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RESOLUTION OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERS CALLING ON THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT TO MAKE THE ELIMINATION OF LOCAL BUS FARES PERMANENT FOR ALL BUS RIDERS.
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Whereas, the governor of the state of Connecticut has suspended local fares on buses operated by CT transit for three months in response to rising inflation and gas prices; and
Whereas, buses are an essential mode of transportation for working- and middle-class families, young people, and folks who can’t afford or don’t want to own a car, many of whom live in the city of New Haven; and
Whereas, New Haven has one of the fastest growing percentages of households without cars in the nation; and
Whereas, research has shown that pay-per-use fees for transportation, such as bus fares and highway tolls, are regressive taxes that disproportionately affect the poorest residents; and
Whereas, the estimated cost of making bus travel free for three months is $8.1 million, a small fraction of annual infrastructure spending by the Connecticut department of transportation every year; and
Whereas, a study of the impact of making bus rides free in Kansas City, Missouri in 2020 found that ridership increased, overall regional greenhouse gas emissions decreased, jobs were created, and economic output for the region was increased as a direct result of the elimination of fares.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the New Haven board of alders that the board of alders of the city of New Haven calls on the governor and the legislature of the state of Connecticut to make the elimination of local bus fares permanent for all bus riders.