Substitute Senate Bill No. 237 seeks to enhance public transportation services in Connecticut, particularly focusing on the Shore Line East rail line and bus services. The bill mandates the Department of Transportation (DOT) to restore the frequency and number of runs on the Shore Line East rail line to pre-COVID-19 levels by July 1, 2026, while also requiring a statewide study on bus service to assess the feasibility of increasing service frequency between the Naugatuck Valley region and New Haven. Additionally, the bill modifies existing fare increase notice requirements, specifying that public notice and hearings are necessary before implementing any fare hikes.

The bill also introduces new provisions to support vulnerable populations, including veterans, seniors, youth, and individuals with disabilities. It establishes a grant program for the Department of Education to provide free bus passes to high school students, with an appropriation of $3 million, and allocates $1 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs for distributing free bus passes to veterans. Furthermore, the DOT commissioner is required to provide operating subsidies to transit districts that offer fare discounts of up to 50% for these groups. The bill expands the definition of a "veteran" and mandates annual reporting on the distribution of bus passes to veterans, aiming to improve transportation accessibility and affordability across the state.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
TRA Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 453: