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

FOR RELEASE: October 3, 2016

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

Rail and Bus Fare Increases to Take Effect in December

                Fare increases on Connecticut’s rail and bus systems will take effect in December, Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker announced today. Train fares will go up 6 percent, including a previously approved 1 percent increase; bus fares will go up 16.7 percent, or 25 cents on a single one-way CTtransit bus trip.

                “As we looked to meet our budget requirements, our primary goal was to maintain all existing bus and rail service statewide for the thousands of people who depend on them every day,” said Commissioner Redeker. “Combined with other steps to reduce expenses, this fare increase allows us to meet that goal.”

                Today’s announcement follows 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 and will take effect December 1.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, effective December 4, will apply to the eight CTtransit service areas, including Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bristol, New Britain, Stamford, Wallingford and Meriden, as well as CTfastrak.