DOT Considers Raising Fares For Buses And Trains

Public Hearings are being held this week on proposed fare increases for buses and trains in Connecticut. Tonight there are hearings in New Haven and tomorrow in Hartford. WNPR’s Nancy Cohen reports. 

Earlier this month Connecticut’s Department of  Transportation was proposing a fare increase of more than 16% for rail service. This would affect Shore Line east and the New Haven Line.  

Now Kevin Nursick of the D.O.T. says the agency doesn’t expect rail fares will be raised that much, but he says there will definitely be an increase of at least 1.25% by November first. Commuters and others will see an additional 1% every year for five years. Nursick says fares have not been increased since 2005.

“This would be the first increase to customers in a number of years at a time where our operational costs have  increased substantially.”

The D.O.T. is also proposing a 10% increase for CTTransit bus service. But Karen Burnaska of the group. Transit for Connecticut, says this is not the time for a fare increase.

“In this economy, when we are looking at how do we get people to their jobs, public transit is key. Over the course of a year an increase in the fares could have a significant impact on the low income, on the seniors and on the elderly. “

In addition to fare increases the D.O.T. is also proposing reducing some bus service in the greater Hartford area, New Haven, Stamford and New Britain.

For WNPR, I’m Nancy Cohen.