CTDOT’s 2019 transportation showcase addresses importance of transportation to business growth

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) presented its 2019 Connecticut Transportation Showcase Nov. 7, which addressed how the state’s public transit system drives economic development. 

This year’s theme for the showcase was "Transportation's Economic Impact on Connecticut Businesses." The showcase featured opening remarks by CTDOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti followed by a panel discussion among prominent business and government representatives. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont gave closing remarks. 

“For generations, the state has neglected critical investments in our infrastructure, hampering economic growth and leaving residents in endless hours of traffic wondering why state officials didn’t fix these problems years ago,” Gov. Lamont said. “For the future of our state, we can no longer kick the can down the road on these improvements—we must fix this long overdue problem and move our state forward today.” 

Commissioner Giulietti, in setting the framework for the discussion, said that Connecticut’s future economic growth is dependent on a well-maintained and accessible transportation system.  

“Fortunately, Connecticut has an increasingly robust system that serves the needs of companies who are looking to grow and provides access to a skilled and diverse labor market,” Giulietti said. “It also provides access to the many educational institutions around the state. While we face financial and operational challenges, we have a good plan moving forward to keep Connecticut competitive.” 

Transportation showcase panelists included New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart; Mark Ojakian, president, Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU); Stephen Coan, president and CEO, Mystic Aquarium; and LuAnn Ballesteros, vice president, external and government affairs, The Jackson Laboratory. 

The panelists explored the impact of new and existing transportation services and programs on their economic development. Mayor Stewart remarked on the importance of the bus rapid transit system, CTfastrak, to the town’s growth.  

“In light of this new and high-quality transit system that links downtown New Britain to Hartford, we created a development program around the new station that would attract both businesses and residents,” Mayor Stewart said. “We are pleased that this transit-oriented development has been so successful in bringing new economic and mobility options for so many people” 

All types of organizations depend on having good transportation options for their workforce. 

"At The Jackson Laboratory, an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution, we have over 490 employees, students and affiliates residing in over 75 different municipalities across Connecticut,” Ballesteros said. “It is critically important for the attraction and retention of these highly skilled workers that we have quality, reliable commuting options like the bus, and we’re pleased to collaborate with CTrides." 

President Ojakian spoke to the success of the U-Pass, which grew from a partnership between CTDOT and CSCU.  

“The U-Pass takes down a financial roadblock of getting to school for thousands of Connecticut students," he said. "For a $20-per-semester fee students are able without additional cost to ride all local buses, CTrail and CTfastrak. This has made a major difference to so many students who otherwise might not be able to attend college.” 

The Transportation Showcase was sponsored in part by The Jackson Laboratory, CT SHRM and J. Fiereck Photography.