Rail Fare Hike, Infrastructure Projects At Risk: Malloy

HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Dannel Malloy’s budget office spelled out some dire consequences if the state isn’t able to increase funding for the Special Transportation Fund. Projects would be cancelled and overall services provided by the state Department of Transportation would be reduced.

The DOT would have to curtail its normal operating budget which could include complete closure of rest areas in the state, reduction of bridge paving and maintenance work and a 15 reduction in staffing.

Bus fare could increase 15 percent in fiscal year 2019 and rail fare could increase 10 percent in fiscal year 2019 followed by five percent increases in fiscal years 2021 and 2022. Shoreline East service would be reduced 50 percent and weekend and some off-peak service would be cancelled on the Danbury, Waterbury and New Canaan lines.

“Today we are at a crossroads, and a decision must be made: will we cancel important projects and let our roads and bridges deteriorate, or will we endeavor to face these problems head on and find new ways to support our transportation system,” Malloy said.

The gas tax was reduced in 1997 and the General Assembly placed a cap on gas taxes levied on oil companies. That coupled with the drop in oil prices and less total vehicle miles being driven has spelled trouble for the fund. Previously issued bonds are also coming due.

A number of projects could be cancelled if the fund isn’t boosted including widening I-95 between Stamford and Bridgeport, work on the Hartford I-84 viaduct, work on the Route 15 West Rock Heroes Tunnel and the Norwalk Route 7/15 interchange.

Malloy suggested passing a transportation lockbox amendment in November 2018 that would prevent future governors and legislatures from raiding funds. Malloy will also put specific funding proposals forward for the 2018 legislative session.

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