STATEMENT BY MAYOR JUSTIN ELICKER APPLAUDING THE EXTENTION OF FAIR-FREE BUS SERVICE IN CONNECTICUT

NEW HAVEN, CT – Mayor Justin Elicker released the following statement on House Bill 6001, which includes an extension of fare-free bus service on public transit buses statewide, passed yesterday by the Connecticut General Assembly and signed into law today by Governor Lamont.

“Fare-free bus service has been very popular and a huge benefit to New Haven residents, and I applaud the state for extending it through April 1, 2023.

Nearly 30 percent of New Haveners do not have a car and public transit is an essential mode of transportation for so many residents who use it to commute to work and get around the city every day.

The fare-free pilot program has provided residents significant savings, reduced vehicular traffic on our streets, and restored bus ridership to beyond even pre-pandemic levels. As someone who takes the bus to work on occasion, I can personally attest to how easy and convenient fare-free bus service has been. 

I am hopeful that this can be made permanent in the upcoming legislative session and I applaud the New Haven Delegation and Governor Lamont for their commitment to increasing access to public transit for our residents.”