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
Public Backed Service Expansions Now Underway!
New Bus Routes Available in New Britain, Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, and Stamford
When the public talks, CT transit listens.
In March of this year, the Connecticut Department of Transportation implemented new bus routes, now serving communities in New Britain, Berlin, Meriden, Plainville, Southington, and Stamford. These new bus routes will bolster connectivity and amplify coverage throughout central Connecticut.
“Public transit is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a lifeline that connects individuals to career opportunities, businesses to customers, and communities to growth,” said General Manager of CT transit, Thomas Stringer. “A robust public transportation system is essential for driving economic impact and supporting local businesses.”
But wait, there’s more!
This service expansion is just the beginning of a series of upcoming expansions, totaling more than $18 million, proposed by Governor Ned Lamont and supported by local legislature. These new routes will provide greater access to a broader range of employment centers and career opportunities across the region, ultimately enhancing residents' career prospects and improving their quality of life.
“This major bus service expansion is the latest effort to connect customers with critical jobs, housing, and services while expanding opportunities for Transit Oriented Development (TOD)—allowing people to live and commute with ease,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Karen Kitsis. “CTDOT is grateful for the support of Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut General Assembly, which responded to customer needs by investing in the expansion of our transit system.”
These new routes were, in part, discovered through feedback from community members, frontline transit workers, and key government officials.
Public Service by the Numbers:
- 4,300 community members surveyed online
- 36 community events across Connecticut
- 29 interviews with transit providers, councils of government, and transit district reps
- 10 customer focus groups
CTDOT’s Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan team gathered this wealth of responses. Based on insights from those we serve, they lead the initiative to develop public transportation innovations throughout the state. This energized team will continue responding to the needs of the people—the customers and supporters of public transit—and propose new paths forward.
Pictured left to right: Samaia Hernandez, Alicia Leite, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Lisa Rivers, and Karen Kitsis.
“As Connecticut works to be a leader in delivering major new transit investments, including CTfastrak and CTrail Hartford Line, we recognize the support and input of our transit providers and customers across Connecticut,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Public Transportation Bureau Chief Benjamin Limmer. “We look forward to launching new transportation services in communities across Connecticut in the months ahead.”
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