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

FOR RELEASE: November 28, 2016

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

CTDOT Reminder: Rail and Bus Fare Increases Take Effect in December

      The Connecticut Department of Transportation today reminded rail and bus riders that fare increases will take effect in December. In preparing for budget reductions, CTDOT decided to implement fare increases rather than cut service.

      Train fares will go up 6 percent, including a previously approved 1 percent increase, on Thursday, December 1, 2016; bus fares will go up 16.7 percent, or 25 cents on a single one-way CTtransit bus trip, on Sunday, December 4.

      The increases were announced following a series of six public hearings around the state on the proposed rail and bus fare increases. Almost 400 people commented on the proposed fares.  While some opposed a fare increase of any kind, there were no recommendations to cut service.

      The rail fare increase will apply to the New Haven Line and Shore Line East on tickets purchased for travel to or from stations in Connecticut. In addition to the fare increase, the current 2 percent discount on “Mail and Ride” tickets will be eliminated and the discount on the combined monthly rail ticket and unlimited-ride MetroCard will be reduced from 4 percent to 2 percent beginning with the purchase of December tickets.

      The bus fare increase will apply to the eight CTtransit service areas, including Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bristol, New Britain, Stamford, Wallingford and Meriden, as well as CTfastrak.