FTA 11-03
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
Contact: Kristi Clemens
Tel.:
(202) 366-4043
DOT Announces $3.5 Million to Connecticut for Job Access Transportation Service
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta today announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is providing $3.5 million to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for statewide expansion of transit services. These services are geared toward filling gaps between lower income Connecticut residents and regional job centers, job-training programs and educational facilities.
“Public transportation is vital in helping people move
from welfare to the security and self-sufficiency of jobs,” Secretary Mineta
said. “It is a key element in
helping people reach their goals and become fully productive citizens.”
FTA Administrator Jennifer Dorn stated, “The FTA is
pleased to partner with the Connecticut Department of Transportation in their
efforts to provide transit solutions to low-income residents, which will allow
them to participate more fully in their communities.
This partnership is an example of the FTA’s efforts to promote
independence and opportunity through increasing successful coordination of
transportation services among human service agencies and transportation
providers.”
Proposed transit
initiatives include continuation of fixed route extensions of the existing bus
network to major employment centers, and expansions in the span and days of
service tailored to second or third shift workers, and weekend service sectors
employees. Highlights include:
·
‘L’ Route-Tower Avenue Crosstown, providing a direct
connection from north Hartford to the high-growth service sector area east of
the city;
·
The Bradley Flyer, connecting downtown city Hartford with a
burgeoning job center surrounding Bradley International Airport;
·
The Coastal Link, utilizing the pooled resources of three
transit properties -- Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority, Norwalk Transit
District, and Milford Transit District -- to provide a direct ride to the
high-density employment corridor along U.S. Route 1;
·
The Route 32 Commuter Bus, transporting workers in the
rural Willimantic area to jobs at Foxwoods Resorts and Casino, Downtown Norwich,
and the Norwich Industrial Park; and
·
Service expansions of the New Milford/Berkshire Loop to
accommodate demand for later evening and weekend service for access to jobs
along the Federal Road and Route 7 corridor from Danbury to New Milford.
The Job Access and Reverse Commute program, which is supported by the grants announced today, continues to support agencies all over the country as they help welfare recipients make the transition to employment and help others seeking entry level jobs find and retain work.
# # #