[BPt111]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

I would be for tolls if they lowered the gas taxes by 50%, one time car property tax fee, tax breaks for those who utilize State recognized non-automobile transport for work, used sales tax on vehicle purchases out of the State, and tax break for owners of non-gasoline cars. Increase in hydrogen/electric fueling stations in the State. Expansion of rail services in the State and expansion of Fast Track from Hartford to New Haven.

60% reduction in car taxes would be nice I would say bring in tolls

[BPt111]

Reason why CT can't install border tolls

No, Connecticut can’t install border tolls

[BPt111]

Congestion pricing is another option for tolls during rush hour tolls are higher

'Congestion Pricing' is a Likely Option if Connecticut Adds Tolls - Hartford Courant

[Lincolnian]

Connecticut should be thinking of the future not amending decisions of the past. We can widen highways all we want and it has been proven to increase congestion not decrease it for multiple reasons. In central CT we should be looking at elevated light rail service down the median of existing highways connecting Hartford and its suburbs as well as Bradley. PW is looking at hiring 20,000 people over the next 10 years factoring in new hires and retiring work force. In order to attract the needed talent infrastructure other than cars as well as a more lively urban center entertainment district needs to be developed. The Amtrak expansion and the busway will play a part but Amtrak's role will be more for connecting urban centers than commuting to urban centers. The busway and light rail fill the role of distribution within and to surrounding suburbs.

Connecticut's small size and location could be used as an advantage to create a future-oriented model connecting with other powerhouses in the northeast corridor. Instead we often get stuck looking at what others are doing and trying to copy models that don't fit with our geography or needs. Contrary to what most people believe, private money IS quietly investing in Hartford. Much of the money is from NY firms. There are numerous excellent ideas for attracting and retaining young talent in the area that gets little news coverage or public discussion. Unfortunately our budget issues continue to take center stage and have soured many people's optimism about Connecticut's future, who we are, and what we can be. More public/private partnerships drawing on cooperation and ideas from our large (and small) employers in the area are essential in solving the big challenges. It's time to have more inclusive public discussions and listen to the businesses and people.

We need to allow ourselves to have the confidence to dream big and make our state a standout choice!

[RunD1987]

I don't know if it's even possible to expand highways in the State. So much development and urban sprawl that it seems nearly impossible. You either have to build up or below.

[BPt111]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

I don't know if it's even possible to expand highways in the State. So much development and urban sprawl that it seems nearly impossible. You either have to build up or below.

How we going expand highway when buildings and train tracks in way

[RunD1987]

Originally Posted by BPt111

How we going expand highway when buildings and train tracks in way

That's what I am saying. CT unfortunately missed their window. However, there has to be other solutions.

[Henry10]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

That's what I am saying. CT unfortunately missed their window. However, there has to be other solutions.

Echoing Lincolnian's comments -- most CT suburban towns are not very far from cities. For example, W Hartford, Farmington, Newington, Glastonbury, Windsors, Bloomfield, Simsbury -- these are all within 10-15 miles from downtown Hartford. These are screaming for light rail.

These are not 30-40 miles away like Texas suburbs for example.

Same thing for Stamford, Danbury, Bridgeport, Waterbury, New Haven, even New London suburbs. But nothing is gonna happen if the Govt does not take the foot off the throat of businesses, and if the govt perpetuates city slums.

[GoHuskies]

Connecticut isn't built up enough to justify light rail. The busway is an ideal solution for the Hartford and towns not on the I-95 commuter belt.

[RunD1987]

If doable they should build a bus route off the highway from Hartford to New Haven to Bridgeport to Norwalk with heated roads. With covered side walks on both sides.