State Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto gave members of the Northwest Hills Council of Governments an overview of how the 3,000-person agency is operating during COVID-19. As expected, traffic is down since the start of the pandemic because of the decrease in workday commuting, but cases of speeding and fatal accidents are on a record pace for the year, Eucalitto said. One benefit of less traffic is DOT has been able to accomplish more work on state roads, he said. Connecticut was the first state to take advantage of federal waivers that were issued. There also are plans to move all DOT public informational meetings to a virtual platform. Eucalitto also touched on public transportation, saying the Federal Transit Administration has provided $488 million to the state for public operations. Bus transportation statewide was running at 75% during the height of the pandemic, he said. However, rail service was significantly pared back due to the drop in work commuting to New York City. Eucalitto said DOT continually stresses the importance of all riders wearing face masks when taking public transportation.