six municipalities received a total of $2.4 million through the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program.

Wrong-way driving occurrences on Connecticut's highways have increased by 500%, often with tragic consequences. CTDOT received $20 million in state bond funding to address this dangerous trend by installing wrong-way detection systems. Ten detection systems are active, with seven additional locations coming online in the coming months. CTDOT is going to install 16 additional systems in 2023 and has launched a new, impactful public awareness campaign on the dangers of wrong-way driving.

CTDOT's Community Connectivity Grant Program recently announced the next grant solicitation for municipalities and anticipates awarding $12 million in 2023 to improve safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians across the state. CTDOT is also updating its Complete Streets Policy in 2023 to include more standard requirements for pedestrian, bicycle, and transit safety provisions for the project design process.

CTDOT is working with the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center at the University of Connecticut to develop a safety management software system, allowing screening and diagnosis of roadway and safety improvements. This software will be used in Connecticut's completion of a vulnerable road user safety assessment in 2023 required through IIJA.

Connecticut will receive additional formula funding to meet transportation sustainability goals for FY 2023 for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI), Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT), and Carbon Reduction programs. CTDOT will continue a phased approach in FY 2023 while planning for the longer term (FY24-26) as additional guidance from federal partners is released.

CTDOT will continue its focus on several Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) studies—a process approach that considers environmental, community, and economic goals in the very early planning phase of a transportation program or project. The public is encouraged to follow the studies' progress and participate in ongoing public engagement activities.

CTDOT PEL studies currently underway include:

Explore the 2023-2027 Capital Plan and Project List.


Tuesday, March 21, 2023

CTDOT launches new pilot program making bus passes available on smartphones

New Fare Payment Option Available April 1 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

CTDOT launches new pilot program making bus passes available on smartphones

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is launching a payment pilot program for all CTtransit and CTfastrak customers on April 1. The pilot program, launched in partnership with Token Transit, will allow customers to buy two-hour Adult, Senior/Disabled, and Youth bus passes for all local CTtransit and CTfastrak buses on their smartphones.

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 two-hour time period 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.

"We've heard from the public that they want easier and more accessible payment methods. The partnership with Token Transit allows customers to pay via apps they already use on their devices. Riders will no longer have to worry about finding exact change to ride the bus or losing a paper ticket," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "This pilot program will give our customers more freedom in paying for their bus fares. Along with the statewide bus service expansion included in Governor Lamont's proposed budget, this will help us to modernize Connecticut's public transportation system."

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 instantly deliver bus passes to family and friends.
  • 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.

In Connecticut, 9-Town Transit, Middletown Area Transit (MAT), Southeast Area Transit (SEAT), and Windham Regional Transit District (WRTD) have already begun successfully offering their customers the choice to use Token Transit to pay for fares. With Token Transit as an option, all existing fare payment options will continue to be offered.

"Estuary and Middletown Transit Districts partnered with Token Transit in October 2020 to provide customers with a contactless form of payment during the pandemic," said Estuary and Middletown Transit Executive Director Joe Comerford. "Token Transit was quick to get up and running, and it was easy to train our team. Customers have found the app straightforward, and their integrations with other widely used apps make fare payment more accessible than ever."

CTtransit and CTfastrak Customers can use Token Transit to purchase a two-hour pass for $1.75. For seniors (ages 65+) and people with disabilities, the cost is $0.85. A two-hour pass for youth ages five through 18 is $1.40. Children four years old and younger can ride free, with a maximum of three free children per fare-paying adult. Any person seeking a reduced fare must have either a Medicare I.D. card or a Transit Reduced Fare photo I.D. card.

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, March 15, 2023

Upcoming Track Improvements on New Canaan Branch Line

Work allows trains to travel 20 MPH faster ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

Upcoming Track Improvements on the Metro-North New Canaan Branch Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting riders that due to track improvements on the New Canaan Branch Line this summer, substitute bus service will replace all train service. This necessary work is part of the tie replacement and track upgrades program. When completed, an existing speed restriction in the Stamford area will be eliminated. Train speeds through this section will increase from 30 miles per hour to 50 miles per hour, increasing travel times on the line. The track improvements, and bus substitution, will begin Tuesday, May 30, 2023, and is estimated to run through August.

"CTDOT has continued to move forward with projects that modernize and improve our state rail systems to bolster efficiency, safety, and overall customer experience," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We know the importance of this line and have plans to ensure passengers can reach their destination. We worked with Metro-North to ensure this outage begins after Memorial Day and concludes prior to Labor Day, coinciding with the time commuters and their families are more likely to have summer vacations planned. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers as we enter the final phases of work activity."

The bus schedule is currently being finalized and will be shared in the weeks ahead.

This year, the construction program includes the New Canaan Branch Line's replacement of approximately 8,000 ties with a Pandrol fastening system, 1,600 feet of rail, insulated rail joints, and bridge timbers over the Noroton River Bridge; remediation of mud spots at several locations; reinstatement of drainage along portions of the branch where needed; reinstallation new rail anchors as needed; and surfacing the entire branch line.

The New Haven Line Track 5 work to lift the speed restriction includes the replacement of 830 ties, 1,200 feet of rail and bridge timbers over the Canal Street Bridge, Elm Street Bridge, and East Main Street Bridge; surfacing the entire stretch; and maintenance of the railway turnout by Elm Street.

Customers will be able to access the complete substitute bus schedule at mta.info/mnr. Customers are encouraged to check the schedules and status of service before they travel.

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 mta.info/mta-etix.

While passengers are no longer required to wear masks on board trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.

Channels for Service Updates

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

Email and text message service updates – Customers are urged to sign up to receive alerts, tailored by specific line and time of day, by visiting MyMTAAlerts.com.

Twitter – Twitter users can follow @MetroNorth to receive dynamic service updates and customer service support.

TrainTime app– Metro-North unveiled major upgrades to its TrainTime app to keep customers updated by the second. The upgraded app includes real-time train location updated every three seconds and is available in six languages.

WhatsApp - Metro-North recently started using WhatsApp to expand the number of customer service channels available to riders, and it is beneficial for non-native English speakers. Customers can receive customer service support in their native language through the help of Google Translate.

Facebook – Facebook users can message Metro-North to speak with a customer service representative on its Facebook page.

These communication channels can be accessed while at home or on the go. For customers located at stations, the MTA will post the latest service updates on digital signs at station platforms and make audio announcements over public address systems and onboard announcements made by train crews.

For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available for Connecticut customers by calling (877) 690-5114. The New York State Travel Information Line is 511. 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.


Thursday, March 2, 2023

Vision Zero Council Continues Work to Eliminate Roadway Injuries and Fatalities

Residents encouraged to attend March 7 meeting ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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DOT Seal
Connecticut
Department of Transportation

Vision Zero Council Continues Work to Eliminate Roadway Injuries and Fatalities in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is encouraging the public to attend upcoming Vision Zero Council meetings to learn more about ongoing efforts to reduce roadway injuries and fatalities in Connecticut, and how to participate in future subcommittee meetings. Council meetings are also recorded and will be available to those who can't attend during the scheduled meeting time. The Vision Zero Council will hold its first meeting of 2023 on Tuesday, March 7, at 10 a.m.

 

The Vision Zero Council, an interagency group created by the legislature in 2021, focuses on ways to improve safety across all modes of transportation. The Council comprises the state Departments of Transportation, Public Health, Emergency Services and Public Protection, Motor Vehicles, Education, Aging and Disability Services, Office of Early Childhood, and the Office of the Chief State's Attorney. The Council's goals are to recommend policies that leverage new technologies and partnerships to eliminate transportation-related fatalities and injuries involving pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and passengers.

 

Throughout 2022, the Council met numerous times and formed subcommittees in Engineering, Education, Enforcement, and Equity, soliciting feedback from various stakeholders and subject matter experts. As a result of these meetings and recommendations from the subcommittees, the Council transmitted a series of policy proposals to the Connecticut General Assembly, many of which are under consideration during this current legislative session.

 

Last year, 385 people were killed on Connecticut roadways, and more than 1,400 people were seriously injured. Thus far, in 2023, more than 45 people have been killed.  

 

"2022 was the deadliest year on Connecticut roadways in decades. Over the last five years, the number of people killed increased by more than 40 percent. These are startling numbers and represent lives lost, many of which were due to preventable crashes," said CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto and Vision Zero Council Chair. "One key thing that can help is public engagement, which is why I am hopeful that members of the public tune in to these meetings, and join the subcommittees. I thank the Vision Zero Council members, agency staff, and subcommittee members for their hard work and continued efforts to reverse these trends. We look forward to working closely together to find ways to make our transportation network safer for all users."

 

The first meeting of the Vision Zero Council in 2023 will be held virtually on Zoom on Tuesday, March 7 at 10 a.m. Members of the public can register for this meeting and all future meetings by visiting the upcoming calendar of meetings located on the homepage of ct.gov/dot. All meetings are recorded and later posted online on the CTDOT YouTube Channel.

 

To review previous presentations, meeting minutes, and all Vision Zero Council news and updates, visit portal.ct.gov/DOT/VisionZeroCouncil.