![]() Lemar argued that the state legislature can fund other initiatives to better encourage people to “ditch their cars” and use public transportation. “I want the bus service to be free-but I want the general fund to pay for it,” Lemar told WNHH FM. When the state passed emergency measures to fight against rising oil prices and inflation, which included free bus fares, it utilized money outside of the normal state budgeting process of the general funds, according to Lemar. Last week, Lemar told WNHH FM that while he supports the concept of free public buses, he wishes to change the funding mechanism currently used to pay for it. Riders may also purchase 31-day passes, which range from $108.80 to $204 based on traveling zone range.įree public buses “not a priority” for Lemar, state legislative transportation committee Now that the fare-free program has expired, most travelers must pay $6.40 for an All-day 2 Zones pass, with prices increasing for each additional zone. ![]() “We need authority figures to stop thinking with car-brains and start looking for every opportunity to reward and incentivize people moving without private cars and trucks.” “Statistically, this also translates to disproportionately punishing poor people, women, young people, seniors, and Black and brown people,” said local bus rider Stasia Brewczynski. ![]() Moreover, local bus riders have expressed frustration over the state’s decision to deprioritize accessibility while managing one of its largest budget reserves in state history. ![]() Proponents of extending the state’s free public bus system have argued that the program helped alleviate cost-of-living worries as Connecticut residents have faced inflation of six to eight percent, an average rent increase of roughly 20 percent and stagnating wages. Connecticut legislation to extend free public bus fares stalled as New Haven State Representative Roland Lemar, who co-chairs the state legislature’s transportation committee, argued the state did not have enough funding to pay for the program. Connecticut buses bore a new message for riders this weekend: “Fares restart April 1.”Īfter almost one year of free public buses across the state due to a surge in oil prices and record-high costs of living, travelers across the state had to resume paying fares for buses on Saturday. ![]()
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