The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1243 aims to establish a program for fare-free bus public transportation services specifically for high school students, veterans, and low-income passengers in Connecticut. The bill mandates that by July 1, 2025, the Department of Transportation will implement this program, which will benefit students enrolled in grades nine to twelve in public schools, veterans as defined in existing statutes, and individuals participating in state-administered federal assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The funding for these transportation services will come from the appropriated funds to the Department of Transportation.

Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Transportation to provide applications for a fare-free transit identification card to eligible individuals, which will include a photograph. This initiative is designed to enhance accessibility to public transportation for these specific groups, thereby promoting equity and support for students, veterans, and low-income residents. The bill introduces new legal language to establish this program while deleting any previous provisions that may conflict with its implementation.