HARTFORD, Conn — Microtransit services will be rolled out in nine communities throughout Connecticut between March 26 and July 30.
The services are part of a pilot program in which nine transit districts and municipalities were awarded funding through the Connecticut Department of Transportation to develop and pilot on-demand microtransit service.
Microtransit service is an accessible, on-demand mode of transportation that allows customers to use a smartphone app or telephone number to request and schedule a ride within designated service areas. Similar to more well-known services like Uber or Lyft, the microtransit services operate in a smaller area. Officials said the pilot program will last for two years with the possibility of two one-year extensions based on performance and ridership.
“This new program will help seniors and people with disabilities travel in parts of our state that have historically been underserved by public transportation,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “These services allow people to use an app or phone number to request and schedule a ride within designated areas, connecting them to restaurants, entertainment, rail stations, airports, and critical services.”
Local officials said that everyone will benefit from the service.
The service will operate in areas that lack fixed bus routes.
On-demand microtransit services will begin on a staggered basis in the following locations:
Starting March 26, 2024
- Norwalk Transit District: Serving Norwalk.
Starting April 1, 2024
- Greater Hartford Transit: Serving Enfield and East Windsor.
- Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Serving Groton.
- Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Serving New London.
- Valley Transit District: Serving the Ansonia Train Station, Derby, and Shelton.
Starting April 6, 2024
- Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Stonington HOP, additional service hours on existing services to include Saturday service.
Starting April 8, 2024
- Milford Transit: Serving Milford.
Starting April 22, 2024
- Greater Bridgeport Transit: Serving Trumbull.
Starting May 6, 2024
- Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): New London Smart: Service to include late night service on existing microtransit services.
- Southeast Area Transit (SEAT): Serving Waterford.
Starting May 28, 2024
- River Valley Transit (Estuary Transit): Serving Madison, Guilford, and portions of East Hampton and Middletown.
Starting July 1, 2024
- City of Stamford: Serving a five-mile boundary within the city.
Starting July 30, 2024
- City of New Haven: Serving the Hill, West River, Dwight, Edgewood, Beaver Hills, and West Rock neighborhoods with connections to existing transit services.
Existing microtransit services in Connecticut include XtraMile (River Valley Transit), Wheels 2U Norwalk and Wheels 2U Westport (Norwalk Transit District), and New London Smart Ride and Stonington HOP Service (Southeast Area Transit District).
Doug Stewart is a Senior Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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