Governor Lamont Announces ParkConneCT Program Will Resume This Summer, Providing Free and Increased Bus Services to State Parks and Beaches

Press Releases

05/26/2022

Governor Lamont Announces ParkConneCT Program Will Resume This Summer, Providing Free and Increased Bus Services to State Parks and Beaches

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that ParkConneCTa pilot program launched last year that provides free shuttles and enhanced transit service to various Connecticut state parks and beaches, will continue through the summer of 2022, the Memorial Weekend launch Day (Saturday May 28, 2022) and will last until Labor Day (September 5, 2022).

ParkConneCT aims to connect people to Connecticut state parks and beaches during the summer months to support seasonal employment and promote recreational activities. It is a collaboration between the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).

“Our state parks are one of the best things about living in Connecticut, and connecting our residents with them is important,” Governor Lamont said. “The ParkConneCT program increases access to the physical, mental and educational benefits of spending time outdoors in these beautiful spaces. It can also help people who have a seasonal job with DEEP to get to their place of work. I encourage residents to use this service and spend time in our parks this summer.

“So many people have discovered or rediscovered state parks over the past two years, drawn by the beauty as well as the positive physical and mental benefits that nature provides,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Unfortunately, access to transportation can be a barrier that prevents many people from accessing these wonderful places. This program makes it easier for people to have a fun and rejuvenating recreational experience in some of our state’s most beautiful settings, and it can also serve as a transportation option for some of our valued seasonal employees. Thank you, Governor Lamont and our CTDOT partners for the vision and collaboration on this program.

“We are delighted to be supporting ParkConneCT again this summer season,” CTDOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. “From buses to shuttles and trains to trolleys, there are many modes of transportation that get people where they need to be safely and efficiently. Providing free services for the ParkConneCT program helps expand access to these beautiful parks and beaches for Connecticut residents. »

All buses associated with ParkConneCT will be free from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (May 28, 2022 through September 5, 2022). Moreover, as part of the 2023 fiscal year budget, all buses in the state will operate without collecting fares until December 1, 2022, except for premium on-demand ridesharing programs. Wheels 2U and Valley Transit District on-demand ridesharing services will only be free on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays observed May 28, July 4 and September 5, when using the service to or from the parks of the ParkConneCT program.

The parks included in the ParkConneCT pilot program are:

• Fort Trumbull State Park
• Hammonasset Beach State Park
• Indian Well State Park
• Osbornedale State Park
• Sherwood Island State Park
• Silver Sands State Park
• Sleeping Giant State Park

State parks for this pilot program were selected based on criteria prioritizing seasonal employment levels, summer recreational activities, frequently visited tourist destinations and existing service connections. Routes were selected by performing analysis using geospatial information systems and prioritizing areas where the most cost-effective improvements could be made to connect people to the parks.

For more information about ParkConneCT, visit portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Park-Connect.

DEEP continues to hire for seasonal positions at beaches, campgrounds, parks, forests and boat ramps. Positions are available in water lifeguarding, guest relations, facility and grounds maintenance, environmental conservation and education, office administration, and more. Those interested in lifeguard positions should apply by June 17, 2022, at portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Seasonal-Employment/Lifeguard-Program. To explore all the seasonal opportunities at DEEP, visit portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Outdoor-Recreation/Work-Outdoors.

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