Selectman’s Corner

By Matt Riiska

For some time I have been asked about rural transit and what can be done to make it more user friendly for Norfolk residents.

To provide a little background, the Town of Norfolk is a member of the Northwestern CT Transit District. Our yearly contribution to the district is $2,957. Northwestern Transit provides two slightly different transportation services: Dial-A-Ride and Rural Independent Transit System (RITS).

The Dial-A-Ride system services the town on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents need to call Northwestern Transit 24 hours in advance to schedule transportation. Although there are individuals who do use this system, many find it inadequate. Tuesdays are reserved for individuals who need to go to medical appointments and Wednesdays are reserved for those wishing to go grocery shopping and to run other errands. As you can imagine this can be problematic, especially in the winter months when the bus service can be canceled because of inclement weather. The other issue with this service is that medical appointments take precedence, so those wishing to do their shopping need to shop in the areas where the bus is taking those with medical appointments.

The RITS service operates through Northwestern CT Transit District, Geer, and EdAdvance. Partnering with the Northwest Hills Council of Governments, it was established to assist elderly and disabled residents who need to get to non-emergency medical appointments such as dialysis, radiation, burn treatment, or pulmonary rehab. Residents need to call at least 48 hours in advance of their medical appointment. More information about Northwestern CT Transit and the services they offer can be found at www.nwcttransit.com.

What can we do? The town is currently looking into purchasing and operating its own bus. The Connecticut Department of Transportation has an initiative called the 5310 Program for Enhanced Mobility which was established to assist towns in the purchase and operation of a transportation service for the elderly and handicapped. This program does have its downside. The bus would be limited to transportation for elderly and disabled only. Using it for others who simply want to leave their cars at home and for other excursions is forbidden. The other downside of this program is that it will take two years to get approval. This is unacceptable. Our plan is to look into alternate funding sources. We have added a line item in the 2019-20 budget for the operation of a bus. We will keep you updated on our progress. 

The enthusiasm in Norfolk to get things done has been infectious. This is evident in how the Norfolk Foundation has made such an impact on downtown Norfolk. Recognizing their efforts, the Main Street Center has awarded the Norfolk Foundation their Award of Excellence for “Revitalization of Norfolk’s town center through acquisition and redevelopment, and creation of a collaborative, co-working office and community hub.” Great job to the Norfolk Foundation. 

With winter almost over, spring cleanup will be starting. The sides of the roads, with their kaleidoscope of colors from all of the garbage that people have thrown from their cars, needs our attention. I know all of the walkers try to pick up their fair share, but it is going to take all of us to get things looking good again. So please grab a plastic bag, put on your reflective vest and do your part. Thanks.