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RiverCOG hears transit update: fixed bus stops planned, paid-family leave strains operators
Summary
Transit staff reported final proposed bus-stop locations to replace flag stops for safety and transfer reliability, said signposts will be breakaway and amenities may be added, and warned that changes to Connecticut paid-family-leave rules have led to operator shortages and added costs, making continued funding a legislative priority.
Transit staff told RiverCOG the agency is moving from a flag-stop model to finalized, designated bus stops to improve rider safety, predictability and transfers.
"We're reaching the point now where we have our finalized proposed stop locations for all of our accounts," the transit manager said, describing a planned installation of new signposts, and—where appropriate—additional amenities such as benches and trash receptacles. New signposts will be breakaway for safety, staff said.
The transit update included ridership news: staff said the holiday trolley service tripled ridership versus the prior year, attributing the increase in part to improved parking and promotion.
Officials also flagged an operational and budgetary problem tied to recent changes in Connecticut statutory leave programs. Transit representatives said a change in the state paid family leave and municipal designation has allowed more transit employees to qualify, resulting in roughly 10% of bus operators on family leave and creating significant staffing and cost pressures. "It's costing us a lot of money," a transit speaker said, and the change is now a legislative priority to seek restoration of the municipal exemption.
Board members asked for detailed stop maps and noted concerns about installing signposts near front yards; transit staff said they design locations to minimize property impacts and will share maps and mailing lists for feedback. No formal board action was taken; staff requested town feedback on proposed stop locations and said they will coordinate permitting for state roads.
