Veterans' Affairs Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-614
AN ACT EXEMPTING VETERANS FROM PAYMENT OF THE FARES FOR BUS
Title: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.
Vote Date: 3/18/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Change of Reference to Finance, Revenue and Bonding
PH Date: 2/18/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Veterans' Affairs Committee
Sen. Paul Cicarella 34th Dist
Rep. Dorinda Borer, 115th Dist
REASONS FOR BILL:
The bill would allow veterans to ride Bus Public Transportation Services at no cost, provided
they present a license or identification card that indicates veteran status. Many veterans have
trouble with transportation and use public transportation for employment, so exempting them
from fare payments can reduce the financial burden as veterans seek to reintegrate into
civilian life.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Commissioner Joseph Giulietti, CT Department of Transportation: Commissioner Giulietti
submitted written testimony stating that the introduction of this bill could possibly lead to other
discounts and would require a financial impact analysis as well as other equity analyses and
a public hearing related to Title VI. He also included census data which shows that there are
nearly 200,000 veterans in CT; if all took advantage of the fare waiver, it would impact
revenue for CTtransit. He further stated, "this loss of revenue would increase the subsidy
required to operate the bus systems which would have a fiscal impact on DOTs budget and
the Special Transportation Fund".
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Sen. Paul Cicarella, 34th Dist. : Senator Cicarella submitted written testimony in favor of this
bill, stating that it promotes a higher quality of life and means for veterans to be able to get to
work on the public bus system. He also added that while speaking with the Department of
Veterans' Affair Commissioner, they discussed issues faced by veterans, including
employment and the need for transportation to find and maintain a job. This bill would help to
alleviate that burden during challenging economic times.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Doug Holcomb, General Manager, Greater Bridgeport Transit: Mr. Holcomb submitted written
testimony stating that while the removal of barriers is an important matter and the intent of
this bill is clear, the fiscal impact it can have on certain regions is important. In the Bridgeport
region, and prior to Covid-19, rider contribution "paid for approximately 30% of the associated
expenses". This could hurt both local municipalities and access to State funding. Mr.
Holcomb reiterates that while he does not object to honoring veterans, it is important to note
that providing free services to veterans or others leads to revenue loss.
Mary Tamolonius, Executive Director, CT Association for Community Transportation: Ms.
Tamolonius submitted written testimony stating that the bus systems currently depend on
rider fares to pay for expenses associated with the provision of the services and that possible
reduction of revenue could jeopardize bus services. She also stated that the average fare is
$1.00, including other discounts that are federally required for seniors, riders with disabilities,
and those who receive Medicaid. She welcomes the removal of barriers where they can be
found but stresses the importance of considering current financial constraints on the transit
operators in the state. If revenue decreases due to this legislation, that revenue will need to
increase from other sources.
Reported by: Edward Jacome, Assistant Clerk Date: 03/22/21
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