Guilford First Selectman Urges Funding For CT Microtransit Program As Pilot Nears Expiration

GUILFORD, CT — Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey was one of several officials who spoke in Hartford on Monday in support of a CT Department of Transportation microtransit pilot program that provides on-demand rides to residents of all ages.

Funding for the program is set to expire in late June, but a proposed bill would allocate $10.5 million to continue services while the state explores a long-term funding solution.

Gov. Ned Lamont and the CT-DOT previously awarded $19.5 million to fund nine transit districts and municipalities in Connecticut for a two-year pilot program for on-demand microtransit services.

The XtraMile program and River Valley Transit service Middletown, East Hampton, Madison and Guilford.

For $1.75 for one way, residents in Madison and Guilford can book a ride to anywhere within the town borders from Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hoey said it's "rare" to see policies or programs come along "that resu;t in such a wide array of benefits to different types of communities."

"What we're providing is access and mobility to people of widely varying ages, abilities, disabilities, work opportunities, health opportunities, and also shopping, and one other one is play," Hoey said during Monday's press event in Hartford.

Hoey noted Guilford has seen "a significant number" of teenagers who are pre-driving age taking advantage of XtraMile and meeting their friends at the beach, town parks, pickleball courts and basketball courts.

The service benefits residents across all socioeconomic boundaries, Hoey noted.

"I'm not just an advocate of this service, I'm a user," Hoey said. "I have used it on numerous occasions to do things as simple as when I have to take my car in to get work done on it, I will use the River Valley Transit bus to get back to my office. Then at the end of the day, I can use it to go pick up my car. I walk the walk as well."

Hoey said pilot programs are traditionally started to prove a concept.

"I think the proof is in the pudding. This has been wildly successful in communities across the state. We should be rewarding success and funnelling good money after good money when it is proven out," Hoey added.

In a Facebook video posted last week, state Sen. Christine Cohen (D-12) highlighted XtraMile and passengers who utilize the service for their daily needs.

"Microtransit is such a lifeline for folks all across the state," Cohen said in the video. "In my district, I have heard from so many, whether they be students getting to and from after-school activities, our seniors getting to community activities or doctor appointments. In fact, I even have an employee who uses the service to get to and from work each day."

According to the Town of Guilford, XtraMile logged 2,677 trips in March, a 68 percent increase over the prior year - good for a pace of 30,000 rides in 2026.

Across Connecticut, the microtransit pilot programs have provided more than 375,000 rides. Guilford says 60 percent of riders report no access to a personal vehicle, more than half earn less than $50,000 a year, and 20 percent identify as having a disability.