If you rely on public transportation in Connecticut, certain rail lines have been reduced and Metro-North fares are going up by an average of 4.5%. 

According to the state Department of Transportation, this is the first fare hike since 2018.   The peak fare to Grand Central increased from $15.25 to $16.

The most expensive ticket on Metro-North is a peak ticket from New Haven to Grand Central – which went up a dollar to $24.50.

DOT says it evaluates for any disparate impact to low-income or minority persons.

However, it's more than just rate increases.  Across the state, 21 train times were suspended, including 10 on weekdays across the New Haven line.

DOT says the changes better reflect lower ridership since the pandemic.

The report further says the bipartisan budget passed earlier this year included a funding reduction for Metro-North, but an increase for bus service.

There will be a new bus route between Milford and New Haven that will open in March. The DOT says they received 175 public comments and called the feedback "invaluable."