CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: December 11, 2013

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

BUS FARE INCREASES TAKE EFFECT JANUARY 19, 2014

      The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today that most CTTRANSIT and ADA Paratransit fares will increase effective January 19, 2014. As a result of public input received during the fare increase process, some of the proposed fare increases were reduced and transfer policies have been improved.

      With the new fare structure, a one-way cash fare for CTTRANSIT local bus service will increase from $1.30 to $1.50. One-way ADA Paratransit service will increase to $3.00, and ADA Paratransit 10-trip books will cost $24.00. For express bus passengers who use “flash passes” instead of a 31-day pass, the fare increase will be effective for the month of February 2014.

      While most fares are rising, some fares will decrease in price. A local bus one-day unlimited ride pass will decrease to $3.00, or the cost of just one round trip fare. The three-day pass will also see a slight decrease in price.

      Also effective on January 19, 2014, the length of time for transfers will increase from ninety minutes to two hours. Transfers will be valid for unlimited rides on local CTTRANSIT buses going in any direction for two hours from the time issued. A transfer is issued upon request when the fare is paid upon boarding the bus.

      “We realize that it is a difficult time to raise fares,” said CT DOT Commissioner James Redeker, noting that the Department has held the line on fares since January 2012, which was the first increase in seven years. “Unfortunately operating expenses dictate the need to raise fares to maintain the current level of service. We’ve done our best to moderate the impact on our riders by listening to the feedback gathered during the public comment process.”

      The new fare structure will retain discounted rates for seniors, youth, and people with disabilities. The new fare structure is here:

      CTTRANSIT is the state-owned bus transit system serving the greater Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, New Britain, Meriden, Bristol and Wallingford areas. For additional information regarding routes and schedules, visit www.cttransit.com.