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Microtransit Pilot Program Begins

River Valley Transit (RVT) has launched its expansion of the XtraMile low-cost ride-sharing service into Madison and Guilford. The program is being funded by a grant awarded earlier this year by the Department of Transportation. Service began in Madison on May 28.

The XtraMile program’s expansion allows riders in Madison and Guilford to get to and from nearly anywhere in the two towns, typically within 20 minutes of making a request, according to a statement published on the Madison town website.

Earlier this year, RVT Transit Planner Brendan Geraghty explained to The Source that riders may request rides through the RVT’s XtraMilebyRVT app or by calling 860-510-0429. The app is available on both the Google Play store and the Apple store. A one-way fare is $1.75, payable by cash to the driver or credit or debit card if using the app.

“People can simply call in or use the app and get picked up. The big difference between us and a ride-share service is one, we are public, and two, we are much cheaper than a standard taxi or ride service,” Geraghty explained. “This on-demand type of service is an increasingly popular method for suburban and rural areas.”

According to its site, the RVT is overseen by the Estuary Transit District and provides a variety of public transportation resources serving 16 municipalities throughout Middlesex County and parts of New London County. The RVT was formed in 2022 as a result of a merger between two existing systems, 9 Town Transit and Middletown Area Transit. It offers options that include traditional buses, trolleys, shuttles, taxis, and paratransit services.

Geraghty said the pilot program seeks to bring these successful ride services to a wider geographic area.

“Specifically, micro-transit is very different from a traditional fixed route big city bus type of service. It is more of a shuttle service that’s on demand. It’s door to door. It’s more like a public transit ride share like Uber or Lyft,” said Geraghty.

The program runs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, including fares and schedules, visit www.rivertransit.com.