City Gets DOT Funding To Develop, Pilot On-Demand Microtransit Service

NEW HAVEN, CT —The state transportation department is awarding funding to nine transit districts and municipalities in Connecticut to develop and pilot an on-demand microtransit service, according to state officials.

Microtransit service is an accessible, on-demand mode of transportation that uses a smartphone app or phone number to request and schedule a ride within designated service areas.

In New Haven, award funding will help serve the Hill, West River, Dwight, Edgewood, Beaver Hills, and West Rock neighborhoods with connections to existing transit services.

“Microtransit is bringing additional transportation services to more people,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a news release. “With first and last mile connections, gaps in Connecticut’s extensive public transportation system will be closed. Whether it’s going to an appointment, grabbing a bite to eat, or meeting up with friends and family, microtransit service improves the quality of life for our residents.”

The other municipalities and transit service providers selected to participate in the pilot program:

• Estuary Transit (River Valley Transit): Three pilots serving Madison and Guilford, and portions of East Hampton and Middletown
• Greater Bridgeport Transit: Serving Trumbull
• Greater Hartford Transit: Serving Enfield and portions of East Windsor
• Milford Transit: Serving Milford
• Norwalk Transit District: Serving Norwalk
• Southeastern Area Transit (SEAT): Serving portions of Stonington, Mystic, Noank and Waterford
• Stamford: Serving a five-mile boundary within the city
• Valley Transit District: Serving the Ansonia Train Station, Derby, and Shelton areas

The Microtransit Pilot Program was authorized by Public Act 22-40 and solicitation for projects was released in January 2023. The solicitation sought proposals from eligible and qualified applicants. Microtransit services within the awarded municipalities or transit district service areas will begin within six months of the award. The pilot program will last for two years with the possibility of two one-year extensions exercisable by CTDOT, based on performance and ridership.

Connecticut Department of Transportation director said the program is "integral to the continued modernization of our state’s robust public transportation system and makes Connecticut more accessible to more people."

In addition to this new pilot program, existing microtransit services in Connecticut include XtraMile (Estuary Transit District), Wheels 2U Norwalk and Wheels 2U Westport (Norwalk Transit District), and New London Smart Ride and Stonington HOP Service (Southeast Area Transit District).