Lamont's Budget Keeps Commuter Rail, Bus Service Flat

Governor proposes $3.5 million for student and veteran transit discounts

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Connecticut's commuter rail and bus services will continue operating at current levels for the next fiscal year under Gov. Ned Lamont's latest budget proposal. The budget includes a 6% increase for rail and 3% increase for buses to maintain existing service, as well as $3.5 million to provide half-priced bus fares for students and free fares for veterans. However, the budget warns of a looming fiscal cliff in 2027 when $45.6 million in federal pandemic relief funds expire.

Why it matters

Connecticut's public transit systems have struggled to recover ridership since the COVID-19 pandemic, with services like Metro-North's New Haven Line still below pre-pandemic levels. Maintaining current service levels is critical to supporting commuters, students, and veterans, but the state faces a funding cliff in the coming years that could force cuts if not addressed.

The details

Lamont's budget proposes a $19.7 million increase for rail and $9.4 million increase for buses in the fiscal year beginning July 1, which would keep operations flat. The budget also includes $3.5 million to provide half-priced bus fares for students and free fares for veterans, split between the Department of Transportation and Department of Veterans Affairs. However, the budget warns that $45.6 million in federal pandemic relief funds used to subsidize commuter rail will expire in 2027, creating a fiscal challenge.

  • Lamont's budget proposal is for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2026.
  • A 10% fare hike for Metro-North and CT Rail is set to take effect by July 1, 2026.
  • The $45.6 million in federal pandemic relief funds used to subsidize commuter rail services will expire in 2027.

The players

Gov. Ned Lamont

The governor of Connecticut who proposed the state's latest budget.

Sen. Christine Cohen

The Democratic co-chair of the Connecticut Senate Transportation Committee who plans to push for increased transit funding and service.

Don Shubert

The president of the Connecticut Construction Industry Association who warned that slowing transportation infrastructure spending would have a "very fast, negative impact" on the industry.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a firm believer that you really need to expand and enhance public transportation in order to get ridership up to lower the subsidies. It's a win-win for the environment, in terms of workforce development, and making sure we're getting the flow of people and things to where they need to go.”

— Sen. Christine Cohen, Co-chair, Connecticut Senate Transportation Committee (Connecticut Mirror)

“When the industry sees the program slow down, they pull back — right away.”

— Don Shubert, President, Connecticut Construction Industry Association (Connecticut Mirror)

What’s next

The Connecticut legislature will need to approve Lamont's budget proposal, including the funding for commuter rail, buses, and transit discounts. Sen. Cohen and other lawmakers plan to push for additional funding to expand transit service, especially along the Shore Line East corridor.

The takeaway

Connecticut faces a delicate balance in maintaining its current commuter rail and bus services while preparing for the loss of federal pandemic relief funds in 2027. Investing in public transit will be crucial to supporting commuters, students, and veterans, as well as the state's environmental and economic goals, but the state must identify sustainable long-term funding sources to avoid a fiscal cliff.