CTDOT TAKING CORONAVIRUS PRECAUTIONS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
System-wide
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing precautions taken for Connecticut’s public transportation system as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Safety of customers and employees are of the highest importance. CTDOT is taking actions based on the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other state and federal health agencies and experts. These actions, which began last week, are being conducted for all CTrail Hartford Line, CTrail Shore Line East, and New Haven Line (Metro-North) commuter rail services, as well as all CTtransit and local transit district bus services throughout the state.
These measures include:
- Nightly sanitizing of all trains and buses including an interior wipe down of high contact surfaces using enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols recommended by the CDC
- Station operators have increased cleaning of stations using CDC-recommended cleaning products and methods
- At our busiest train stations, Stamford, Bridgeport and New Haven, touch points such as door handles, escalator handrails and elevator buttons are being wiped down multiple times each day
"We would like to assure our customers that we are taking all appropriate measures to address this public health crisis," stated CTDOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti. "The health and well-being of all of our passengers and employees is our number one priority and we will continue to monitor and stay on top of the situation as it changes.”
The State of Connecticut is taking various actions to respond to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). CTrail and CTtransit operations are also staying in constant communication with state and federal emergency management agencies to adjust protocols, if necessary. CTDOT will continue to respond to the latest on COVID‑19 with safety of our customers and employees as the highest priority.
For more information on the statewide response and tips on how to stay healthy, visit CT.gov/Coronavirus
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062
FAX: (860) 594-3065
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot
Connecticut Receives $38.9 Million Grant from Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to Upgrade CT fastrak to All-Electric Fleet
Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto (second from the left), Governor Ned Lamont (center), and the Federal Transit Administration’s Peter Butler (farthest right) present the milestone award grant.
CT transit is excited to share that Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) recently announced a $38.9 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant to help convert our CT fastrak to an all-electric bus fleet.
“This significant investment showcases our commitment to sustainable transportation and underscores our dedication to fostering skilled professionals for the future,” said Thomas E. Stringer Jr., General Manager. We look forward to this initiative’s positive impact on our community, environment, and local economy. Thank you to the FTA and the CTDOT for their continued support.”
L to R: Peter Butler, FTA Region 1 Administrator, and Thomas E. Stringer Jr, CT transit General Manager.
This significant grant, awarded through the FTA's Low or No Emission Grant Program, will facilitate the purchase or lease of zero-emission transit buses and the necessary facility upgrades.
CT transit will use these funds to acquire 46 battery-electric buses and install 29 chargers for the fastrak bus rapid transit service. The grant will also cover the cost of installing 25 depot chargers at the Hartford facility, four on-route chargers at the CT fastrak New Britain Station, and the required electrical infrastructure. This initiative is backed by over $17 million in matching state funds and $30 million from federal formula funds.
This milestone represents a monumental leap towards Governor Lamont's objective of transitioning the entire statewide public transportation bus fleet from diesel to zero-emission models by 2035. It's a testament to our collective commitment and the potential for a greener future.
Governor Lamont.
“The new battery-electric buses and chargers will help us meet the growing demand for reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly transit options, and will greatly benefit the thousands of residents and commuters who rely on CT fastrak services every day,” said Governor Lamont. “Thank you to the Biden-Harris administration for continuing to invest in green technology that will modernize Connecticut’s public transit system and spur new economic opportunities across the state.”
Around $5.6 billion in funding has been allocated through President Joe Biden’s recently enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the replacement of thousands of public transit vehicles nationwide.
Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto addresses the media.
“Investing in electric buses for the CT fastrak fleet is a forward-thinking move that highlights Connecticut’s dedication to sustainability and innovation,” said Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.
CT fastrak was recently recognized as the best bus rapid transit system in the United States by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy.
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