CT Parks: Come On And Take A Free Ride

HARTFORD — A pilot program from a year ago will continue this summer, ensuring free ride service to several of Connecticut's more popular state parks.

Gov.Ned Lamont Thursday announced ParkConneCT, a pilot program launched last year that offers fare-free shuttles and enhanced existing transit service to various Connecticut state parks and beaches, will continue during the summer of 2022.

It will launch on Memorial Day weekend starting Saturday and last through Labor Day on Sept. 5.
ParkConneCT aims to connect people to Connecticut state parks and beaches during the summer months to support seasonal employment and promote recreational activity.

The program is a collaboration of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the state Department of Transportation (DOT).

“Our state parks are one of the best things about living in Connecticut, and connecting our residents to them is important,” Lamont said. “The ParkConneCT program increases access to the physical, mental and educational benefits gained from spending time outdoors in these beautiful spaces.

"It can also help people who have seasonal employment with DEEP get to their workplace. I encourage residents to utilize this service and spend time in our parks this summer.”

DEEP officials praised the quality of the state's parks, which were fully on display the last couple years during the pandemic, which prompted many folks to venture outdoors.

“So many people have discovered or rediscovered the state parks over the past two years, drawn to the beauty as well as the positive physical and mental benefits being in nature provides,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Unfortunately, transportation access can be a barrier that keeps many people from being able to access these wonderful places. This program makes it easier for people to have a fun, rejuvenating recreational experience in some of the most beautiful settings in our state, and it can also serve as a transportation option for some of our valued seasonal staff.”

The DOT's top official agreed.

“We’re pleased to once again support ParkConneCT 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.”

All buses associated with ParkConneCT will run fare-free from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Additionally, as part of the fiscal year 2023 budget, all buses statewide will operate without collecting fares until Dec. 1, 2022, with the exception of premium on-demand ridesharing programs.

Wheels 2U and Valley Transit District’s on-demand ridesharing services will only be free on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays observed on May 28, July 4 and Sept. 5, when using the service to or from parks in the ParkConneCT program.

The parks included in the ParkConneCT pilot program are:
• Fort Trumbull State Park in New London.

• Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.

• Indian Well State Park in Shelton.

• Osbornedale State Park in Derby

• Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

• Silver Sands State Park in Milford.

• Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden.

The state parks for the program were selected based on criteria prioritizing seasonal employment levels, recreational summer activities, frequently traveled tourist destinations and existing service connections.

For more information on ParkConneCT, visit portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Park-Connect.
DEEP continues to hire for seasonal positions at beaches, campgrounds, parks, forests and boat launches.

Positions are available in lifeguarding, customer relations, facilities 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 seasonal opportunities at DEEP, visit portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Outdoor-Recreation/Work-Outdoors.

For all of Gov. Ned Lamont's statement on the program, as well as the full bus schedules to participating parks, visit this link.