The Connecticut Department of Transportation is helping fund the launch of new microtransit services in nine state transit districts and municipalities statewide now through July 30 as part of a two-year pilot program.
[Above photo by the Connecticut DOT]
The agency noted that “microtransit” is an on-demand mode of transportation that allows customers to use a smartphone application or telephone number to request and schedule a ride within designated service areas.
“This new program will help seniors and people with disabilities travel in parts of our state that have historically been underserved by public transportation,” noted Governor Ned Lamont (D) in a statement.
“These services … will connect people to restaurants, entertainment, rail stations, airports, and critical services,” he added.
[Editor’s note: A July 2021 report from the Mineta Transportation Institute found that greater use of “microtransit” could help develop more wide-ranging and affordable on-demand transportation services and help build up ridership and expand geographic coverage for “traditional” public transit service as well.]
“Microtransit brings public transportation to communities that have lacked fixed route bus service,” said Connecticut DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, who also serves as the 2023-2024 vice president for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
He noted that microtransit also helps eliminate gaps between communities, while increasing “access and mobility” for residents statewide.
Eucalitto also pointed that, based on the performance and ridership numbers of these new microtransit services, the agency has the option to use two one-year extensions to keep the pilot program going.
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