DOT chief sees ‘economic death spiral’ with higher rail fares, cuts

The state’s transportation commission is warning of a “economic death spiral to our economy” if rail and bus fares are raised and service cut. James P. Redeker said the state Department of Transportation would have no choice but the raise the fares July 1 without action by the General Assembly to fix long-term issues with the Special Transportation Fund. Rail fares would increase by 10 percent July 1, 5 percent on July 1, 202, and 5 percent July 1, 2021. A 14.3 percent bus fare increase (25 cents per ticket) would take effect July 1, 2018. The rail service proposals include the elimination of off-peak trains on the New Canaan, Danbury and Waterbury branch lines as well as Shore Line East.

from News https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/DOT-chief-sees-economic-death-spiral-with-12863282.php