On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, a powerful coalition of students, transit riders, community organizers, and advocates gathered at the Connecticut State Capitol to demand fare-free public bus service for students and veterans. Hosted by the Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs (CRCJ) alongside a diverse set of partner organizations including partnering with Save the Sound, Connecticut Renews, Conservation Law Foundations, BLM860, Nonprofit Accountability Group, Sierra Club CT, CT Climate Crisis Mobilization, Sunrise CT, New Haven Climate Movement, Fridays for Future, Social Justice League at UHSSE, and New Haven Leon Sister City Project. Fare Free Advocacy Day showcased the strength of people power in action.
At the heart of the day’s impact were the students—many of whom took time away from school to meet directly with state legislators. These young leaders shared personal stories about the role public transit plays in their daily lives: getting to class, work, and caring for their families. Their message was clear: Support SB1243 because fare-free public transit is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline.
Alongside students were veterans, environmental advocates, and community leaders who came together to highlight the urgent need for accessible and affordable transportation. Through moving speeches, bold signage, and strategic conversations with policymakers, the collective energy called for a system that serves everyone, especially the communities most impacted by economic and environmental injustice.
At CRCJ, we believe that public transit is a public good. When it’s free and accessible, it supports working families, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, connects communities, and helps address historic inequities in transportation access. Fare-free transit is a key part of a just transition that centers both climate and labor justice.
Fare Free Advocacy Day was made possible by the leadership and collaboration of an incredible group of co-organizers, including:
Save the Sound, Connecticut Renews, Conservation Law Foundation, BLM860, Nonprofit Accountability Group, Sierra Club Connecticut, CT Climate Crisis Mobilization, Sunrise CT, New Haven Climate Movement, Fridays for Future, the Social Justice League at UHSSE, and New Haven León Sister City Project.
We are proud to stand in solidarity with our partners in this growing movement. But this is just the beginning.
As the legislative session continues, we must keep up the momentum. Keep speaking out. Keep organizing. And keep showing up for a Connecticut where public transit is free, safe, and accessible for all.
Join the movement.
#FareFreeCT #TransitJustice #CTClimateJobs #ClimateAndLabor #YouthPower #AccessibilityForAll #PublicTransitMatters #OrganizeWinRepeat
