Mid Session Transit Update

– Karen Burnaska, Transit for Connecticut

The Legislature is in the middle of a very active session with many bills under consideration.  However, it is the budget deficit and the need to create jobs that are weighing the most heavily on all elected officials.  The Appropriations Committee and Finance Committee held hearings on the Governor’s proposed budget.  The Governor’s proposed budget supports transit, both operating funds and capital investment, during these difficult budgetary times.  The Governor should be thanked for his support.

Two bills that are being closely watched and supported by Transit for Connecticut Coalition members are SB 700 – to restore funding for the state matching grant program for demand responsive transportation and SB 1063 – to fund evening bus service in Waterbury.  SB 700 would ensure continuation of existing para-transit under the Municipal Matching Grant Program.  SB 1063 would provide increased service to enhance access to education, job training and employment opportunities.

On March 21, Governor Malloy held a meeting on the New Britain/Hartford busway.  Both opponents and supporters presented information to the Governor who is expected to make a decision by the end of the week on the future of the busway.

Transit for Connecticut and Connecticut Fund for the Environment have completed an update of the 2008 white paper on the economic benefits of transit in Connecticut.  The report, “Economic Importance of Investment in Public Transit,” was done by Wilbur Smith Associates and will be released shortly.

Please continue to contact your legislators about the need to provide necessary transit to residents of Connecticut.

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Karen Burnaska is Coordinator of  Transit for Connecticut, a program of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment.

CTLCV supports transportation options that are good for our health, good for our environment, and good for our economy.