March 23, 2025 • 12 mins
We spoke with Bureau Chief of the Connecticut Department Of Transportation Ben Limmer about a state transportation event.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning, Thank you for listening to Community Access. My
guest today is Benjamin Limmer, Bureau Chief of Public Transportation
at the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Good morning, good morning, thank you for having.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Me my pleasure. You have an event coming up called
the twenty twenty five Transportation Showcase, Keeping Connecticut Moving the
Future of Transportation. Tell me a little bit about it.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Yeah, we do have an event coming up. You mentioned it.
The Transportation Showcase does highlight Connecticut's once in a generation
investment in transportation, but it's really focused on improving mobility
or how people get around safety as well as economic
(00:50):
growth of our state. Investments that are really widespread across
both bust and rail public transportation and across the state.
A couple of examples that are happening now are improving
the travel experience of rail between New Haven and New
(01:11):
York City. One of those projects, of course, is of
Walk Bridge reconstruction in Norwalk. And of course we're also
in a bus rapid transit system, so think a bus
but it walks and talks like a train. In New Haven.
That projects called Move new Haven. But we have dozens
and dozens of additional capital investment projects and we will
(01:34):
absolutely be highlighting at the Transportation Showcase, and it's really
the event itself is going to highlight how these projects
will enhance these states public transportation system, as well as
the direct benefits that residents will see, businesses in our state,
(01:58):
and of course visitors. And it's also going to of
course explore the positive environmental impact that all of these
improvements and services have.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
So it's taking place April first, from eight to ten
am at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford. Did you
want to talk a little bit more about those benefits
or the environmental impact it'll have.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Yeah, I mean some of the benefits include, again a
ride that is safe, a ride that is reliable, in
other words, it's my bus or train on time. We're
looking at both investing in capital projects as well as
day to day services that really reflect a post pandemic
(02:48):
travel pattern. Before you know, they're not going to the
offices the same number of days of the week, maybe
not even at the same hours that they were before
the pandemic make and that has really provided a real
opportunity for public transportation agencies such as ours to take
(03:10):
a refresh and renewed approach to how we provide bus
rail services, so we will be talking a lot about
that is how do we connect people to their everyday lives.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
So who is hosting the event is being hosted by
the Connecticut Department of Transportation with support from ct Rights.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Ct RIDS is our transportation demand management program that we
have at the THET What.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
Can attendees expect at the showcase?
Speaker 2 (03:44):
So we're going to have lots of fun activities in
the morning, so we'll have some light refreshments. We will
hear insights from public transportation experts, including a national keynote speaker.
We are also going to hear from Connecticut Department of
Transportation Commissioner Gary Ucalito, amongst others. We're going to be
(04:09):
having discussions on the impact that the transportation investments on
public transit infrastructure and sustainability and really what they mean
for the future of our state.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
And will there be a keynote speaker?
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Yeah, yeah, so I mentioned the keynote speaker. The keynote
speaker this year is a gentleman who works for the
trade association within public transportation. They are called the American
Public Transportation Association based in Washington, d C. The keynote
(04:45):
speakers Art Gazetti, he oversees mobility initiatives and public policy
for the DC based organization.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
So there's going to be a panel where people will
discuss things. Who will participate and what will they talk about.
Speaker 2 (05:02):
And it will feature industry leaders and experts really discussing
the impact of all of the transportation investments that I've mentioned.
The topic is going to include improving how reliable transportation is,
the economic benefits that transportation provides to our state, equity is, sustainability,
(05:24):
and lastly community engagement. So on the panel I mentioned,
we have Commissioner Eukulito from the DOT. We have Marion
Ando Clark who's director of Small Business Development from the
Hartford Chamber. We have Matt Hart who runs the Capital
Region Council of Governments. They do regional planning for Central
(05:48):
Connecticut and as well as the Capital Region. And then
lastly we have John Schuzinski who's director of Resilient name
for the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate. So full
panel wats of subject matter experts looking forward to the
conversation and.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
Given the events focus on Connecticut's public transportation, can attendees
attend the event via public transportation.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Yes, there's no other answer, right, Yes, of course the
event is fully accessible via either local bus and or
train service.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
And where can people register to attend?
Speaker 2 (06:29):
I was hoping you would ask for all registration and
other details can be found on the ct rides website,
which is of course ct rides dot com. That's ctr
IDs dot com.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
Wonderful. Anything else you'd like to say about the event?
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Yeah, you know, really vital that people who live in Connecticut,
do business in Connecticut or just visit, keep up with
what's happening with transportation and how you get around. And
we really want people to understand that everything we're doing
that's direct impact on residence, daily lives. You know, improving
(07:12):
transportation will really help boost local businesses, create jobs, and
enhance connectivity amongst all of our wonderful communities throughout the state. Yeah,
and then of course we also would like people to
get a view into how improving transportation will boost local businesses,
(07:37):
create jobs, and of course enhance community connectivity. So how
do you connect all one hundred and sixty nine towns
throughout throughout our state? And that lastly, expanding public transfer
transportation means more convenience, better access, to opportunities and a greener,
(07:58):
more sustainable future, or for everyone in the state.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
Is there anyone in particular you hope will attend the event,
any particular age, any particular background.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
Yeah, I mean we anyone interest in public transportation, or
anyone who's curious business owners, you know, if you're involved
with a stakeholder group or a local you know, whether
it's a local nonprofit or a church or whatever it
(08:34):
might be. We're just really hoping that all corners of
our communities will show up and to learn more and
be really engaged in this conversation about the future of
public transportation in Connecticut.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
And what is your hope personally for the future of
transportation in Connecticut.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Yeah, that we continue to look towards the future to
make sure that we are providing, of course, you know,
a transportation system that's safe and reliable and on time,
of course, but as we look to the future, are
we doing everything we can to create a system that's
going to adapt to the changing ways that people get around.
(09:22):
And so that's what I'm really hoping to glean from
the conversation is really have a futuristic and a positive
outlook on the future of transportation in our state, and.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
How does transportation look at the moment in our state?
Speaker 2 (09:42):
Everything is going very well. We have record numbers of
investments in our transportation system from a capital project standpoint,
and then from an operational standpoint, we have seen travel
times to New York City that we haven't seen in generations.
(10:05):
The number of customers riding our bus and rail system
in the state has in many cases rebounded completely from
the pre pandemic and in a couple of cases actually
exceeded pre pandemic customers. So the existing environment really couldn't
(10:27):
be better. But we are not resting on our laurels.
We are taking this huge positive momentum to propel us
to even greater heights in the future. And that is
absolutely what the conversation is going to be like on
April first.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
And how long have you been doing this because you
have such a passion for this.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
I've been doing it for longer than I care to admit.
But I'm in the public transportation business twenty years worn.
You know, different abs at different organizations, but couldn't be
happier to be part of the state DOT family as
well as working with all of the citizens and businesses
(11:13):
and other stakeholders throughout our state.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
Wonderful. I'm speaking with Benjamin Limmer. He is the Bureau
Chief of Public Transportation at the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
The event is called the twenty twenty five Transportation Showcase,
Keeping Connecticut Moving the Future of Transportation Again. It's April first,
from eight to ten am at the Connecticut Science Center
(11:36):
in Hartford. If you'd like more information, go to ctrides
dot com Again ctrides dot com register for that event
and go and don't miss out. Benjamin, thank you so
much for being here today and for letting us know
about the future of transportation
Speaker 2 (11:55):
And thank you for having me and looking forward to it.
Good morning, Thank you for listening to Community Access. My
guest today is Benjamin Limmer, Bureau Chief of Public Transportation
at the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Good morning, good morning, thank you for having.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Me my pleasure. You have an event coming up called
the twenty twenty five Transportation Showcase, Keeping Connecticut Moving the
Future of Transportation. Tell me a little bit about it.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Yeah, we do have an event coming up. You mentioned it.
The Transportation Showcase does highlight Connecticut's once in a generation
investment in transportation, but it's really focused on improving mobility
or how people get around safety as well as economic
(00:50):
growth of our state. Investments that are really widespread across
both bust and rail public transportation and across the state.
A couple of examples that are happening now are improving
the travel experience of rail between New Haven and New
(01:11):
York City. One of those projects, of course, is of
Walk Bridge reconstruction in Norwalk. And of course we're also
in a bus rapid transit system, so think a bus
but it walks and talks like a train. In New Haven.
That projects called Move new Haven. But we have dozens
and dozens of additional capital investment projects and we will
(01:34):
absolutely be highlighting at the Transportation Showcase, and it's really
the event itself is going to highlight how these projects
will enhance these states public transportation system, as well as
the direct benefits that residents will see, businesses in our state,
(01:58):
and of course visitors. And it's also going to of
course explore the positive environmental impact that all of these
improvements and services have.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
So it's taking place April first, from eight to ten
am at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford. Did you
want to talk a little bit more about those benefits
or the environmental impact it'll have.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Yeah, I mean some of the benefits include, again a
ride that is safe, a ride that is reliable, in
other words, it's my bus or train on time. We're
looking at both investing in capital projects as well as
day to day services that really reflect a post pandemic
(02:48):
travel pattern. Before you know, they're not going to the
offices the same number of days of the week, maybe
not even at the same hours that they were before
the pandemic make and that has really provided a real
opportunity for public transportation agencies such as ours to take
(03:10):
a refresh and renewed approach to how we provide bus
rail services, so we will be talking a lot about
that is how do we connect people to their everyday lives.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
So who is hosting the event is being hosted by
the Connecticut Department of Transportation with support from ct Rights.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
Ct RIDS is our transportation demand management program that we
have at the THET What.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
Can attendees expect at the showcase?
Speaker 2 (03:44):
So we're going to have lots of fun activities in
the morning, so we'll have some light refreshments. We will
hear insights from public transportation experts, including a national keynote speaker.
We are also going to hear from Connecticut Department of
Transportation Commissioner Gary Ucalito, amongst others. We're going to be
(04:09):
having discussions on the impact that the transportation investments on
public transit infrastructure and sustainability and really what they mean
for the future of our state.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
And will there be a keynote speaker?
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Yeah, yeah, so I mentioned the keynote speaker. The keynote
speaker this year is a gentleman who works for the
trade association within public transportation. They are called the American
Public Transportation Association based in Washington, d C. The keynote
(04:45):
speakers Art Gazetti, he oversees mobility initiatives and public policy
for the DC based organization.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
So there's going to be a panel where people will
discuss things. Who will participate and what will they talk about.
Speaker 2 (05:02):
And it will feature industry leaders and experts really discussing
the impact of all of the transportation investments that I've mentioned.
The topic is going to include improving how reliable transportation is,
the economic benefits that transportation provides to our state, equity is, sustainability,
(05:24):
and lastly community engagement. So on the panel I mentioned,
we have Commissioner Eukulito from the DOT. We have Marion
Ando Clark who's director of Small Business Development from the
Hartford Chamber. We have Matt Hart who runs the Capital
Region Council of Governments. They do regional planning for Central
(05:48):
Connecticut and as well as the Capital Region. And then
lastly we have John Schuzinski who's director of Resilient name
for the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate. So full
panel wats of subject matter experts looking forward to the
conversation and.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
Given the events focus on Connecticut's public transportation, can attendees
attend the event via public transportation.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Yes, there's no other answer, right, Yes, of course the
event is fully accessible via either local bus and or
train service.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
And where can people register to attend?
Speaker 2 (06:29):
I was hoping you would ask for all registration and
other details can be found on the ct rides website,
which is of course ct rides dot com. That's ctr
IDs dot com.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
Wonderful. Anything else you'd like to say about the event?
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Yeah, you know, really vital that people who live in Connecticut,
do business in Connecticut or just visit, keep up with
what's happening with transportation and how you get around. And
we really want people to understand that everything we're doing
that's direct impact on residence, daily lives. You know, improving
(07:12):
transportation will really help boost local businesses, create jobs, and
enhance connectivity amongst all of our wonderful communities throughout the state. Yeah,
and then of course we also would like people to
get a view into how improving transportation will boost local businesses,
(07:37):
create jobs, and of course enhance community connectivity. So how
do you connect all one hundred and sixty nine towns
throughout throughout our state? And that lastly, expanding public transfer
transportation means more convenience, better access, to opportunities and a greener,
(07:58):
more sustainable future, or for everyone in the state.
Speaker 1 (08:02):
Is there anyone in particular you hope will attend the event,
any particular age, any particular background.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
Yeah, I mean we anyone interest in public transportation, or
anyone who's curious business owners, you know, if you're involved
with a stakeholder group or a local you know, whether
it's a local nonprofit or a church or whatever it
(08:34):
might be. We're just really hoping that all corners of
our communities will show up and to learn more and
be really engaged in this conversation about the future of
public transportation in Connecticut.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
And what is your hope personally for the future of
transportation in Connecticut.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
Yeah, that we continue to look towards the future to
make sure that we are providing, of course, you know,
a transportation system that's safe and reliable and on time,
of course, but as we look to the future, are
we doing everything we can to create a system that's
going to adapt to the changing ways that people get around.
(09:22):
And so that's what I'm really hoping to glean from
the conversation is really have a futuristic and a positive
outlook on the future of transportation in our state, and.
Speaker 1 (09:36):
How does transportation look at the moment in our state?
Speaker 2 (09:42):
Everything is going very well. We have record numbers of
investments in our transportation system from a capital project standpoint,
and then from an operational standpoint, we have seen travel
times to New York City that we haven't seen in generations.
(10:05):
The number of customers riding our bus and rail system
in the state has in many cases rebounded completely from
the pre pandemic and in a couple of cases actually
exceeded pre pandemic customers. So the existing environment really couldn't
(10:27):
be better. But we are not resting on our laurels.
We are taking this huge positive momentum to propel us
to even greater heights in the future. And that is
absolutely what the conversation is going to be like on
April first.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
And how long have you been doing this because you
have such a passion for this.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
I've been doing it for longer than I care to admit.
But I'm in the public transportation business twenty years worn.
You know, different abs at different organizations, but couldn't be
happier to be part of the state DOT family as
well as working with all of the citizens and businesses
(11:13):
and other stakeholders throughout our state.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
Wonderful. I'm speaking with Benjamin Limmer. He is the Bureau
Chief of Public Transportation at the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
The event is called the twenty twenty five Transportation Showcase,
Keeping Connecticut Moving the Future of Transportation Again. It's April first,
from eight to ten am at the Connecticut Science Center
(11:36):
in Hartford. If you'd like more information, go to ctrides
dot com Again ctrides dot com register for that event
and go and don't miss out. Benjamin, thank you so
much for being here today and for letting us know
about the future of transportation
Speaker 2 (11:55):
And thank you for having me and looking forward to it.
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