The State Senate passed Senate Bill 281: An Act Concerning Proposed Fare and Service Changes to Public Transportation on Wednesday.
A co-sponsor of the legislation, Senator Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich), expressed his support and highlighted this significant step towards ensuring transparency and public involvement in the state’s transportation policy decisions.
S.B. 281 mandates that the Connecticut Dept of Transportation (CT DOT) provide advanced public notice and hold hearings for any proposed significant service or fare changes.
These notifications must be shared with the legislature’s Transportation and Finance committees and the Connecticut Public Transportation Council, ensuring comprehensive legislative and public oversight
Senator Fazio stated in a press release: “The citizens of the 36th District shoulder an enormous tax burden yet receive less funding for public transportation per capita compared to other areas. It’s only fair that we demand transparency and prior notification in all decision-making processes.”
The need for this bill was highlighted in 2023 when the CT DOT proposed substantial fare increases and service reductions across the state’s public transportation network. The department’s decision to conduct only two in-person public hearings—exclusively in Hartford and New Haven—sparked widespread criticism and underscored the necessity for greater accessibility and public engagement in these critical decisions.
Senator Fazio has been a vocal advocate for expanding public hearings to cities with high volumes of public transportation users, such as Stamford. “Our residents who rely on public transportation deserve to have their voice heard. This bill ensures that our constituents are informed and have a say in the decisions that affect their daily commutes. We are moving towards a future where public transportation is not only accessible but shaped by the needs and feedback of its users,” said Senator Fazio.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, awaiting further action.