Connecticut has an independent state board advocating and guiding the state’s public transit system. If you wish to get your voice heard on Connecticut transportation matters, CPTC will be your support; you can check everything on it.
Connecticut Public Transportation Council
The Connecticut Public Transportation Council plays an advisory role in the state transportation system for rail and bus. The council advocates for the interests of commuters and ensures that their voices are heard.
The Council was formally established in 2023 through Section 13b 212b Connecticut General Statutes to evolve the advocacy bodies for commuters. The Connecticut Commuter Rail Council was renamed and established to represent commuters of public transport.
The state understands there is no entity for buses; hence, they reconfigured the Rail Council to CPTC, where the council will work with the Department of Transportation, Transportation Committee. The CPTC stands by the commuters as they follow the CT State law.
What are the duties of the CPTC?
The CPTC is an effort of the state to ensure the public transit system is transparent and improved for all commuters. You can understand the importance of the CPTC, with its duties and functions:
- Investigate: The CPTC investigates and studies all aspects of the daily operation and services of the public transport funded by the state.
- Monitor: The Council monitors the public transportation services and system performance, and recommends improvements to make the system more efficient and equitable for all citizens.
- Advocate or customers: The Council also advocates for the customers and acts as a voice for them to bring their concerns to the forefront.
- Information Access & Institutional Support: The Council can request assistance and data from local and state government authorities, commissions, divisions, etc., to carry out its advisory duties.
- Collaboration: The Council collaborates with DOT, the Transportation Committee, and other transit authorities of the state to assist and suggest solutions for the challenges.
- DOT reports: The DOT submits the monthly report with data and information regarding transit performance, and others, to the CPTC.
How does the CPTC work?
The CPTC is an independent advisory body that works for the welfare of the daily commuters using public transport. You can understand the council’s operation and way of working below:
- Membership: It is a 15-member council appointed by the Governor, Transportation Committee Chairs and Ranking members, Senate President Pro Tempore and Minority leader, and others. The members also have the regular users of the public transport to ensure transparency.
- Public Meetings: The Council conducts the monthly public meetings with Metro-North officials, or the Department of Transportation to get the service updates, public feedback, and do discussion on policies.
- Reporting: The CPTD reports its findings to the governor, the Commissioner of Transportation, the Metro North Rail Commuter Council, the General Assembly in New York, and the management advisory board of the NY Metropolitan Transportation Authority annually on or before January 15th.
How to connect with CPTC about any public transit issue?
If you have any issues regarding the Connecticut public transit, you can reach out to the CPTC in the following way:
- Attend a Public meeting: You can attend the CPTC public meeting that happens each month and report the issue.
- Email or Mail: You can email your public transport issue to the CPTC through its email ([email protected]) or mail addressed to the Chairperson of the CPTC.
- Social Media: You can report the public transport issue to the CPTC on social media by tagging them in your post.
- Regional Office: You can visit the CT transit regional offices and physically complain about the public transport or any issue you face.
Does CPTC have a role in the increased fare of the Connecticut transport?
The Connecticut DOT has raised rail, Metro-North fares by 5% from 01 September 2025, and another set of 5% will increase from 01 July 2026. For instance, if you travel from New Haven to Stamford, your fare would rise to $9.75 from $8.75 in July 2026.
If you are worried about the increased fares and wondering whether the council has any role in it, then know that the council has no direct authority to make a decision on fare increases. However, if you have an issue, you can report it to the council and seek their help in resolving the issue.
The Council will help you in getting legal help; they will be your voice to put forward your concerns in front of the authorities. Though the DOT has said the fare increase is necessary, you can still seek council help.
The CPTC is your voice and connection to reach out to the public transport authorities that work for the best interest of people. So, if you need assistance with any Connecticut public transport issue, connect to the Council.
