Hearings Today In Stamford On New Haven Line Fare Hikes

STAMFORD, CT (WCBS 880) - If you have something to say about fares on Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line, find some room in your schedule today and make it to Stamford.

WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau On The Story

The good news is that acceptance of Gov. Dan Malloy's concession package by state workers has taken the heat off the originally proposed rail fare hike. The bad news is that a fare hike is still ahead on the tracks.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation was seeking a 15 percent boost in fares on top of the 1.25 percent that kicks in as commuters begin to pay for the new rail cars.

Now, Judd Everhart of the DOT says that 15 percent hike is being reconsidered.

"We do expect to ask for some kind of increase, possibly 5 percent, possibly as much as 10," he told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau.

Everhart says the exact fare hike will be determined probably within a month.

"We want to hear from everyone and then make a determination," said Everhart.

There are two public hearings today on the fare hike. They are both being held at the General Re Auditorium at UConn's Stamford Branch at One University Place in Stamford. The first goes from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the second goes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Other hearings are being held between now and the end of the month at various locations. Here is the schedule.

Wednesday, August 24: New Haven
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Hall of Records, Room G-2                                                          
200 Orange Street, New Haven

Thursday, August 25: Hartford
12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Hartford Public Library, "X" Room
500 Main Street, Hartford

Friday, August 26: Meriden
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Willene's Place, Meriden Senior Center
22 West Main Street, Meriden

Tuesday, August 30: Waterbury
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Downstairs Hearing Room, Silas Bronson Library
267 Grand Street, Waterbury