CTDOT Announces Results from the 2024 Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge

🌎🚆🚴‍♂️🚍 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Announces Results from the 2024 Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge Posted on June 12 , 2024 Over 525,000 miles of travel eliminated during the annual Challenge The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the results of the 2024 Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge. During the Challenge, residents across Connecticut united to reduce their carbon footprint by choosing sustainable travel options rather than driving alone. The 2024 event ran from April 22 through May 31, 2024 and surpassed all established goals and metrics. During the Challenge, more than 700 participants logged over 13,000 trips which removed 444,000 pounds of harmful emissions from the air by eliminating almost 525,000 miles of travel. The 2024 Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge also introduced an exciting new partnership with One Tree Planted, and due to this year's participation, 1,000 trees will be planted. "This year's Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge was very successful because many of our residents wanted to do their part and reduce their carbon footprint," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Thank you to this year's participants for your commitment to environmental stewardship and making a difference. These results show what we can achieve together in the fight against climate change." Here are highlights from the 2024 Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge: Participation: 740 residents and employees joined the Challenge by recording at least one green trip. Public Transit Usage: Participants logged over 13,750 trips on the state's trains and buses. Sustainable Travel Choices: More than 2,700 carpool trips and more than 2,500 bike trips were recorded. Employer Support: Numerous employers across Connecticut hosted events encouraging employees to reduce car usage and adopt greener commuting options, including transit, carpools, vanpools, biking, walking, and telecommuting. Tree Planting: 1,000 trees will be planted thanks to participants meeting the goal of eliminating at least 30,000 car trips. The Drive Less Connecticut Climate Challenge was organized by CTrides, the CTDOT's sustainable and active transportation services program. As part of the campaign, the public was encouraged to download the CTrides app or visit CTrides.com to learn more about the DLC and track its progress. To further incentivize participation, CTrides also held prize gift card drawings for those who logged sufficient trips. In addition, participants received weekly updates on their personal progress toward the Drive Less Challenge goals and their eligibility for prize drawings, fostering engagement and motivation throughout the challenge period. # # # About CTrides: CTrides is the Connecticut Department of Transportation's sustainable and active transportation services program, dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly travel options to reduce congestion and improve air quality across the state. For more information about the program, please visit: www.ctrides.com. 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

Drive Safe by Securing Your Load

National Secure Your Load Day is June 6 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Drive Safe by Securing Your Load Posted on June 4 , 2024 To help ensure safety for all, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding drivers to always Secure Your Load. Unsecured loads not only endanger you but also other drivers and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), each year, about 730 people are killed and 17,000 more are injured because of objects in the road. Most of these crashes (81%) involve unsecured loads on passenger vehicles. In Connecticut, since 2018, there have been over 900 crashes due to objects in the road. Of these crashes, over 100 people sustained an injury due to the crash. National Secure Your Load Day was first started in 2004 by Robin Abel, a Washington resident, whose daughter was severely injured by an unsecured load on the roadway. In 2010, Arizona resident Paul Reif joined Abel's efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured loads after Reif's son was killed by an unsecured load. Since then, National Secure Your Load Day has been held annually each year on June 6. "National Secure Your Load Day is an important reminder that the safety of our roads depends on each of us. By taking simple steps to secure our loads, we can prevent crashes and save lives," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "Even the smallest items falling from a vehicle can be deadly. I encourage all residents to spread the word about the importance of securing your lead and to practice safety measures every day." NHTSA recommends the following tips to ensure you properly secure your cargo: Tie it down with rope, netting, or straps. Tie large objects directly to your vehicle or trailer. Consider covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting. Don't overload your vehicle or trailer. Always double-check your load to make sure it's secure. Every U.S. state has a law making it illegal for a driver to operate a non-commercial motor vehicle with an unsecured load. Violating these laws can carry state-specific penalties of up to $5,000. For more information, visit nhtsa.gov/drive-safe-secure-your-load. 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

CT River Ferries to Accept Smartphone Ticketing Option

40% discount available for 20-ride tickets ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut River Ferries to Accept Smartphone Ticketing Option Posted on May 24 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today that Connecticut River Ferry customers can now purchase fares using their smartphone through the Token Transit app. Single ride and 20-ride discounted tickets are available for both the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry and Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry. The ferries operate seasonally between April 1 and November 30 and last year transported 50,000 passengers and more than 123,000 vehicles. The ferries costs $5 per vehicle on weekdays and $6 on weekends. Pedestrians and bicyclists are welcome on the ferries and fares are $2 per ride. The 20-ride tickets cost $60 for vehicles – a discount of 40%. To use Token Transit, customers can download the Token Transit mobile app - available on iOS or Android. Customers can prepurchase tickets in Token Transit by searching for CTferry as the agency name and following the instructions given in the app. As they approach the ferry, customers who purchased tickets via Token Transit can activate their pass on the app. Activated tickets will be validated by ferry staff to show as proof purchase. For those customers who prefer to pay with cash or check, those options will continue to be available. "We've already seen the success and positive feedback on Token Transit through our CTtransit and CTfastrak customers, and we're thrilled to launch this convenient payment option for customers of our two historic ferries," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Karen Kitsis. "With fewer people carrying cash and checks, having mobile ticketing options makes sense and is part of our commitment to improve the customer experience for transit riders." Here's what else customers need to know when using Token Transit: Customers 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. CTferry tickets purchased on Token Transit never expire. Tickets can also be sent to any phone number, allowing customers to deliver CTferry tickets to family and friends instantly. Several security features are used to prevent fraud, including moving imagery to prevent screenshots and a current time ticker to prevent screen recordings. Once activated, tickets are valid for verification for 10 minutes, so only activate prior to boarding the vessel. CTDOT first partnered with Token Transit in April 2023, and expanded the program in August 2023. Token Transit partners with over 200 transit agencies in the United States and Canada. Weather conditions, water levels, or mechanical issues may impact ferry operations, with any closures and delays shared online. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up for alerts on the real-time travel and traffic information website CTroads.com. For additional information on the ferries, including, schedules, and complete history, please visit CT.gov/DOT/CTferries. 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 This Memorial Day: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Increased law enforcement patrols will be on the lookout for impaired drivers ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Stay Safe This Memorial Day: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Posted on May 23 , 2024 As Memorial Day approaches, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Connecticut state and local law enforcement on the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The impaired driving awareness campaign seeks to encourage safe driving throughout the Memorial Day weekend. According to NHTSA, about 37 people in the United States die every day in drunk-driving crashes, that's one person every 39 minutes. In 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, 127 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, which accounted for nearly 35% of all fatalities in the state. "As we welcome the unofficial start of the summer season, it's crucial to prioritize safety during celebrations. If you are drinking alcohol, make sure you have a sober ride home," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "It is possible to enjoy the holiday and obey traffic safety laws intended to ensure everyone makes it home safely. I'm grateful for CTDOT's partnership with the state and local police who will be on the lookout for impaired drivers this holiday weekend." "As we gear up for Memorial Day weekend, let's remember the true purpose of this holiday: honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," said Connecticut State Police Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel Loughman. "As we celebrate, let's also prioritize safety on the roads. Troopers will be on patrol across the entire state on the lookout for impaired drivers. Your choices behind the wheel affect not only your life but also the lives of those around you." "Connecticut's police officers will be actively patrolling the state's roadways this Memorial Day weekend looking for impaired drivers. Let's all do our part to keep our highways safe. Drive sober or get pulled over," said Chief Joshua Bernegger, Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA). The Connecticut Department of Transportation recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving: Never drink and drive. Even a single alcoholic beverage can impair your ability to drive. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. Utilize rideshare programs or public transit if available. Report drunk drivers to local law enforcement. Prevent friends from driving drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and arrange a safe way for them to get home. For more information on impaired driving, 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

Temporary Service Changes on Hartford Line

New schedule effective Tuesday, May 28 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Safety and Track Improvement Projects on the Hartford Line Result in Temporary Six-Month Service Changes Posted on May 17 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting customers of the upcoming train service adjustments effective Tuesday, May 28, 2024, through Friday, November 1, 2024, on the Hartford Line (HL), for the Windsor Locks Station and Track Improvement Project. Several weekday CTrail and Amtrak trains will be replaced by bus service between Hartford and Springfield, MA. Weekend train service will not be affected. View the schedule at hartfordline.com. The Windsor Locks Station and Track Improvement Project consists of replacing the existing Windsor Locks Station with a new station featuring high-level platforms, new lighting fixtures, and ADA accessible features. Also taking place will be the installation of new interlockings and maintenance of existing grade crossings with additional safety features. Busing is necessary to support these projects that will ultimately enhance passenger accessibility, increase train speed, capacity, and improve highway grade crossings. "These temporary service changes are being implemented to allow these projects to be completed as quickly as possible, as work cannot be performed safely while the rail line is active," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "Thank you to Hartford Line riders for the patience and understanding as these important projects move forward." Train fares will be in effect on the substitute buses. Passengers are required to purchase a CTrail or Amtrak ticket to board the substitute buses. Bus departure times may be earlier than regular train departure times at stations. Buses will stop at all stations listed below and passengers will be directed to the bus pick up and drop off location by signage on the platform: Hartford Windsor Windsor Locks Springfield, MA Passengers are encouraged to visit hartfordline.com or amtrak.com for the latest service information. Riders can also sign up to have alerts sent directly to their mobile phone or email accounts by signing up at hartfordline.com/service-alerts. Don't forget to review your preferences to ensure you receive the most up-to-date information for your travels. Preferences may need updating after each schedule change. 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