New Milford To Host Meeting On HARTransit Proposed Fare Increases

NEW MILFORD, CT - HARTransit is looking to increase fares and make changes to bus routes.

New Milford Mayor Dave Gronbach said on his Facebook page: "My administration is concerned about these fare increases and will be advocating for consideration of our low and fixed income riders in any final decision... These rate increases will affect the livelihood and quality of life of many individuals who do not have access to other means of transportation and must use public transportation for work and other necessary travel. Often these individuals are working jobs that pay minimum wage or living on fixed incomes, therefore the proposed rate increases will have the most impact on their finances."

The public is invited to provide feedback on the changes at a public meeting Thursday, Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. in the Loretta Brickley Room, Lower Level, New Milford Town Hall.

According to Gronbach's Facebook pave, proposed changes include:
• Raising the base fare for Fixed Route from $1.50 to $1.75. All other fare classes would increase proportionately.
• Increasing the fare for SweetHART ADA Paratransit from $2.50 to $3.00
• Increasing the fare for same day SweetHART Dial-A-Ride trips from $3.00 to $4.00
• Potential changes to the 3 Mill Plain/Brewster and Danbury-Norwalk Route 7 Link bus routes.

The proposed changes would be implemented in January 2018.

Image via HARTransit