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

FOR RELEASE: October 15, 2013

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

CTDOT ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO MAINTAIN SEAT BUS SERVICE

      The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that an increase in funding available to all transit districts will most likely eliminate the projected budget shortfall for the Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT).

      CTDOT funding to transit districts will increase 3.5 percent this fiscal year. The funding increase will offset increases in expenses and reduce the need to cut service or enact other cost-cutting measures.

      "There was a general concern in the communities in the SEAT service area that the potential shortfall was going to dramatically reduce the level of service,” stated CTDOT Commissioner James Redeker. “Many residents and workers in this region depend on SEAT to get around, and their concerns are valid. I am happy to say that the needs were anticipated by the Department and that the funding increase will lessen the likelihood of service cuts or other negative impacts to our riders.”

      SEAT serves the following communities: East Lyme, Griswold, Groton, Ledyard, Montville, New London, North Stonington, Norwich, Stonington and Waterford. In March, CTDOT took over the management oversight of the transit district as requested by the member towns of the transit district. For more information on SEAT, including service routes, please visit www.seatbus.com.