One Percent Rail Fare Increase Takes Effect January 1, 2015

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is reminding passengers that train fares on the New Haven Line and Shore Line East will go up 1 percent on January 1, 2015. Monthly tickets on sale for January now reflect the new fares.

CTDOT Seeking Service Provider for New Haven-Hartford Springfield Rail Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced that it is seeking a service provider to operate the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield passenger rail line beginning in late 2016. CTDOT today issued a “Request for Qualifications” (RFQ) for potential service providers of the 62-mile long train line, now branded as the CTrail Hartford Line. This operator will provide train crews and station maintenance services.

DOT Releases Five-Year Capital Plan for All Modes of Transportation

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its five-year Capital Plan – covering fiscal years 2015-2019 and including projects in all modes of transportation – highways and bridges, public transportation, ports and waterways and bicycle/pedestrian enhancements. DOT updates the plan annually detailing spending plans for 2015 and planned investments through 2019.

DOT Releases Five-Year Capital Plan for All Modes of Transportation

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its five-year Capital Plan – covering fiscal years 2015-2019 and including projects in all modes of transportation – highways and bridges, public transportation, ports and waterways and bicycle/pedestrian enhancements. DOT updates the plan annually detailing spending plans for 2015 and planned investments through 2019.

GOV. MALLOY: STATE CONTINUES TO MAKE INVESTMENTS TO ENSURE SAFE, RELIABLE AND CONVENIENT TRAIN SERVICE FOR RESIDENTS

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the State Bond Commission has approved more than $53 million for the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) to begin work to replace the New Haven Line’s 118-year-old Walk Bridge in Norwalk, a project that will create or retain approximately 4,500 construction-related jobs.

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Comments On Metro-North On-Time Performance

On November 17, 2014, Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker requested that Metro-North President Joseph J. Giulietti provide a detailed evaluation of New Haven Line on-time train performance by December 1.

CTfastrak to Begin Service March 28, 2015

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today the CTfastrak bus rapid transit system will begin operating on March 28, 2015. CTDOT will hold a series of open house events in December and January where the public can learn about routes in their neighborhoods, use a web-based trip planner, board the new buses, and try out the new ticket vending machines.

GOV. MALLOY: AMTRAK WILL CONTINUE TO CROSS HONOR TICKETS FOR CERTAIN SHORE LINE EAST TRAINS

Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker today announced that Amtrak had reversed its decision to stop cross-honoring Shore Line East tickets on certain Amtrak trains. Amtrak will allow Shore Line East multi-ride customers to continue to Cross Honor on Amtrak Train 174 and Train 190, which became effective on Monday, November 10th, 2014.

GOV. MALLOY: NEW TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PROGRAM STREAMLINES FUNDING FOR IMPORTANT MUNICIPAL PROJECTS AND SUPPORTS LOCAL ECONOMIC GROWTH

(HARTFORD) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the first project under the state’s new Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) has been completed. Last year, Governor Malloy created LOTCIP to provide funding for improvements to state or locally-maintained roadways or facilities that are eligible for funding from the federal Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Surface Transportation Urban Program. LOTCIP makes it easier for local governments to utilize federal funding for capital improvement projects by eliminating the lengthy, burdensome and expensive administrative process connected with meeting the federal program’s requirements and restrictions.

New Connecticut River Ferry Office Building Opens

The Connecticut Department of Transportation today formally opened the new Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry office on the Rocky Hill side of the Connecticut River. The old ferry office was little more than a shed with an electric hook-up and no running water.

Credit Cards Now Accepted on Danbury Branch Rail Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced that commuters on the Danbury Branch of the New Haven rail line may now use credit cards to purchase tickets on board the train. It is part of a pilot project before opening up the entire New Haven Line to credit card usage next year.

Stratford Railroad Station Parking Lot Expansion

The first section of the reconstructed parking lot at the Stratford railroad station has been completed and is now open, providing 145 spaces. The remaining sections of the lot will open in the spring of 2015 and will provide a total of 309 spaces, compared with 122 today.

November 9 Schedule Change Adds New Haven Line Service

When Metro-North schedules change on Sunday, November 9, for the first time, there will be new half-hourly service between New Haven and New York in the off-peaks and on weekends. There also will be minor adjustments on all three lines to improve reliability.

New Traffic and Transit Technology Unveiled

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched new communications technology to keep motorists and train travelers better informed. The “real time” travel information signs along interstate highways keep drivers informed of travel times to specific locations, while large electronic boards at New Haven’s Union Station show up-to-the-minute train arrival and departure times and track information for Metro-North, Shore Line East and Amtrak trains.

GOV. MALLOY: NEW INFRASTRUCTURE FEATURES WILL UPGRADE RIVERBEND RAIL CROSSING AND IMPROVE SAFTEY ON THE NEW HAVEN LINE

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) and the City of Stamford are ready to move forward on plans to rebuild and upgrade the Riverbend rail crossing in Stamford. The crossing provides access to offices and other development at Riverbend Center.

DOT Signs ‘Complete Streets’ Policy

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker today signed a new “Complete Streets” policy for the DOT, designed to promote safe access for all users by providing a comprehensive, integrated, connected multi-modal network of transportation options.

Connecticut DOT: $600 Million in Bonds for Road and Transit Projects

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is selling $600 million in bonds this month through the Office of the State Treasurer to finance a variety of road, bridge and transit projects. In addition, the Department is refinancing $131.5 million in previously-issued bonds and will save $14.8 million in future debt service by doing so.

New Signage on I-84 in West Hartford

In the wake of two serious accidents recently and at the urging of State Rep. Joe Verrengia, the Connecticut Department of Transportation has installed more than 30 signs and traffic indicators along the “S” curves on I-84 eastbound and westbound in West Hartford. In addition, the Connecticut State Police have stepped up speeding enforcement activity in the area.

GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR FULL REPLACEMENT OF THE NEW HAVEN LINE’S WALK BRIDGE

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (ConnDOT) plan to close a $188 million funding gap for the design and replacement of the New Haven Line’s 118-year-old Walk Bridge in Norwalk, which malfunctioned in two separate incidents within a two week period over the summer.

Bus Service for Some New Canaan Branch Trains October 3-5

Buses will be substituted for some off-peak trains this Friday, Saturday and Sunday – October 3-5 – on the New Canaan Branch of the New Haven commuter rail line to allow for track maintenance. The New Canaan Branch operates between New Canaan and Stamford, making connections to New York City and New Haven.

Substitute Buses for Some Trains on Waterbury Branch this Weekend

Buses will be substituted for some trains on the Waterbury branch of the New Haven Line this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (September 26-28) to accommodate work on a rail bridge in Seymour. The Waterbury branch operates between Waterbury and Bridgeport.

GOV. MALLOY: FOR FIRST TIME EVER, NEW HAVEN LINE OFF-PEAK AND WEEKEND TRAINS TO BEGIN FULL HALF-HOURLY SERVICE

Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by state Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) Commissioner James Redeker, New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) Executive Vice President Joe Brennan and other state and local officials, today announced that off-peak weekday and weekend trains on the New Haven Line will begin running every half-hour between New Haven and New York City.

GOV. MALLOY: FEDERAL FUNDING WILL HELP REPLACE THE WALK BRIDGE AND IMPROVE RELIABILITY ALONG THE NEW HAVEN LINE

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that Connecticut has received a $161 million federal grant to be used to fund the design and replacement of the New Haven Line’s Walk Railroad Bridge in Norwalk. Over the summer, the 118-year-old bridge malfunctioned in two separate incidents within a two week period, causing train delays and commuter frustration on Metro-North’s commuter line.

Another Successful DOT Accelerated Bridge Replacement Project

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has completed another successful Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) project – this one in Middletown. The Route 17 Bridge over Long Hill Brook was replaced over the weekend and reopened nine hours ahead of schedule.

Gov. Malloy: Record Ridership on Shore Line East Commuter Rail Line

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that ridership on Shore Line East – the commuter rail line between New Haven and New London – set a new record in August with 63,959 passenger trips.

Connecticut Department of Transportation to Host Outreach Event for Small, Minority and Woman Owned Businesses Interested in Contracting Opportunities for the Reconstruction of Interstate 84 in Waterbury

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will be holding an outreach event for small, minority and woman owned businesses interested in contracting opportunities on the reconstruction of I-84 in Waterbury, Connecticut. The outreach event will provide valuable information and assistance to firms interested in contracting opportunities for this project.

CONNECTICUT STATE AND LOCAL POLICE TO BEGIN MAJOR CRACKDOWN ON TEXTING WHILE DRIVING

The Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office today announced the kick-off of an Anti-Texting Enforcement Project, as part of the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” campaign. This effort by state and local police will enforce Connecticut’s tough law that prohibits motorists from texting and/or using hand-held cell phones while driving. The crackdown will run from Wednesday, September 3, through Wednesday, September 24.

WHEN SPEEDING KILLS, IT’S NEVER AN ACCIDENT

With the arrival of Labor Day holiday weekend, many Connecticut residents will close the summer by traveling throughout the state to barbeques, family gatherings and tourist destinations. In an effort to raise awareness and change driver behavior, the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office is launching the first phase of its anti-speeding campaign throughout rural Connecticut, where most speeding-related automobile deaths occur.

GOV. MALLOY: INVESTMENTS IN LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE ENCOURAGES LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CREATES JOBS AND IMPROVES SAFETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today joined state and local officials to highlight the Local Bridge Program, administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT), which provides state grants to municipalities for the removal, replacement, reconstruction or rehabilitation of local bridges.

CTfastrak Bus Unveiled at State Capitol, Followed by TOD Tour

The Connecticut Department of Transportation held a CTfastrak new bus unveiling ceremony and press conference today, followed by a transit-oriented development (TOD) tour of the CTfastrak bus rapid transit system.

DOT Appoints Carl Jackson as Rail Administrator

Carl L. Jackson, a 38-year transportation professional who started his career as a railroad conductor and worked his way up to senior management positions in public transit and private transportation companies, has been selected as Rail Administrator for the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Work to Begin on Three Danbury RR Branch Crossings

Work on three street-level crossings and track resurfacing on the Danbury Branch of the New Haven commuter rail line will require the use of substitute busing for weekend and off-peak trains in mid-August.

DOT and CCSU Host Summer Transportation Program for High School Students

The Department of Transportation’s TRAC (Transportation and Civil Engineering) program is partnering with Central Connecticut State University to host a 1 week program from July 28 to August 1, 2014, to introduce a wide range of transportation modes to high school students from all over the state.

Ride the Rails to the Sails - Sailfest in New London, July 11-13

Leave the car and traffic behind and take a train ride to this year's Sailfest in New London. The three-day festival, held at Waterfront Park July 11-13, will feature a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, a Tall Ship, and over 200 vendors.

Busing on Danbury Branch for Three Saturdays to Accommodate Planned Testing of New Signals

To allow for testing of the new signal system on the Danbury branch, buses will operate in place of six trains on each of three Saturdays, July 12, 19 & 26, to accommodate planned testing of grade crossings.

NEW SCHEDULE FOR NEW HAVEN/HARTFORD EXPRESS BUS

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today that a new schedule for the #20 New Haven/Hartford Express bus will take effect beginning on Monday, July 14, 2014.

Reminder: Schedule Adjustments Effective Monday, July 7

Metro-North will make adjustments to its New Haven and Harlem Line service on Monday, July 7, after closely monitoring performance, taking customer counts and listening to customer suggestions following the implementation of our the 11 schedule change.

DOT Inspection Teams, Engineers and Metro-North Crews Converge on Walk Bridge

At the direction of Governor Dannel P. Malloy, and in partnership with MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast and Metro-North Railroad President Joseph Giulietti, CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker has assembled a Short Term Action Team (STAT) to review, investigate and determine next steps, all to be taken in the near term, to improve the mechanical reliability of the Walk Bridge.

CT Train Stations and Platforms Now Smoke-Free

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is making all railroad stations and platforms smoke-free.

GOV. MALLOY: IMPROVED NEW HAVEN LINE SCHEDULE WILL REDUCE CROWDING AND INCREASE CONVENIENCE

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced improvements to the recently enacted New Haven Line train schedules. The enhanced schedule is aimed at reducing crowding on trains and increasing convenience. Governor Malloy also announced that the Waterbury Branch morning express train to Stamford will be restored this coming Monday, June 9.

GOV. MALLOY: INVESTMENT IN NEW HAVEN RAIL YARD FACILITIES DEMONSTRATES STATE COMMITMENT TO BEST-IN-CLASS COMMUTER LINE

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today, joined by Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) Commissioner James Redeker and other state and local officials, led a tour of the New Haven Rail Yard, which is undergoing a $1.15 billion, multi-year upgrade and expansion.

Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You! – “Operation Big Orange” In Effect!

The Connecticut Department of Transportation in partnership with the Connecticut State Police is focusing its “Operation Big Orange” work zone enforcement activity along the I-95 corridor in Milford and Stratford in the vicinity of the Moses Wheeler Bridge beginning Monday, June 9, 2014.

State and Local Police Begin Fourth Crackdown of Distracted Driving Enforcement to Stop Texting While Driving

Connecticut motorists are reminded that from June 5 to June 11, 2014, law enforcement will be conducting the fourth and final crackdowns on motorists who practice the dangerous behavior of driving while distracted. This effort is a part of the "Phone in One Hand. Ticket In the Other." enforcement campaign that combines periods of intense enforcement of texting laws with local media outreach to let people know about the enforcement and convince them to obey the law.

Metro-North Statement on May 29 Rail Bridge Outage

Metro-North Statement on May 29 Rail Bridge Outage in Norwalk.

CONNECTICUT COMMUTERS ENCOURAGED TO SHARE A RIDE DURING CTrides WEEK, MAY 12 – 16, 2014

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is inviting Connecticut commuters to take part in a week-long challenge of trying alternative methods of travel for their daily commutes. For at least one day during CTrides Week from Monday, May 12 through Friday, May 16, 2014, commuters are asked to take advantage of various ride-sharing options instead of driving alone. Commuters are also encouraged to visit www.CTrides.com and pledge to take advantage of the various ride-sharing and greener options that are available.

GOV. MALLOY: COMPLETION OF NEW HAVEN LINE POWER UPGRADE PROJECT MEANS SAFER, MORE RELIABLE SERVICE FOR CONNECTICUT RAIL COMMUTERS

Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) Commissioner James Redeker and New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, today announced that nearly 80 percent of the overhead power lines on the New Haven commuter rail between Southport and Bridgeport have been replaced. With the completion of the current project phase to replace the “catenary” wires along the 100-plus year old New Haven Line, Metro-North will be able to route peak period trains on all four tracks in this seven-mile area for the first time since 2010. The project is being funded and managed by ConnDOT.

Governor Malloy Proclaims May 7th Bike To School Day in Connecticut

Connecticut Schools to Celebrate International Bike To School Day on Wednesday, May 7th.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is reminding motorists and motorcyclists during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, to observe “None For The Road” in order to help prevent motorcycle crashes, deaths and injuries on Connecticut roads.

Public Meeting on Bike/Ped Bridge at Flower Street in Hartford

There will be a public information meeting on Monday, May 12, 2014 to discuss options for a bicycle/pedestrian crossing at Flower Street in Hartford as part of the CTfastrak bus rapid transit project.

GOVERNOR MALLOY OUTLINES PRIORITIES FOR METRO-NORTH PERFORMANCE AND SERVICE GOALS

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today outlined his expectations and priorities for Metro-North Railroad's (MNR) performance in light of MNR's anticipated May schedule change. Since the new MNR President Joseph Giulietti began his position in February, Governor Malloy and Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker have been in active discussions with Mr. Giulietti as MNR works to implement its 100-Day improvement strategy for Connecticut service in order to restore the New Haven Line to a "best-in-class" railroad.

GOV. MALLOY: 5-YEAR TRANSPORTATION CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN WILL CONTINUE INVESTMENTS TO STRENGTHEN AND UPGRADE STATE BRIDGES, HIGHWAYS AND RAIL SYSTEMS AND CREATE THOUSANDS OF JOBS

– Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty (CT-5)., Mayor Neil O’Leary, state Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker, state lawmakers, representatives from the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), and members of the state building trades, today announced several of the state’s investments in major highway, bridge and rail projects as part of ConnDOT’s 2014-2018 Transportation Capital Infrastructure Program. The Governor made the announcement at the site of one of the Capital Program’s major projects, the widening of the I-84 corridor in Waterbury, which is set to begin construction this year.

Connecticut Department of Transportation Announces CTfastrak Open House Events

The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced today the next series of open house meetings to inform and update the public about Connecticut's first bus rapid transit system which is scheduled to begin operations in early 2015. A new CTfastrak "flyover" animation video will be presented at the open house events and the new CTfastrak branded bus will be available for viewing.

Connecticut River Ferry Service Alerts Now Available Online

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that it has begun offering automatic service alerts for the two Connecticut River ferries – one between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury and the other between Chester and Hadlyme. The seasonal ferries operate from April 1 to November 30 each year.

Update on the Danbury Branch Grade Crossings

Recently, Metro-North identified that the new technology train detection system that controls the closing of a gate crossing sometimes activates with no trains approaching, despite the fact that this system was comprehensively tested at each crossing prior to being activated along the right-of-way. We have not experienced any failures of the crossing system to activate when required. We are working toward a permanent fix.

CT DOT Reminder: Call before You Dig!

With Spring finally here, the Connecticut Department of Transportation is reminding citizens to call 811 before digging into the ground. April is National Safe Digging Month.

Ribbon Cut for Westbrook Train Station

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker joined Westbrook First Selectman Noel Bishop and other regional and local officials today to cut a ribbon and formally open the new Westbrook train station serving Shore Line East customers.

Train Monitoring Systems Planned for Metro-North Railroad and LIRR

Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road plan to install monitoring equipment designed to detect defective or overheated wheels and loads of freight trains that operate on publicly owned tracks and convey that information in real time to the railroads’ control centers.

Metro-North Signal Upgrades Complete at Curves and Bridges

MTA Metro-North Railroad has completed permanent changes to its signal system to ensure automatic speed enforcement at five critical curves and five moveable bridges in New York and Connecticut, more than five months ahead of schedule.

Metro-North to Hold Informal Customer Forums at Stations

Making good on a pledge to increase openness and transparency, MTA Metro-North Railroad will hold six informal meeting at Grand Central and outlying stations in an effort to engage customers in a dialogue with senior management of the railroad, including the new president, Joseph Giulietti.

Work to Begin on Danbury Branch Crossing-Warning Issue

The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced today that it will begin construction work on Friday, March 21, on two street-level railroad crossings on the Danbury commuter branch that have experienced issues with gates closing when no train is approaching.

Danbury Branch Interim Service Plan Released

In response to recent performance issues at grade crossings, a revised commuter service plan for the Danbury Branch of the New Haven rail line was released today by the Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North.

Supplemental Bus Service on Danbury Branch Rail Line

The Connecticut Department of Transportation plans to begin using buses to supplement service on the Danbury branch of the New Haven commuter rail line while recent operational conditions on the branch are addressed. Peak-hour trains will continue to operate; buses will be used during off-peak and weekend hours.

TransformCT Outreach Continues with Open Houses and Telephone Survey

As the State works hard to clear the winter snow from our highway, rail, and bus facilities, the Connecticut Department of Transportation is also taking a longer-range look at how to serve transportation needs over the next 40 years. As part of an effort called TransformCT, the Department has engaged many of the state’s residents in a dialogue about a vision for the future of Connecticut and how transportation can support that vision.

NEW HAVEN/HARTFORD EXPRESS BUS ADDS MIDDAY SERVICE

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced today that midday service will begin on the #20 New Haven/Hartford Express bus beginning on Monday, March 3, 2014. The added service will consist of one trip originating in New Haven with a destination of Hartford, and another from Hartford to New Haven.

DOT Seeks Public Input to Develop Vision for Statewide Transportation Plan

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will be holding three public open house meetings in Hartford, Bridgeport and New London to collect public input towards the development of Connecticut’s statewide strategic transportation plan, called TransformCT.

CTrides OFFERS CONNECTICUT COMMUTERS REWARDS FOR GREENER TRIPS

Whether you are commuting to work, school or traveling to any destination in the state, Connecticut residents can earn valuable rewards points just for sharing rides. By participating with the CTrides program, commuters can take advantage of the many offers available through its partner NuRide, the nation’s largest rewards program for individuals who take greener trips. A greener trip is when someone doesn’t drive alone and instead chooses to walk, bike, telecommute, carpool, vanpool, or take the train, bus or ferry.

Bike Racks to be Installed on New Rail Cars

The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced that bike racks will be installed on 50 of Connecticut's new M-8 rail cars.

GOV. MALLOY: NEW HAVEN LINE UPGRADE WILL DOUBLE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY AND PREVENT FUTURE POWER FAILURES

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) will undertake a $10 million project to upgrade the power supply for Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line beginning on Monday, February 3. The project will prevent the type of catastrophic power failure that occurred this past fall in Mount Vernon, New York, seriously disrupting service on the New Haven Line.

New Milestone: 300th M-8 Rail Car Accepted for Service

The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced another milestone in its rail-car purchase program: 300 of the new M-8 cars have now been accepted for service on the New haven commuter rail line.