Hartford, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - In recognition of Transit Equity Day on Civil Rights Pioneer Rosa Park's birthday, a coalition of labor and environmental groups is calling for more dedicated public transportation funding and greater access to public transit with a nod for environmental concerns.
According to, Waterbury State Representative Geraldo Reyes, there are many corridors that lack adequate transportation. "It's affordable but not adequate. It won't get you from point A to point B. Point B being a school, university or a job," he said.
Elaine Kolb of West Haven relies on a six-wheel power wheelchair. She explained that those with wheelchairs face challenges when it comes to public transit, such as what happens when the lift doesn't work or when a ramp can't be found.
"Even using the train. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. You have to be be prepared that it might not work. If you use a power wheelchair and it breaks down, what are you going to do? We don't have Triple A," Kolb said.
Anne Hulick is state director of Clean Water Action, an environmental non-profit, and a former nurse. She said emissions from cars, trucks and buses have an enormous amount of toxins "that are linked to cancer and respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, emphysema and cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, strokes, even deaths."
Mustafa Salahuddin, who represents the Amalgamated Transit Union, said transit drivers want compensation including raises and hazard-duty pay.