"It won't allow us to expand service or change the schedule," Senate Majority leader George Jepson, who also supported the grant, recently told the Stamford Advocate. But Harris said the purchases should help reduce the crowding caused by constant maintenance and repairs being done on the 244 30-year old M2 cars which make up 81% of ConnDOT's fleet. On any given day, 50-60 cars are out of service. In comparison, 36% of NJ Transit's operating fleet is over 25 years old, and all of these have been rebuilt in the last 15 years. Rebuilding CT's M2 fleet will begin this summer, a seven-year process that is expected to add at least ten years to their functional life.

Mr. Harris reported that ConnDOT is "not in a position to replace" the aging fleet because of infrastructure project demands on the capital budget. But clearly, the Rowland Administration's lack of enthusiasm for public transit and incoherent transportation policies has much to do with the agency's current lack of funds. More attractive trains and operating budget support for additional service and fare incentives could underpin a realistic effort to meet the 5% traffic reduction mandate. Instead, Connecticut government chose to cut gas taxes, which will reduce investment in transit and give drivers additional incentive to stay behind the wheel