Proposed Train Rate Hike & New Laws On Oct. 1

September 29, 2023


Taking the train may soon cost more. You have an opportunity to weigh in on proposed rate hikes and schedule changes for Metro-North rail service. Please read below to learn more.

And looking ahead, a new set of laws will take effect on Sunday, October 1. I will highlight some of those laws below.

Scroll down to find the following sections and topics in today's email:

  • Proposed Train Rate Hike & Schedule Changes
  • Laws Effective October 1
  • Free COVID-19 Tests Available
     
    Proposed Train Rate Hike & Schedule Changes
    The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will host four public hearings next week to gather input on the proposed rail fare increases as well as rail and bus service changes.
     
    The biennial state budget adopted earlier this year included a funding increase for CTtransit bus service in Connecticut and a funding reduction for Metro-North Railroad (MNR) and CTrail Shore Line East (SLE) passenger rail service, to align with current commuting habits more closely.
    There is a proposed increase for Metro-North fares in Connecticut, Shore Line East fares, and Hartford Line fares, excluding monthly school passes.
    Click Here To See Proposed Bus & Rail Service and Fare Changes
    At these hearings, CTDOT will provide information and accept public comments on the service and fare proposals and the Service and Fare Equity (SAFE) analysis. The SAFE analysis evaluates the proposed changes to determine if they will cause a disparate impact on people of color or a disproportionate burden to people with low incomes.
    The virtual meetings will be recorded and saved on the CTDOT YouTube Channel at youtube.com/@ctdotofficial.
     
    Registration is encouraged for the virtual public hearings; however, it is only required for those who would like to provide a comment during the hearing. To register, please visit ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges or call (860) 594-3612 and leave a voicemail with your full name and contact information. Registration will be accepted up to the day of the hearing and will remain open for the duration of the hearings.
     
    Laws Effective October 1
    A number of new laws that were passed during the 2023 legislative session are effective on October 1. New laws include:
    • wrong-way driving prevention with a test program on 120 highway exit ramps that are determined high risk for wrong-way drivers
    • prohibiting open carrying of firearms (does not prohibit concealed carry) and limiting permit holders to three firearms purchases per month
    • charging any adult over the age of 25 with a Class A misdemeanor for intentionally targeting a minor through online communication with the purpose of exploiting or abusing that child
    • making confessions obtained through deceptive and coercive interrogation methods inadmissible in court, unless prosecutors can prove they were voluntary and uncoerced
    • increasing the age to which a court may issue support services for adult children with certain disabilities, from 21 up to 26

    These are just some of the laws, click on the button below for the full list.
    Laws Effective October 1
    Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you for your input, and please continue sharing your views and making your voice heard during our legislative process.
     
    Free COVID-19 Tests Available

    The federal government is once again allowing every household to order COVID-19 tests for free at COVIDtests.gov. You can place an order right now to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests that will be delivered to your home. According to The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the goal is to be prepared for the fall and winter seasons.

    The ASPR is also distributing free at-home tests to schools, nursing homes, community health centers, rural health clinics, food banks, and other locations to make sure communities have widespread access to COVID-19 tests.

    These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants, are intended to be used through the end of 2023, and will include clear instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates.

    There are numerous other options to get tested for free such as  free community-based testing sites, including pharmacies, across Connecticut and the rest of the country. I encourage you to contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or ICATT location near you to learn how to access low or no cost COVID-19 tests provided by the federal government.

    The mission of the ASPR is to assist the country in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from public health emergencies and disasters.