Transportation

One of the keys to long-term economic growth in Connecticut is a reliable transportation network that moves Connecticut forward.  The state can do more to promote mass transit, reduce congestion on our highways, and invest in our road and bridge infrastructure. Improvements in our transportation network will create jobs, assist businesses, enhance safety, help our environment and improve our quality of life.

I am pleased to report that we moved forward on important, job-creating transit projects in this past session. I worked with my colleagues to successfully secure a strong state commitment to finally creating the high speed rail line between New Haven and Springfield. That project holds great promise for jobs, economic development along the corridor, congestion relief on Interstate 91, and significantly reduced carbon emissions as fewer cars will travel the highway. More rail cars are being added to the Metro North rail line, and train stations are being added and improved. We maintained funding was maintained for safety improvements on state roads and highways. Many new laws address public safety, from improvements to bicycle and pedestrian pathways to a new ban on text messaging bans while driving. In addition, commuters were spared fare increases on buses and trains as legislative Democrats fought proposals to raise the rates.