Connecticut Department of Transportation

Proposed Changes to Major Service Change Policy

CTDOT is updating its Major Service Change Policy to make it simpler and easier to understand. The new Policy is as follows:

Proposed Major Service Change Criteria

There are four main criteria used to evaluate any service change: adding/eliminating a route, reducing the length of a route, extending/reducing the hours of service, or significantly increasing/reducing service frequency, as detailed in the following table:

Criteria Bus BRT* Rail
1a.   Addition or elimination of a rail segment or entire bus route  X X X
1b.   Elimination of a bus rapid transit (BRT) or Rail station   X X
2a.   Extending or reducing the directional route miles on a bus route by
        more than 20%.		 X X  
2b.   Eliminating trains estimated to carry 25% or more of the total line
        ridership on the day(s) of the week the change is made.		     X
3.    Starting or ending service on a rail line or bus route more than one hour
       earlier or later. Adding or eliminating a day of service on a rail
       line or bus route. 		X X X
4a.   Changes resulting in a service change of more than 25% at any rail or bus rapid transit (BRT) station   X X
4b.   Bus service changes resulting in a headway reduction of 50% or more or
        a headway increase of 100% or more		 X    

*BRT stands for bus rapid transit and CTfastrak is a BRT system.

The following service changes are exempted:

  • Pilot programs or experimental services
  • Standard seasonal variations in service and temporary service additions or suspensions intended to be in place for less than twelve months
  • Changes to service to accommodate sporting events, special events, or service contracted through other cities or agencies
  • Any service change that does not meet the definition of a major service change as described above, including routine running time or schedule adjustments, route or stop changes due to construction, service disruptions or emergencies, and disruptions due to labor issues, fuel shortages or safety concerns

The public comment period was open from Wednesday, November 8, through Thursday, November 23, 2023.

CTDOT encourages all members of the public to submit comments by emailing DOT.MajorSvcChgPolicy@ct.gov. Written comments may also be submitted to:

COMMENT ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO MAJOR SERVICE CHANGE POLICY

Connecticut Department of Transportation

Office of Equity

P.O. Box 317546

Newington, CT 06131-7546