The Connecticut Department of Public Transportation (CTDOT) honors Transit Equity Day 2025 with a commitment to high-quality, accessible public transportation that connects people and communities to jobs, education, health care, and more. Transit Equity Day is observed every February 4, the birthday of late civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks, who helped fight for more equitable transportation.
CTDOT is committed to improving and expanding equitable access for transit-dependent and transit-choice customers. On Tuesday, February 4, a special poster will be hung on a seat on all public transit buses to commemorate Transit Equity Day 2025.
“The actions of Rosa Parks decades ago created a movement to ensure transportation is accessible for people of all backgrounds and abilities,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Karen Kitsis. “Whether it’s a bus or train or shuttle, public transit connects communities together and is an integral part of everyday life for residents. We remain committed to seeing Connecticut’s vast public transit network meet the needs of residents today and well into the future.”
CTDOT is dedicated to continued investments that make public transit accessible for all people. From transitioning the statewide bus fleet from diesel buses to zero-emissions buses to offering free Wi-Fi on CTtransit buses statewide and investing in new modern rail cars and creating transit schedules for today’s commuters, CTDOT is improving lives through transportation. Furthermore, CTDOT is dedicated to filling gaps in public transportation, including:
Bus Service Expansion
Governor Ned Lamont’s 2024-2025 Biennial Budget included $17.5 million to expand bus routes across Connecticut. CTDOT is creating smaller hubs, consolidating bus stops, and cutting down on wait times for riders. By optimizing the distance between stops, bus service can operate more efficiently. Seventeen local routes in Greater New Haven were extended to 1 a.m. ADA paratransit service was extended, and a new express route was added between Meriden and Waterbury.
More Convenient Payment Options
In October 2024, the CTDOT launched a contactless Tap & Ride pilot program on select bus routes allowing customers to use their mobile wallet and debit or credit cards to pay for bus fares. In addition to fare capping, Tap & Ride now also includes reduced rates for seniors or those with disabilities.
Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
Last year, a total of 36 vehicle grants totaling more than $3.2 million were awarded to non-profits and municipalities under the Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 program. Section 5310 is a federal grant program intended to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation service and expanding transportation mobility option
Microtransit Pilot Program
CTDOT’s Microtransit Pilot Program provided nine transit districts and municipalities funding for on-demand microtransit services over a two-year period. This funding supported communities across the state to design and develop an on-demand microtransit service. This pilot program makes it easier for older people and people with disabilities to access public transit. It also eliminates the first and last-mile challenges by using an app or phone number to request and schedule a ride within designated areas. As of January 2025, the service has provided nearly 50,000 passenger trips.
Bus Stop Enhancement Program
Many of Connecticut's 1,300-plus bus stops need shelters, seating, or trip information. CTDOT is allocating $20 million to a bus stop improvement program, allowing communities to build and install ADA-compliant bus stops and shelters with real-time schedule information.
Customer Experience Action Plan
CTDOT released its first-ever Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan in 2023 with a series of planned investments throughout the state. The CX plan is based directly on customer and stakeholder feedback. For example, adding mobile ticketing options was identified as a need and implemented based on feedback. View the CX Action Plan at transitcx.com and the 2024 Annual Progress Report. The Progress Report provided an update on 26 priority items based directly on input from transit users.
