State Funds Microtransit Pilot Program

The Lamont administration is funding a $19.5 million microtransit pilot program in a number of Connecticut communities.

The state Department of Transportation awarded nine transit districts and municipalities funding to develop and pilot on-demand service.

Microtransit services are designed as accessible, on-demand mode of transportation where customers request rides within designated areas using a smartphone app or telephone number.

The pilot program will last for two years, although DOT officials said extensions could be award 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 in a statement.

The program will be beneficial to small businesses, as it helps address “last-mile” transportation issues that are contributing to the state’s labor shortage.

Individuals that lacked consistent transportation services now have access to first and last mile transportation in microtransit-served communities.

Services

Program services began March 26 in Norwalk and will roll out across all communities on a staggered schedule through July 30:

• March 26: Norwalk Transit District (Norwalk)
• April 1: Greater Hartford Transit (Enfield and portions of East Windsor)
• April 1 Southeast Area Transit (Groton, New London)
• April 1: Valley Transit District (Ansonia Train Station, Derby, Shelton)
• April 6: SEAT (Stonington HOP, additional hours on existing services to include Saturdays)
• April 8: Milford Transit (Milford)
• April 22: Greater Bridgeport Transit (Trumbull)
• May 6: SEAT (Waterford)
• May 6: SEAT (New London, late night service on existing services)
• May 28: River Valley Transit (Madison, Guilford, portions of East Hampton and Middletown)
• July 1: Stamford (Serving a five-mile boundary within the city)
• July 30: New Haven (Hill, West River, Dwight, Edgewood, Beaver Hills, and West Rock neighborhoods with connections to existing transit services)

One way fares range from $1.75 to $4.

Several microtransit programs currently exist in Connecticut, including XtraMile, Wheels 2U Norwalk, Wheels 2U Westport, New London Smart Ride, and Stonington HOP Service.