Suggestions for mass transit improvements

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- It seems everyone has something to say about their commute to and from work, and tonight state officials wants to hear about it.

The Connecticut Public Transportation Commission is holding the first of four fall public hearings tonight in Bridgeport at 7:30 at Bridgeport City Hall.

The commission wants to hear about ways to make public transportation better, whether it's on CT Transit buses, Metro-North and Amtrak trains, the dial-a-ride program, or other related issues.

Ask anybody waiting on a train platform in Connecticut, they've all got an opinion about what needs improving.

"Letting us know in advance that the trains are delayed. Getting to know with some lead time, that would be one of the main things, I thinkm" said Cheryl Acosta.
 
"Showing up on time, espcially during the cold weather," said Steve Robilotto. "It seems like the colder the weather, the later the trains are."

"To get a seat and just be comfortable, I guess," said Jeff Rairan.

That kind of feedback from commuters is exactly what the Connecticut Public Transportation Committee wants.

The Commission is going to have three more hearings over the next month or so, but they're all in the northern part of the state, Storrs, Winsted and Windsor. So for the folks who live along the shoreline and use a lot of Metro North and Shoreline East, tonight's the night to sound off.

The Transportation Commission makes recommendations to the DOT and the legislature based on feedback from commuters.

"I think it would be great to have a seat in the morning," said Jason Aleksa.

"Is that tough," News 8's Kent Pierce asked.

"Very tough," he replied. "Especially now that school is back in session. A lot of kids ride from Bridgeport to South Norwalk."

"The condition of the train. They leak, they're smelly. They're dirty. The condition is poor, especially when you want a seat," said Jess Schwengerer.

Some of those complaints about Metro North trains will be solved as more and more of the new M-8 rail cars go into service, but there are some things the state probably can't do without changing space and time.

"I guess the commute being shorter, if they could, like, less stops, because there's a lot of stops that we have to go through all the time," said Eesha Malick.

Here's the list of meetings, which begin at 7:30 p.m.:

September 12, 2012 -- Bridgeport City Hall Council Chambers
45 Lyon Terrace
Bridgeport, CT 06604

September 27, 2012 -- Mansfield/Storrs Town Hall Council Chambers
4 So. Eagleville Rd.
Mansfield/Storrs, CT 06268

October 10, 2012 -- Winsted Town Hall
338 Main St.
Winsted, CT 06098

October 16, 2012 -- Windsor Town Hall
275 Broad St.
Windsor, CT 06095