Parts of New Haven are now a little cheaper and easier to navigate. A one-way journey on a brand-new ridesharing scheme created especially for the city only costs $1.75.
Known as VIA NHV, it is currently operational in the Fair Haven neighborhood as well as a number of other west side neighborhoods.
The neighborhoods where residents depend more on public transit are the main focus of the trial program.
“I don’t know my way around that’s why I like to take a lot of Ubers now, because I used to get lost on the bus,” Mariam Andino Pagan stated. “I just paid yesterday $27 and the day before $31.”
According to Benjamin Limmer of DOT, the rides can be taken directly or as a way to complete a circle.
“They need an option to either start their trip or finish their trip to the specific location that they’re going to. Could be a grocery store, could be to and from home,” Limmer stated.
Since its launch three weeks ago in New Haven, the micro-rideshare service has completed 500 rides.
According to Severine Koen of Via’s East Coast Partnerships team, “The most popular locations so far for ride requests have been the New Haven Green, Union Station, Southern Connecticut State, and several local supermarkets.”
The New Haven service is a component of the $19 million statewide microtransit pilot program, which was announced in March 2024 and would benefit nine cities and transit systems from East Windsor to Stamford.
“So we’re incredibly excited to see the launch and see residents riding the service,” Koen stated.
Out of that $19 million funding, $3 million went to New Haven to support the pilot project for two years.
The city’s west side and a sizable chunk of Fair Haven are divided into two primary zones. Through an app or by giving the service a call, riders can schedule a trip to destinations within the service zones.
Wheelchair service and reduced one-way fares for seniors and low-income citizens are provided by Via NHV.
David, who was standing at a bus stop, remarked, “I think that’s kind of cool because some people are struggling out here with money. It’s cheap too and it can take you wherever you need to go, so I think it’s really beneficial for the community.”
According to city officials, it’s an alternative to driving in the city, where they’ve improved pedestrian walking safety and introduced bike rentals for transportation.
People will be able to go more directly and without a car thanks to the microtransit services. There are plans to add excursions to Tweed for $10, and the service is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free rides are available until Friday, April 11.
This information has been sourced from nbcconnecticut.
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