Transit on the Move Limmer (Part One)

Transit on the Move is a dynamic, new interview series spotlighting transportation leaders as they share insights and innovations on the road ahead for our evolving transit landscape. Here we have an excerpt from an interview of Bureau Chief of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Benjamin T. Limmer, conducted by Executive Director of External Affairs Vanessa Brooks.

Vanessa Brooks:
What are two of the biggest challenges facing Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure today, and how are you addressing them?

Benjamin T. Limmer:
Great question. There are many challenges, but I like to call them opportunities for improvement. Two come to mind: the first is keeping our system in good repair.

This means ensuring that our facilities are well-maintained. That our buses and trains are modernized and/or replaced when necessary. Regular maintenance of CTfastrak is also essential for ensuring safe and reliable transportation for our customers every day. Also, by preserving our system, we will be able to withstand significant weather activities or general resiliency efforts for our precious system. So, that’s number one: good repair.

Number two is that the governors and the state legislature have approved the budget to support public transportation services. I feel very blessed to be working in an environment where we are supported by policymakers to pay for public transportation services. However, we have a collective issue in front of us, which extends across state governments and various industries.

A couple of years from now, we will face a fiscal situation where we may need to tighten our belts. The last thing we want to do is have to modify any services. We are conducting a variety of budgeting exercises to ensure that we can maintain the current level of services tomorrow, where they are today, but also live within the limited fiscal constraints that are looming.