The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 237 aims to enhance public transportation in Connecticut by restoring and expanding services. Specifically, it mandates the Department of Transportation to restore the Shore Line East rail service to pre-COVID levels by July 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill outlines several public transportation projects, including the expansion of the bus rapid transit system to connect Hartford and Storrs, increased bus frequency between the Naugatuck Valley and New Haven, and the expansion of the Danbury branch of the New Haven Line to New Milford.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions regarding fare increases for mass transportation, requiring the Department of Transportation to provide notice of proposed fare increases rather than any fare changes, and to hold public hearings on these increases. It also establishes grant programs for local education boards to provide free bus passes to high school students and for the Department of Veterans Affairs to distribute bus passes to veterans. The bill appropriates $3 million for the education grant program and $1 million for the veterans' program, both effective July 1, 2026.

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Raised Bill: