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Estuary Transit Service Hears from Riders Fearing Service Reductions and Rate Hikes

On May 2 in Clinton Town Hall, the Estuary Transit District (ETD) heard from the people it serves when the group held one of three planned public hearings on proposed service cuts and fare increases for buses that would take effect July 1 in response to reduced state funding.

The assembled ETD members got an earful from transit riders concerned about reductions in service affecting everything from getting to work to basic independence.

ETD is preparing for a 15 percent reduction of state funding ($131,000) beginning July 1. The proposed changes include the elimination of all 9 Town Transit (9TT) Saturday service, a reduction of service of the Route 1 Shoreline Shuttle’s 7:30 a.m. trip leaving Old Saybrook and the 9 a.m. leaving Madison, the elimination of the senior fare subsidy, and a reduction of service on Route 2 Riverside, which provides service between Chester and Old Saybrook.

“I take the bus back and forth from Old Saybrook. Not having this would not allow me to have independence,” said Amanda Lawler.

Rachel Mountz said she uses the bus service to get to jobs, appointments, and grocery shopping. Of the elimination of Saturday service, Jen Walters said that she works during the week and uses the bus service to do grocery shopping on Saturdays, something she could not do if the proposal to eliminate Saturday service were to pass.

“Imagine if someone came and told you your car isn’t allowed,” said Walters.

Rebeca Kennelly and Meredith Baber spoke of a fear that cuts to the service will affect their ability to participate in their communities.

“I like to be a part of the community and I can’t without buses,” said Kennelly.

At the meeting, many of the speakers were clients of Vista Life Innovations, an organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities that has campuses across the shoreline. Many of the speakers mentioned that they have disabilities that prevent them from driving, so reductions in service would severely hamper their ability to attend jobs and social obligations.

Clinton First Selectman Christine Goupil also noted the irony of the mixed messages coming from Hartford, which is encouraging municipalities to bolster transit-friendly zones.

“It’s contradictory [for the state] to go along with these reductions and advocate for transit-oriented development,” said Goupil. “The town managers and first selectmen are very concerned.”

Besides the public hearing in Clinton, ETD held hearings in Deep River and Westbrook. ETD expects to reach a decision on the proposed changes by the end of the month. ETD representatives said it’s still possible that the state legislature could provide funding for the service that wouldn’t necessitate the cuts.

“…[T]here is hope that one of the proposed bill amendments are passed, and in addition, ETD is accepting written testimony until May 11, 2018. All testimony will be strongly considered before a final plan is implemented, as public participation is critical in the decision-making process,” ETD administrative assistant Elizabeth Duffy stated in an email.

Members of the ETD encouraged those concerned about changes to the service to contact their state senator and representatives.