Lamont budget holds transit funding flat amid service concerns
Gov. Lamont's budget keeps transit funding flat, disappointing advocates seeking expanded Metro-North and bus service along Connecticut's Gold Coast corridor.
Governor Ned Lamont’s proposed budget maintains current funding levels for Connecticut’s commuter rail and bus services, disappointing transit advocates who sought expanded service along the Metro-North corridor.
The budget allocates the same amount for CTtransit bus operations and CTrail service that connects Fairfield County commuters to New York City and links New Haven to Hartford and Springfield. The flat funding comes as ridership continues recovering from pandemic lows, particularly on routes serving Stamford, Greenwich, and other Gold Coast towns.
Transit officials had requested additional funds to restore pre-pandemic service levels and add weekend trains on the Shore Line East route. The current proposal means no expansion of off-peak service that many Westport and Darien residents have requested for reverse commuting to jobs in Stamford’s corporate corridor.
“We’re essentially treading water while demand grows,” said one transportation official who requested anonymity. The source noted that weekend service remains limited compared to weekday schedules that serve the financial services workers commuting between Fairfield County and Manhattan.
The budget decision reflects broader fiscal constraints as Lamont balances competing priorities. Connecticut’s transportation fund faces ongoing pressure from deferred infrastructure maintenance and rising operational costs.
Bridgeport and New Haven routes, which serve more diverse ridership than the affluent Fairfield County corridor, could see continued service gaps during off-peak hours. Bus routes connecting Hartford to suburban employment centers also remain at reduced frequencies.
Transportation advocates argue that flat funding effectively cuts service when adjusted for inflation and rising fuel costs. The Connecticut Association of Transit Districts had lobbied for a 12% increase to restore full schedules and add capacity during rush hours.
Lamont’s office emphasized that maintaining current funding protects existing service levels during uncertain economic times. The governor has previously supported transit expansion but faces pressure to control spending ahead of his potential re-election campaign.
The General Assembly will review the transportation budget in coming weeks, with some lawmakers from Metro-North districts expected to push for additional funding. Any changes would need bipartisan support given the state’s tight fiscal constraints.