*-VOLUME 35, ISSUE 2 – PRINTED APRIL 10
CT TRANSITCONNECTION
HARTFORD • NEW HAVEN • STAMFORD
Ambitious & Motivated
CHANTAL BRYANT
BY LAURA BEAVERS
COMMUNICATIONS REPRESENTATIVE
Stamford Customer Service Representative Chantal Bryant
has built her life around helping others. Prior to joining
CTTRANSIT in February 2008 at the recommendation of her
aunt, Transportation Supervisor Tina Coker, Chantal worked
at a health club’s babysitting center and in a doctor’s office.
“I’m open to everyone,” Chantal said. “I’ve dealt with a lot of
customer service. I enjoy it...this is what I do. It keeps me on
my toes.”
As I spoke to Chantal one afternoon in late March, her phone
rang frequently, as she was the sole person holding down all
customer calls. Several customers were interested in the next
time a specific bus would be arriving but there was one significant complaint.
“There’s always one repeat customer who complains about a
particular bus. If it’s a minute late, she’s calling!”
“[There are so many] bizarre complaints,” Chantal said. “I
don’t like having to write them all down, but it’s part of my
job—I do it and get it done and move on with my day.”
Even the strangest of customer calls don’t faze Chantal. She
has learned to adapt to the various challenges of each day
and handling any tricky situation.
Chantal, a lifelong Stamford-area resident, had very little
public transportation experience when she started but as
part of her training, she repeatedly rode all the bus routes to
become more knowledgeable for hers and customers’ sakes.
Chantal was also briefed on proper phone etiquette, which
she said was not difficult to pick up with her previous customer service experience.
Chantal works part-time, typically for four hours Monday
through Friday afternoons as well as five hours Saturday
1– Chantal Bryant catches a break in between calls at her desk in the Stamford Customer Service Department.
CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY
CONTINUE TO PAGE 4
Governor Rell speaks at CTTRANSIT
STIMULUS MONEY POSITIVELY BENEFITS BUS FLEET
BY LAURA BEAVERS
COMMUNICATIONS REPRESENTATIVE
Governor M. Jodi Rell, flanked by an entourage of media and
important figures in Connecticut transportation, spoke at the
Hartford Division on Wednesday, March 17—St. Patrick’s Day.
Serving as the backdrop was a 2010 model New Flyer 35-foot
low-floor bus, with 29 seats and two wheelchair positions. It
was the first of about 20 to be used in the towns of New Britain
and Bristol. Each of these buses costs approximately $365,600.
Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Marie
introduced the Governor, praising her efforts to better transportation in Connecticut. He set a spirited tone with a few St.
Patrick’s Day jokes.
Currently, New Britain operates the oldest buses remaining in
the CTTRANSIT fleet and is overdue for some replacements.
With this “aging fleet,” as Gov. Rell referred to the buses, many
solo commuters automatically rule out bus transportation,
saying “No thanks, I’ll take my car.” Hopefully now with a
fresher, updated look, the buses will take on a new appeal and
residents will reconsider their commuting options.
Governor Rell’s visit was important because it proved that the
state now has tangible examples (the first being the buses
heading to New Britain) of the benefits of the Federal
Stimulus Program established by President Obama.
“We all have to work together,” Gov. Rell said. “We can’t do
this in a vacuum. The commuters will benefit [from new
buses]. Finally we’re bringing [the project] to fruition.”
The buses will go through more procedures including road
tests and farebox fittings for two to four additional weeks
before they are fully integrated into the CTTRANSIT New
Britain routes. But residents of those towns should be
noticing an improvement in bus quality almost immediately.
This bus purchase “is an example of how we continue to put
stimulus funds to work here in Connecticut,” Gov. Rell said.
Ideally, all people should have access to “safe, reliable,
decent transportation.”
The state received $152 million for such bus purchases, and
with it, CTTRANSIT is receiving an additional 77 new buses
between the Hartford, New Haven and Stamford Divisions.
“This isn’t all going to happen overnight,” Gov. Rell said,
about the bus replacement process. “But we should have
buses for this spring, for next winter and for many years to
come.” It’s all part of what Gov. Rell refers to as “remaking
the face of transportation in Connecticut.”
2– Governor Rell speaks at CTTRANSIT Hartford in front of the New Flyer bus.
3– Transit & Ridesharing Administrator, Bureau of Public Transportation,
Michael Sanders guides Gov. Rell through the new bus’ features.
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4– Governor Rell mingles with guests after her speech. From L-R: Michael
Sanders, Commissioner Marie, Gov. Rell, CTTRANSIT General Manager
David A. Lee, Director of Communications for the DOT Judd Everhart,
Marketing Administrator Gretchen Gregg and AGM for Planning and
Marketing Philip Fry.
New Haven Facility
Slated to Open in July
The time is nearly here—the New Haven Division’s brand new
garage on State Street in Hamden is only a few short months
away from completion.
The facility, which is on 23.5 acres, has 285,000 square feet
with a 150 bus fleet capacity. Plans are to open its doors
officially in late July. The entire building contains state-of-theart components—its washers, fuelers, lifts, air filtration system, body shop, paint booth and maintenance equipment, as
described by Division Manager Vic Marques.
Marques said he’s sure the employees will enjoy a “brand
new, clean, modern building.” It contains an exercise room
(which was at the top of New Haven’s most desired list),
large lunch and break rooms for maintenance, salaried
employees and operators, outdoor seating areas, a
dedicated training room equipped with a projector, screen
and set up to hold up to nine computer stations, as well as
plenty of parking.
As can be expected, employees are anxious to tour the
facility as soon as possible. Marques hopes to start showing
the property in late May or early June, since the project first
needs to be “99% complete.”
“People are anxious to see it, and we’re anxious to show it
off,” Marques said. “It’s been a long time coming...20 years
since we started the design. I’m happy it’s finally here.”
SAFETY SPOT. . .
on Maneuvering Spring Hazards
BY NANCY FERRANTELLA
SUPERINTENDENT OF SAFETY & TRAINING
Professional drivers know that each season brings a
unique set of safety responsibilities. During the spring,
safely sharing the road with bicyclists and maneuvering
construction zones add to our defensive driving tasks.
Here are two “best practices” checklists that can help
you manage these spring hazards. Take a moment to
test yourself: how well do you know these hazards?
Safely Sharing the Road with Bicyclists
The Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance and
CTTRANSIT remind you that spring is bicycle season!
Check out whether you:
• Always look for bicyclists—they are often less
visible, quieter and always more vulnerable on
the road;
• Recognize that potholes, debris, drain grates
and sand on the side of the road can cause
bicycles to tip over. Give bicyclists as much
space as possible to maneuver;
• Reduce your speed when passing bicycles and
do not attempt to pass them if the road is
narrow or oncoming traffic is near;
• After passing a bicyclist on your right, allow
sufficient room before moving over—
experienced bicyclists go 25–30 miles per hour
and may be closer than you think;
• Stay aware that bicycles fit where others can
not. Prepare to compensate for any errors in
judgment bicyclists might make.
Safely Maneuvering the Construction Zone
Are you aware that there is a 74% greater chance of a
serious accident in a construction zone than in other
driving situations? Check out whether you:
• Avoid racing for position when approaching
the construction zone;
• Keep a safe distance between you and the
vehicle ahead throughout the zone;
• Are ready for traffic slow-downs and sudden
stops;
• Anticipate impatient motorists trying to
squeeze around the bus in an effort to “get
ahead”;
• Watch out for construction workers and
pedestrians in the zone;
• Maintain a sensible speed when exiting the
zone.
5– The fueling bays at the new Hamden garage.
Thanks for being attentive to the increasing number of
bicyclists and construction zones on the road this spring
and for your willingness to use your best defensive
driving practices to stay safe!
6– The administration building exterior facing south.
3
Front page cont.
mornings. She also is on call to help out during other times if
needed.
But this job is only the beginning—there is far more on
Chantal’s plate. In addition to staffing the phones at
CTTRANSIT, she works another part-time job, is a busy, single
mother of a 5-year-old son, takes college classes and is
planning her wedding for this November. Chantal also fits in
time to read, write poetry (a true passion of hers) and listen
to various kinds of music—Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, etc. to
keep herself “mellow.”
Chantal says she is content with her current position and this
time in her life. Once she receives her degree in Business
Management, Chantal wants to “take it further” by opening
her own business—either a daycare facility or a restaurant.
“I’ll be happy knowing I built the capital for it. I can be my
own boss,” she said.
For now, Chantal enjoys being someone CTTRANSIT’s
customers can rely on.
“My favorite part of my job is knowing that I have helped
somebody,” she said. “I can give them suggestions based on
how many times they ride our buses...daily or monthly,
especially if they don’t know our system.”
Chantal’s exceptional phone demeanor as well as her willingness to take on great responsibility makes her a valuable
asset to Stamford’s Customer Service Department and the
division as a whole. Although Chantal has good days and
bad days, like we all do, she always pushes through and gets
the job done right.
THANK YOU, CTTRANSIT!
Complimentary letter from a rider
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to express my pleasurable experience with your
service. I just started riding the bus in January due to job
relocation and I am a first time rider. I take the #4
Glastonbury Express @ 7:20AM. In the morning, driver
#1814 [Gerald Smith] has been a pleasure and is pleasant
to other passengers and drivers. I found out today is his
last day before another route. He will be missed.
-Matt
The Stamford
Division had its
first experience
with an articulated
bus on Sunday,
April 11. The Bee
Line (Westchester,
NY) lent one of its
buses for drivers
to get some
practice.
4
Recipe of the Month
SPINACH PIE
(RHODE ISLAND-STYLE)
Submitted by Tiffany Ventura
INGREDIENTS:
(1) ball of pizza dough, relatively thick and easy to work with
(2) tablespoons of garlic powder
Coarse salt and pepper, to taste
(3) tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
(2) boxes frozen chopped spinach, defrosted
(2) cups shredded mozzarella
(1⁄4) pound of sharp provolone cheese
(1) container of pepperoni slices, or however many you prefer
PREPARATION:
Begin by heating a skillet with two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil on
medium to high heat. Grab your spinach, place it on a separate plate and
season it with salt, pepper and two tablespoons of garlic powder. You may
add red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Place the spinach in the skillet and
sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove and cool.
Drop a spoonful of olive oil onto your pan and rub it throughout the pan.
Roll out your pizza dough on top of the oil. It is best to roll it out in a
square-like fashion, with plenty of dough to go around to be able to flip
one side over. Once it is fixed in position, place a layer of the provolone
cheese on one half. Next, place the pepperoni slices to your preference.
Then, layer the cool spinach on top of this. Top with the two cups of
shredded mozzarella. Then, fold over the half of the dough carefully to
cover the entire half with fillings, ensuring the top has plenty of olive oil on
top so it browns nicely in the oven.
Place in oven on 375 degrees for approximately 30 minutes, depending
on your oven. Pop out and let cool. Enjoy!
Tip: For a vegetarian twist, instead of pepperoni, add a can of olives and
mushrooms. You can also omit the provolone and just use mozzarella for a
more “pizza-like” taste.
CTTRANSIT’s New Trip
Planner Up and Running
CTTRANSIT is pleased to announce the
online trip planner is now available to help
customers in the Hartford, New Britain,
New Haven, and Stamford operating
Divisions find maps and schedules for the
bus routes they need.
One regular CTTRANSIT customer, who
often “tweets” about our Hartford-area
service, recently posted his review of the
product. “Online Trip Planner from
CTTRANSIT is pretty ace, check it out.”
WFSB-Channel 3 recently featured the trip planner on the evening
news and includes the link on its website.
This planner is funded by Connect-Ability. Connect-Ability is
managed by the Connecticut Department of Social Services and
Funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The best way to learn more is to try it out!
http://tripplan.cttransit.com/
APRIL 2010 BIRTHDAYS
1 Terance L. Black
Lorena Mesa
2 Anthony Bonadies
Jeffrey C. Dobbs
Cynthia Rodriguez
Anna E. Senberg
3 Eddie Rosado
Apryl J. Taylor
4 Thaddeus D. Harris
Norman L. Melendez
Santa Ortiz
5 Sandra M. Binns
Thai I. Ly
Christopher G. Munzu
Frank Petrillo
6 Roberto Bocachica
George B. Grandy
Albert Hernandez
Deborah Pervis
7 Chantal D. Bryant
Jaroslaw Krol
Mark R. Lefler
8 Dino Carfora
9 Alexis Gonzalez
Theresa M. Troisi
11 Jose M. Otero
12 Randolph Hariprasad
13 Donald C. Adams
Omari S. Bright
Benjamin Carrero
Brian R. Girard
Ricardo E. Marmol
Wilson A. Staton
14 Vivian C. Headley
15 Ravonda J. Forbes
Mary Ann Perez-Santos
16 Thomas Barden
17 Elizabeth Hayden
18 Linford Cockings
19 Vincent Collins
20 Tammie D. Hudson
Lawrence Langello
Kyhesha Tutson
21 Minnett J. Henry
Brenda M. Peck
James Reilly
William Salcedo
Myron A. Small
22 Roger A. French
Frank Pysz
Mike P. Slamon
23 Jerzy Guziewicz
Alan Jackson
Derrick Nelson
Thomas P. Reed
24 Joe Marie O’Donnell
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Nicole N. Tyson
24 Kenneth Wideman
25 Steven T. Powell
Glendale M. Smith
26 Stephen Baker
Sarah Barden
David DeCarlo
Calvin Henry
27 Wilton Allen
Ronald Germain
George Sales, Jr.
Tyrece J. Walker, Sr.
Kenneth White
28 Walter C. Evans
Mark Fallon
29 Raymond Corbeil, Jr.
Alec S. Crispino
Stephen Nista
Joseph D. Oliveira
Jason G. Wallace
30 Douglas L. Post
MAY 2010 BIRTHDAYS
1 Joseph Kucharski
2 Bennie Lee Jones
AnnMarie Reuter
Janusz Szymula
Darlene M. Varni
3 Margherita Derench
Hannible Julien, III
Albert Lewis
David Prescott
4 Tasha M. Charleston
Shawn M. O’Donnell
5 Alan P. Callegari, Jr.
Patricia L. Ciarleglio
6 Maria Maldonado
Bonnie J. Sheridan
7 Theodore Pomichter
8 Mario N. Fraga
Anthony J. Vollano
Robert Walker
9 Walter Chung
Gregory Ciccaglione
Carol F. Martin
10 Maureen A. Hayes
11 David Lee
Joseph M. Martocci
13 Rosemary Amaio
Carmen R. Colon
Donald P. Dudek
Daniel L. Godejohn
15 Russell Osborn
Ilam Peci
17 Madeline A. LeConte
18 Stanisha S. Alston
Kurt G. Cyr
Henry R. Kwaak
Maurilio A. Meza
19 Armando Fraga
Herman Hernandez
Dominick Sanzari
Admir Shurdho
Calvin Lee Telford
20 Edwin Ortiz
Ronald D. York
21 Jose A. Cottes
Joseph Williams, Jr.
22 Terrence E. Alford
Michael J. McGillicuddy
Jose E. Reveron
23 Lorraine M. Garofalo
23 Dennis E. Jordan
Steven L. Klick
Brenda Lugo Mendez
Carmen Stefania
24 Eartha A. Collins Givens
Marlon D. Fernandez
Rupert D. Williams
25 Julian Cenko
Angel L. Lozada
26 Cynthia A. Emilia
Patrick Griffing
Kelly A. Hurlburt
Luis A. Tirado
28 Tom Minnifield
30 Andre M. Crowe
Gilberto Reyes
31 David A. D’Alessandro, Jr.
SAFETY FIRST
SAFETY PAYS
Hartford
February - Lawrence G. Campbell
March - Tonnette Williams
SAFETY JACKPOT
Hartford
500 Points - 5 Lottery Tickets
Phillip Pettway - Shifter
1000 Points - 10 Lottery Tickets
Eriberto Velez - Fueler
10 Lottery Tickets & Day Off
Awad Fudl - Mechanic
5
WELCOME, NEW EMPLOYEES
Abdelali Hmami
Jonida Kazanxhi
Theodore Napoli
Belgacem Sidaoui
Katina Staton
Stamford
I-Bus Operator
Hartford
Part-time Moneycounter
New Haven
Operator
New Haven
Operator
New Haven
Operator
SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES 10 Years & Over
APRIL 2010
Alonzo Pugh
Frank Pysz
Susan Davis
Mary Ann Malone
Nickolos Daniolos
Lloyd A. Harrison
Luis Leon
George Sales, Jr.
Gregory Ciccaglione
Margherita Derench
Voleta L. Ferguson
Nathaniel Gershowitz
Jerome Meehan
Edward Wetzel
Thomas Barden
George Mercer
Roberto Gomez
Joseph Coll
Mario N. Fraga
Mary P. Rodgers
Daniel Dennis
Irving A. Raphael
Alfredo A. Riccio
John K. Semino
Steven T. Powell
MAY 2010
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Barbara Bellott
John E. Bergstrom
Betty J. DeLuca
Walter Motulski, Jr.
Ramon A. Ortiz
Vincent Collins
Alojzy Martinczak
Jose M. Almada
Beatrice Brown
Carlos M. Martinez
Christopher Rataic
David Ward
Orest Demkowych
James Kamnitzer
Henry R. Kwaak
Philip G. Lajoie
Ivan Sokolski
Mikhail Vexler
Phyllis Wallace
Allen P. Matteo
Brian E. McDonough
Christian J. Mettey
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Fred D. Grant, Jr.
Joseph Alexander
Charlie Carson, Jr.
Deborah Pervis
Jamie Bello
Brenda Corbeil
Cynthia Zabski
Clyde Carpening
Alex Groves, Jr.
Ralph Sanders, Sr.
Carlos Claudio
Franklin Smith, Jr.
Alfred R. Barnes
Wilbert D. Ragsdale
Marion I. Davis
Leston T. Palmer
Stanislav Kostka
Lynda A. Busto
Peter A. Dawes
Jascian Glass
Jeffrey C. Dobbs
William Gardner
Brian S. McLaughlin
Walter Montufar
Joseph D. Oliveira
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Jerome Bailey
Evelio Caravallo
Donald Christie, Jr.
Kerbin Corona
Rostislav N. Kosovay
Giuseppe M. Panajia
Leon Scarlett
Alfredo Tirado
Henry Whaley, Jr.
Olga L. Kosovay
Layla S. Muhsen
SORRY WE MISSED
YOU LAST ISSUE!
Falaria A. Brown
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LOOK WHO’S RETIRING!
SPREADING THE WORD!
HARTFORD
Representatives from the Marketing Department
frequently visit other organizations to provide current
and potential bus customers with timely information.
Recent/upcoming transit fairs include:
Hartford Cleaner Ray Drakeford,
who began his career on
March 29, 1976, and will retire
on May 1, 2010.
Hartford Operator Ivan Sokolski,
who began his career on
May 4, 1998, and will retire on
May 1, 2010.
April 21—CT Science Center; Earth Day Event
April 21—Albertus Magnus College; College Job Fair
April 22—CIGNA; Earth Day Expo
May 4—Hartford Hospital
May 26—Manchester Community College; Reality Fair
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WE EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO...
SAFETY AWARDS
FEBRUARY 2010
New Haven Operator Barry J. Smith, on the loss of his
mother, Julia Smith, who passed away on October 9, 2009.
MARCH 2010
HARTFORD
Douglas Taylor
Jascian Glass
Daniel C. French
Salvador Garcia, Jr.
Ramon A. Ortiz
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Ronald Germain
Donald R. Jones
Lawrence G. Campbell
Iris N. Tirado
Linda Garay
Gladys Martinez
Crystal White
Juan G. Carpio
Linda Dalpian
Obed Flores
Razmaan Gafoor
Aileen A. Smith
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NEW HAVEN
Mary Ann Radecki
Searle Mabery
Allen P. Matteo
Thaddeus D. Harris
Willodene F. Allen
Edwin Escobar
Marjorie Fitzgerald
Stanisha S. Alston
Shawn M. O’Donnell
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STAMFORD
Myron A. Tonge
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HARTFORD
Allen Harvell
Edward Cage
Carmelo O. Bello
Mario N. Fraga
Timothy Carson
Paul A. Richard
Miguel A. Vazquez
Jaime Soto
Mary A. Santoro
Jorge Betancourt, III
Henry R. Kwaak
Calvin B. Palache
Linford L. Dent
Rosalinda Ortiz
Kenneth A. Lee
Milagros Garcia
Calvin Henry
Tonnette Williams
Mitat Fifo
Maria Maldonado
Avni Martinaj
Michael J. Lamirande
Thimjo Mati
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NEW HAVEN
Joe N. Dease
Carmen Izzo
Charles Erkard
Miguel E. Arocho
Leonardo Beltran
Anthony V. Garofalo
Andres Diaz
Desiree E. Martone
Nicolas Rivera
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Hartford Operator Devon J. Barrett, on the loss of his
father, Owen Barrett, who passed away on
February 21, 2010.
Hartford Operator Frederick Williams, on the loss of his
mother, Essie Pearl Williams, who passed away on
February 26, 2010.
The family of Hartford Retiree David Archibald, who passed
away on February 26, 2010. David worked at CTTRANSIT from
1975-2009. He is the father-in-law of Hartford Operator
Alvin C. Rosemond.
New Haven Operator James Woods, on the loss of his wife,
Earmatine Wearing Woods, who passed away on February 27,
2010.
Hartford Operator Moises O. Fonseca, on the loss of his fatherin-law, Delfin Medina, who passed away on March 5, 2010.
Hartford Operator Alex Toger, on the loss of his father-in-law,
Michael Brook, who passed away on March 10, 2010.
The family of New Haven Retiree Vincent Dell’Aquila, who
passed away on March 16, 2010. Vincent worked at CTTRANSIT
from 1979-1997.
Hartford Operator Doris E. Ford, on the loss of her sister,
Sarah “Vonnie” Whitehead-Monroe-Brooks, who passed away
on March 23, 2010.
New Haven Operator Michelle Williams passed away on
December 19, 2009. She began her career at CTTRANSIT in
June 1989. She left her son James Rogers and daughter
Brooke (James) Bright as well as four grandchildren. A
celebration of her life took place on Tuesday, December 29,
2009 at Howard K. Hill Funeral Home in New Haven. She is
greatly missed by all at the New Haven Division.
Appreciation Award
New Haven Safety & Training Supervisor Rosa Martinez
received an Appreciation Award for her efforts in providing
basic Spanish classes.
C O M M E N D AT I O N S
HARTFORD
SUNDAY, JUNE 13, 2010
BUCKLAND PARK & RIDE LOT
Coordinators:
Al Ortiz - Hartford
Rosa Martinez - New Haven
Desmond Hinds - Stamford
Sandra M. Binns
Richard J. Briere
Ronald R. Bruzik
Jaroslaw Krol
Ivan Lugo
Heath Lupacchino
Carlos B. Ortega
Edwin Ortiz
Gerald Smith
Richard Ward
STAMFORD
Gilberto Reyes
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C T T R A N S I T CO N N E C T I O N
VOLUME 35, ISSUE 2
PRINTED APRIL 10
CTTRANSIT
100 Leibert Road
PO Box 66
Hartford, CT 06141-0066
CONNECTING
THE COMMUNITY
Rally supports growth of transit in CT
C T TRANSITCONNEC TION
GENERAL MANAGER
David A. Lee
EDITOR
Laura Beavers
CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS
Nancy Ferrantella
Tiffany Ventura
PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS
Stephen Warren
Tiffany Ventura
WRITE TO US...
If you have a story idea or personal
announcement, we will do our best to
publish it, as space allows.
Please send information to:
Laura Beavers
CTTRANSIT– Marketing Dept.
100 Leibert Rd, PO Box 66
Hartford, CT 06141-0066
Email to: [email protected]
or call (860) 522-8101, ext. 221
BY TIFFANY VENTURA
PUBLIC INFO & OUTREACH REPRESENTATIVE
On March 31, the rain halted long enough to
allow for a transit lobby day in front of the
Legislative Office Building in Hartford, to
urge state officials to continue to make the
investment in transit.
“We’re moving forward,” Donovan said.
The rally also focused on the importance of
increased rail service on MetroNorth, Shore
Line East and asked for support for the New
Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line.
Hosted by the Tri-State Transportation
Campaign and including representatives
from several groups including Transit for
Connecticut, the Capital Region Council of
Governments and Connecticut Citizens
Transportation Lobby, the rally was meant to
emphasize the need for continued funding
for all types of transit.
Speakers at the rally included
Representatives Timothy O’Brien (D-24) and
Peggy Reeves (D-143).
CTTRANSIT’s hydrogen fuel cell bus
provided the backdrop for the rally. Public
Information & Outreach Representative
Tiffany Ventura and Operator Mario
Signorelli answered people’s questions
about the bus.
Senator Ed Meyer, co-chair of the
Environment Committee (D-12) added that
transit is a good decision all the way around.
“Public transit is good environment,” Meyer
said. “This is the wave of the future.”
House Speaker Chris Donovan (D-84)
praised the efforts of the Connecticut DOT
in securing funds for the New Britain to
Hartford Rapid Transit system, known as the
“busway.”
7– House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan, joined by other lawmakers and supporters, speaks outside
Hartford’s Legislative Office Building. CTTRANSIT’s hydrogen fuel cell bus served as the event backdrop.