Rep. Gail Lavielle: Introducing Legislation to Prevent Budget-Balancing on the Backs of Commuters

Since January 1, taking the train or the bus in Connecticut has become more expensive. The question is: if people are paying higher fares, will their money at least go toward improving their mass transit experience? All rail and bus passengers must cope with the three years of 4% annual fare hikes that were announced last September. New Haven Line commuters, however, are bearing an even heavier burden, because these new 4% increases come on top of already scheduled increases of 1.25% on January 1, 2012, and 1% in each subsequent year through 2018, designed to help pay for new M-8 rail cars.

The cumulative impact of these changes on commuters’ wallets will be significant. During the public hearing process, I opposed the newest, additional increases for a number of reasons. One was that they are financially onerous for commuters who take mass transit every day, at a time when the economy is uncertain and most people’s resources are stretched. But I was also concerned about how the money would be used. If commuters and other mass transit users have to pay more, they should get better, or faster, or safer service in return. That’s why I will be introducing legislation during the 2012 session to ensure that fare increases borne by rail passengers are not used for purposes unrelated to rail service. The circumstances surrounding the most recently announced increases raise legitimate questions about how the funds might be allocated.

The proposal for the newest fare increases was first introduced last summer, not as a necessity for operating mass transit, but as a way to help balance the state budget. No new increases beyond those already scheduled for the New Haven line had been proposed until the state’s executive branch announced its “Plan B” budget, designed to address a $1.6 billion shortfall if the state employee unions had voted a second time to turn down the concessions package offered as part of the biennial budget. The “Plan B” proposal included an immediate 16.4% rail fare increase, followed by a 1% increase each year through 2018, as well as certain service cuts. Although the unions voted to approve the concessions package, the fare increases, unlike many other “Plan B” proposals, were not dropped from consideration. Ultimately, although slightly reduced from those in the initial proposal, the new fare increases were maintained. Now, there is nothing to stop the state from reducing its own contribution (called a “subsidy”) to Metro-North’s budget by the amount collected from the fare increases, and using the money to fill other budget gaps. Metro-North commuters, many of whom have no real alternative to taking the train to work, endure a great deal of inconvenience and discomfort. If they’re going to have to pay more, the very least they should expect is that the revenues from their fare increases be allocated to operating, maintaining, or improving the rail service they use. This bill would ensure that any additional revenue that comes into the DOT’s New Haven line budget through fare increases stays in that budget. I will introduce the bill I’m proposing during the 2012 regular session, which begins on February 8. While I’m particularly concerned about service on the New Haven line and its branches, I expect the bill to apply to the new mass transit fare increases for all bus and rail passengers.

At its December meeting, the CT Rail Commuter Council passed a resolution supporting the proposed bill. Between now and the start of the session, I will be seeking input on the bill from other stakeholders, and from my legislative colleagues from both sides of the aisle. Hard-working and patient commuters should get improved reliability, convenience, and safety in return for their money. This proposed bill is not just fair to them; it’s also sound public policy.

As always, if you have questions, or thoughts you’d like to share, please contact me at 860 240 8700 or gail.lavielle@cga.ct.gov. It is always a pleasure to hear from you. State Rep. Gail Lavielle represents the 143rd district, which includes parts of Wilton and Norwalk.

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Submitted by Danbury, CT

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