Strengthening Microtransit Services, Commuter Access

Momentum continues to build at the state Capitol around legislation aimed at improving commuter access and strengthening workforce participation across Connecticut.

At an April 27 press conference at the Legislative Office Building, a broad coalition of stakeholders expressed support for continued investment in microtransit and commuter solutions. 

State legislators, transit providers, and community stakeholders noted the growing alignment around the role transportation plays in connecting people to work and essential services. 

Reliable transportation is essential to workforce participation.

Gaps in access make it harder for workers to stay employed and for employers to fill open positions, with ripple effects across the state’s economy. 

Supporting Commuters 

That reality is at the center of SB 9, a bipartisan bill out of the Transportation Committee that supports commuters and continues funding Connecticut’s microtransit pilot program.

CBIA testified in support of the bill, highlighting the importance of reliable transportation options in supporting workforce participation and helping employers meet staffing needs. 

Microtransit has become an important tool in communities where traditional transit options do not adequately serve residents.

“For many Connecticut residents, #transportation is the deciding factor in whether they can keep or accept a job,” CBIA’s Danielle Cloud said supporting legislation to extend #Connecticut's microtransit funding—critical for connecting residents to jobs. #workforce #reimagineCT pic.twitter.com/9T01gsuhC6

— CBIA (@CBIANews) April 27, 2026

More than 60% of riders report having no access to a personal vehicle, and over half rely on microtransit to connect to buses or commuter rail.

These services are particularly critical for workers traveling during early morning, evening, and weekend shifts, when fixed routes may not be available. 

Transportation gaps continue to limit hiring and retention across industries. When people cannot consistently get to job sites, employers face challenges maintaining operations and filling open positions. 

Proven Results 

Connecticut’s microtransit pilot has delivered measurable results in a relatively short period of time, providing more than 375,000 rides statewide and expanding access in communities with limited transit options. 

“This has been wildly successful in communities across the state, and we should be rewarding success and continuing to invest when the results are clear,” said Town of Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey, who spoke at the press conference on behalf of the Connecticut Organization of Small Towns. 

Without additional investment, microtransit programs face reductions or elimination.

Despite this progress, the future of these services depends on continued funding.

Without additional investment, microtransit programs in multiple regions could face reductions or elimination, limiting access to jobs and essential services for thousands of riders. 

Stakeholders emphasized that sustained funding through the budget provides stability for current users while giving policymakers the opportunity to evaluate outcomes and consider long‑term transportation strategies. 

Planning for the Future 

In addition to SB 9, lawmakers are considering SB 390, which comes out of the Appropriations Committee and directs the Department of Transportation to study the potential expansion of microtransit.

The study would assess where microtransit could be most effective, estimate demand, and examine potential funding sources, with findings due to the legislature by Jan. 1, 2027.  

Supporters stressed that this effort is focused on identifying unmet transportation needs rather than shifting resources away from existing services. 

“We’ve tested these programs, and they are working.”

GHTD’s Doug Holcomb

“This is not about moving resources from one form of public transportation to another,” said Doug Holcomb, executive director of the Greater Hartford Transit District.

“It’s about identifying gaps and putting mobility solutions where they are needed.

“We’ve tested these programs, and they are working.” 

Looking Ahead 

Investments in commuter access and microtransit strengthen workforce participation, support economic stability, and enhance Connecticut’s competitiveness.

Ensuring continued funding through the budget is critical to maintaining momentum and allowing these programs to continue serving workers, employers, and communities across the state. 

CBIA will continue to monitor the progress of SB 9 and SB 390 and advocate for policies that improve access to work and support a strong, reliable transportation network. 

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Danielle Cloud (860.244.1911).