Gov. Lamont Signs $20.3 million in Transit Appropriations into Law

CT Department of Transportation Must Create $2.5 million Bus Pass Grant Program for High School Students and Veterans by July 1

Contact: 

Jay Stange, New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation

(917) 601-3165 mobile, jstange@ncat-ct.org

Adrian Huq, New Haven Climate Movement

(203) 606-5889 mobile, ahuq@newhavenleon.org 

Transit advocates across Connecticut are celebrating $20.3 million in new appropriations signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont to expand and strengthen affordable and reliable bus, microtransit and rail service statewide.

Following years of advocacy by youth leaders, veterans, public transportation and active mobility organizations across Connecticut, the General Assembly approved legislation this session to:

• Provide $7 million for Shore Line East rail service improvements

• Invest $10.5 million in microtransit services statewide

• Create a $2.5 million grant program allowing school districts to provide free CTtransit bus passes to students in grades 9–12 and provide free transit rides to Veterans

A press availability featuring transit advocates will take place at: 2:30 pm on Wednesday, June 10, at the corner of Church and Chapel Streets on the New Haven Green. 

“We are thrilled to see these wins for clean transportation and transit equity in our state,” said Adrian Huq, cofounder of the New Haven Climate Movement. “These policies can tangibly reduce transportation-related emissions that contribute to climate change while also making public transportation options more accessible and affordable.” 

“We’re grateful Gov. Lamont took the seat we saved for him on this bus,” said Jay Stange of the New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation. “With a few strokes of his pen, the Governor has helped thousands of Connecticut residents to live healthier, more connected lives. Now we turn to DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto to work with us to make sure bus passes get into the hands of high school students and Veterans in our state starting July 1.”

Advocates point to strong public support for Shore Line East and microtransit services, along with data from the Hartford high school bus pass pilot program, as evidence that expanded transit access improves connections to education, employment, healthcare, entertainment, and life across Connecticut.

The successful 2024 Hartford High School Bus Pass pilot program used $175,000 in federal grant monies to provide 31-day passes to more than 500 students at many high schools in the Capital City. Advocates are urging CT DOT to model the new grant program signed into law this year on the Hartford pilot. Advocates are recommending DOT use the recommendations guide to stand up the new program. 

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