CTDOT Announces Finalization of Service and Fare Equity (SAFE) Analysis

🚆🚍 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Announces Finalization of Service and Fare Equity (SAFE) Analysis Posted on October 20 , 2023 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the finalization of the most recent Service and Fare Equity (SAFE) Analysis which included proposed rail and bus service changes, rail fare increases, and an evaluation of the reintroduction of bus fares. The final SAFE Analysis, new fare tables, and rail and bus changes are available at ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges. CTDOT accepted comments regarding the proposed changes via email, mail, voicemail, at participating public libraries from September 18 – October 6, 2023, and at public hearings held between October 2 – October 4, 2023. A total of 175 comments were received. "Public feedback is important and helps ensure services are provided when and where customers need them most. I appreciate residents attending hearings, sending emails, and writing letters to let us know their thoughts. That feedback was invaluable," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "Public transportation is vital in helping people get to where they need to go safely and efficiently. The train schedules starting this year and the bus service enhancements beginning in 2024 reflect the public input we heard based on ridership patterns and service demands, while also living within the budget resources available." In response to the public comments received, CTDOT is modifying the previously proposed weekday service schedule for Shore Line East (SLE). The revised proposed SLE service schedule maintains 16 trains per day on weekdays, but includes morning and evening time adjustments. A morning peak westbound train is now included in the revised schedule that arrives to New Haven Union Station at 8:30 a.m. An evening peak eastbound train is included in the revised schedule that departs New Haven Union Station at 5:18 p.m. Additional SLE train schedule modifications were required to accommodate these peak train times. The revised proposed SLE schedule is pending approval by Amtrak and a service implementation date is expected to be in late 2023 at the conclusion of the Amtrak construction project currently underway. No changes were made to the initially proposed schedules and fare adjustments for the New Haven Line after the conclusion of the public comment period. The approved Metro-North service changes will take effect on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Approved rail fare increases on CTrail Hartford Line and SLE services, as well as Metro-North services in Connecticut, will be implemented on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. No alterations were made to proposed bus service changes following the end of the public comment period. The approved bus service changes will take effect starting March 2024, which includes one new route in the CTtransit Hartford Division, two new routes in the CTtransit New Haven Division and improvements to service frequencies on two CTfastrak routes. Additional changes were also approved to eight routes, including elimination of CTtransit Express Routes 907 (Newington) and 923 (Bristol) to better align services with ridership demand. Several other bus service improvements were made possible by significant new funding provided through the state budget, and those changes did not meet the threshold to be included in this analysis. Those expansions can be found here. To view the final SAFE Analysis, new fare tables, and rail and bus changes, visit ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges. Customers are encouraged to sign up for alerts by email on transit operator's websites for the most up-to-date service announcements. A list of transit providers can be found here. 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

Rail Safety Training Drill this Saturday in Hartford

Drill provides important training for first responders ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Announces Rail Safety Training Drill to Occur Saturday, October 21, in Hartford Posted on October 19 , 2023 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that a rail safety training drill will occur on Saturday, October 21, 2023, between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Hartford. The emergency response drill is being coordinated in partnership with the Connecticut Southern Railroad (CSO), Hartford Fire Department, Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police as part of ongoing safety training and practice to achieve the highest level of safety along Connecticut's freight rail lines. The training exercise will occur in the CSO railyard along 440 Windsor Street, rain or shine. The drill is in response to recent freight incidents across the United States and is a component of ongoing safety training at the CTDOT and its freight operators. It is designed to reinforce and fine-tune emergency response protocols of train crews, dispatchers, first responders, and others, as well as the coordination and real-life application of communication and chain-of-command incident management protocols. "The U.S. has recently seen several high-profile freight rail incidents," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "CTDOT is conducting this safety training so our rail staff and first responders can be prepared in the unlikely case of an incident here in our state. We are sharing this information ahead of time to prevent unnecessary public concern, as this training will mimic a real-life scenario." The drill supplements the extensive and ongoing training for all involved groups. After the simulation concludes, participants will meet to share their observations and discuss insights learned from the exercise. CTDOT asks the media and members of the public to refrain from attempting to be onsite for the training exercise. First responders, volunteers, train personnel, and participants must fully focus on the training exercise. 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 Announces Launch of Snowplow Naming Contest for Connecticut Schools

CTDOT launched the Snowplow Naming Contest that allows K-12 schools to vie for the honor of naming four tandem axle tow plows. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Announces Launch of the Snowplow Naming Contest for Connecticut Schools Posted on October 16 , 2023 (Newington, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Transportation is thrilled to announce this year's "Snowplow Naming Contest." Schools across Connecticut will be able to submit their best and most creative names for four snowplows, which represent the four CTDOT maintenance districts in Connecticut. Winning schools will have their snowplow names featured on the side of a CTDOT tandem axle Tow Plow that operates on our state roads clearing the ice and snow during inclement weather. Connecticut K-12 schools will have until December 15, 2023, to submit their most creative snowplow name. In January, CTDOT will reveal the winning names. "Our snowplows, including previous winners Buzz Iceclear, Husky McSalty, Plowzilla, and Scoop Dogg keep our highways and roads clear for safe passage during winter events," Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. "So, while the snowplows are out, we want to ensure people are aware of the snowplow safety guidelines to help keep travelers and our snowplow drivers safe. The Snowplow Naming Contest is a memorable way to connect our youth to snowplow safety and the work of CTDOT." "This creative opportunity not only engages our students in a fun and educational activity but also reinforces the importance of snowplow safety, making our roads safer during winter events," Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker said. "I encourage all districts to participate and look forward to seeing the winning names proudly displayed on CTDOT's snowplows this winter." December through February marks our busiest time of the year with snow activities. During snow and ice events, we encourage drivers to delay their travel if they can until the roads are clear. However, if they must drive, please follow these guidelines for driving in winter weather: Check CTroads.org before you leave for real-time travel conditions and receive traffic alerts around the state that are customized for your specific route. Slow down. Increase your following distance enough so that you'll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you. It's harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. Don't crowd a snowplow or travel beside the truck. Snowplows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay at least 300 feet behind it during a snowstorm. Watch for black ice. Black ice, a thin and nearly invisible layer of ice that makes the road look wet, is another reason to slow down this winter. Stay alert for black ice on bridges, ramps, and overpasses, after sudden temperature drops and in shaded areas. Connecticut schools can submit an original and creative snowplow name here: Snowplow Naming Contest. All names from schools must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on December 15, 2023. The complete set of Rules and Regulations can be found here: Snowplow Naming Contest Rules (ct.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 Displaying Pink Ribbons on Trucks

Ribbons being displayed in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Displaying Pink Ribbons in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month Posted on October 2 , 2023 In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is displaying pink ribbons on various trucks throughout Connecticut.  Breast Cancer Awareness month is celebrated throughout the state and the nation during the month of October. This year, CTDOT will be displaying the iconic pink ribbon on the hoods and doors of four plow trucks and four support vehicles. There will be two trucks located in each of CTDOT's four districts.  This initiative is the result of the advocacy of long-time CTDOT employee Karen Hussey, who is a 12-year breast cancer survivor. Hussey, who has worked for CTDOT for more than 36 years in various roles in the Highway Operations and Maintenance Bureau, brought the idea forward in effort to show support and solidarity for the hundreds of thousands of people living with breast cancer.  "It's wonderful to see CTDOT honor and recognize those who have been impacted by this horrible disease by displaying pink ribbons on trucks throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Even if someone has not been personally diagnosed with breast cancer, odds are they know someone who has," said Karen Hussey, a Connecticut Department of Transportation Processing Technician. "It's my hope everyone traveling throughout the State of Connecticut who sees a CTDOT vehicle displaying these beautiful pink ribbons will reflect on their own journey, honor those who are battling this disease, and will remember those no longer with us." "I appreciate Karen sharing this idea and her personal journey. I am honored to support her and all the people who have been affected by breast cancer," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Displaying the pink ribbons on eight of our trucks is our way of letting the community know we are with them, we support them, and we hope that one day, we can see breast cancer eliminated." According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that more than 268,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, and overall, around one in eight people are at risk of developing breast cancer sometime in their life. Approximately 3,500 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Connecticut this year. It's the second-leading cause of cancer death in Connecticut women, after lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. 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 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