With Earth Day right around the corner—and gas prices pinching wallets—it’s a great time to try out a new, more sustainable commute by taking the train or bus.
To ease pressure from rising gas prices, the state of Connecticut is offering free bus service statewide through June 30. This applies to all CTtransit local, express, and fast track routes. You can find more information—including schedules, a trip planner and basics about how to ride—on the CTtransit website.
At the same time, Connecticut Department of Transportation recently increased the number of Metro-North trains running each day on lines serving New Haven and part of Fairfield County. Metro-North is adding 34 trains to the weekday schedule, bringing service nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.
Together, the changes create an opportunity to move closer toward a more sustainable transit system in Connecticut.
The transportation sector is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Connecticut, exceeding the combined emissions of electricity and residential sectors. Even as overall emissions decline in Connecticut, transit-related emissions were actually 1.3 percent higher in 2018 than in 1990. And that was true despite significant improvements in fuel economy standards during that timeframe.
All of which makes this the perfect time to try a new way to get to work, an appointment or a night out!
CTrides has a handy trip planner with interactive tools to locate bike paths, bike shares, park and rides and EV charging stations. Metro-North has an app, MYmta, that has schedule information and shows real-time status of trains and connecting services.
For additional resources, check out our page on Commuting Sustainably for links to information about the Yale Shuttle and getting around New Haven by foot and bike.