Connecticut House Bill HB05122

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/13
• Refer: 1/9/13

Caption

An Act Committing Bus And Rail Fare Increases To Bus And Rail Upgrades.

Impact

If passed, the bill will mandate the Connecticut Department of Transportation to allocate funds collected from fare increases strictly for the purpose of upgrading bus and rail service operations and maintenance. This is a strategic move aimed at rebuilding public confidence in public transport services by enhancing reliability and efficiency through financial commitment from fare increases. The anticipated result is an improved travel experience for Connecticut residents who rely on these services, which could lead to increased ridership.

Summary

House Bill 05122, titled 'An Act Committing Bus And Rail Fare Increases To Bus And Rail Upgrades,' aims to ensure that any revenue generated from planned fare increases for bus and rail services in Connecticut is dedicated specifically to the maintenance and enhancement of these services. Introduced by Representative Srinivasan, the bill underscores the importance of reinvesting fare revenue back into public transportation to improve service operations. The proposed changes are intended to not only maintain the existing infrastructure but also encourage further investments to upgrade bus and rail services across the state.

Contention

While the bill may generally be viewed positively by advocates of public transportation, potential points of contention could arise regarding the impact on low-income riders who may find fare increases burdensome. Concerns may also include the effectiveness of the Department of Transportation in utilizing the funds appropriately and transparently, ensuring they indeed fulfill the intended purposes of service upgrades. Furthermore, there may be debates regarding whether fare increases are the best approach to funding improvements, with some stakeholders advocating for alternative funding sources or more sustainable revenue-generating strategies.