CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT 06131-7546
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Connecticut Sees Increased Train and Bus Ridership in August
Preliminary ridership figures released today by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) show that ridership increased on Connecticut trains and buses in August 2005. Specifically, New Haven Line train service increased by 3.9 percent and CTTRANSIT bus ridership increased over 7 percent when compared to August 2004.
The New Haven Line, operated by Metro-North Railroad for ConnDOT, saw an increase in ridership of 3.9 percent or 110,000 additional rides in August. Even more significant was the increase in purchases of monthly commuter passes jumping more than 6 percent or 2,000 more monthly passes sold on the New Haven Line for August 2005 compared to July 2005.
“Connecticut residents are discovering the value of our state’s public transit systems. A number of issues may have contributed to the significant increases experienced in August, such as the increase of fuel costs, the improved economy, and service enhancements,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Stephen E. Korta, II.
CTTRANSIT reported for the three largest bus operating divisions in Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford, a 7.2 percent increase in ridership for the month of August 2005, when compared to the same month last year. Express bus service to Hartford increased 7.3 percent and Commuter Connection services - buses specifically timed to meet trains and travel to employment destinations - increased 19.6 percent.
The New Haven Line and Branch Services are operated by Metro-North Railroad for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. CTTRANSIT is the state-owned bus transit system serving the greater Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, New Britain, Meriden, Bristol and Wallingford areas.