Mobilizing the Region

Issue 220 May 14, 1999


CT To Train Riders: Show Us The Money

With Connecticut DOT looking to increase fares for CT's Metro-North commuters as of August 1, critics of the plan say it runs counter to ConnDOT's plan to reduce traffic on the I-95 corridor (see MTR #216). Critics urged the state legislature to find revenue sources other than the farebox to meet Connecticut's contract with Metro-North.

The proposed increase would raise monthly fares about 5%, and some one-way fares by slightly more.

ConnDOT is under legislative mandate to reduce traffic on I-95, which directly parallels the Metro-North New Haven line.

"Raising train fares will make the alternative - driving - all the more appealing, and more people will probably get into their cars," said Karyl Lee Hall of CT Fund for the Environment. She said gas tax cuts in recent years, which have reduced revenues for the CT Transportation Fund, are partly responsible for the fare hike proposal.

See Calendar section for information on Metro-North fare hike public hearings.


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