Press Releases
02/25/2021
CTDOT Launches “Connecticut In Motion” Webinar Series; Inaugural Episode Examines the Myths and Realities of the Relationship Between Transit and COVID-19
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), through its commuter services program CTrides, has begun a series of webinars for the public to explore the future of the state’s public transportation system as well as issues facing commuters on the road and in the workplace. The inaugural episode features national and local health and transportation experts who will provide facts and also address myths related to the spread of COVID-19 and public transportation systems, citing results of recent studies. The podcast is moderated by Dennis House, Chief Political Anchor, News 8 WTNH.
“There is no scientific data that shows that transit is the source of the spread of COVID-19”, states Sam Schwartz, former NYC Deputy Commissioner of Transportation and founder/CEO of Sam Schwartz Consulting. Mr. Schwartz discusses his findings in a recent study he authored on behalf of the American Public Transportation Association that looked at cities around the world and in the United States where transit was heavily used prior to the pandemic. “We found that not only was there no correlation, but that cities with the highest concentration of transit had some of the lowest incidences of COVID-19 compared to places that had little or no transit,” reports Mr. Schwartz.
Dr. Ulysses Wu, System Director of Infectious Disease, Chief Epidemiologist and Chief Antimicrobial Steward at Hartford Healthcare, supported Mr. Schwartz’s conclusion that using transit was not a major source of COVID-19 in Connecticut. “We are seeing the spread of the virus in communities across the state regardless of the availability of transit in those areas. For people using transit just like other activities, we are urging everyone to follow the CDC guidelines requiring wearing a face mask, maintaining physical distance from others, and washing your hands frequently,“ says Dr. Wu.
Richard Andreski, Bureau Chief for CTDOT’s Public Transportation, states, “We have been deploying various safeguards since March of 2020 to make riding trains and buses safer including frequent cleaning procedures, requiring customers to wear masks, and allowing better ventilation on our vehicles”. Mr. Andreski also raises the concern of abandoning transit without good reason. “Transit plays a key role in fostering the state’s economy, ensuring a healthier environment and providing essential services to many low-income communities that depend on transit for access to jobs, vital services and a better life.”
The Connecticut In Motion series will continue with additional episodes focusing on the future of work arrangements and its impact on commuting, the economic impact on businesses from their employees’ commuting woes, and much more.
The first webinar will air on March 2, 2021 at noon. The webinar is forty-five minutes in length. Further details and registration can be found here.
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CTrides, a service of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, works with employers and the public to improve commuting to work while helping to reduce traffic congestion and harmful emissions from unnecessary driving. Find out more about your low cost and healthier commuting options, at www.CTrides.com
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TELEPHONE: 860-594-3003
WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTDOTOfficial