WESTPORT — A pilot expansion of service by Wheels2U on-demand shuttle vans will be launched in May despite possible loss of funding that could end the entire program.

The Westport Transit District as of May 13 plans to increase the number of destinations served by Wheels2U, which now provides rides to and from the town’s railroad stations from anywhere in town. With current funding, that service will continue to operate weekdays from 5:45 to 10:30 a.m. and 4 to 9:30 p.m. at least through June 30.

The expanded service will offer rides to the Westport Center for Senior Activities, the Westport Farmers Market and Jesup Green from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The on-demand rides, booked using the Wheels2U app, will transport passengers to and from these locations: the front entrance of the senior center at 21 Imperial Ave.; the gravel parking lot next to the driveway to the weekly farm market at 50 Imperial Ave., and Jesup Green, corner of Taylor Place and Jesup Road, across from the Westport Book Shop, 23 Jesup Road.

Fares will be $2 per ride. Riders are advised to book a ride 20 minutes before they would normally leave for their destination, according to transit officials. Once a ride is booked, the passenger will receive an estimated time of arrival and be able to track the van in real time.

Passengers must be able to meet a Wheels2U minivan at the curb.

The Westport Transit District also offers a separate para-transit program for the disabled and elderly who need door-to-door assistance. For details, click here.

Wheels2U funding faces crucial RTM vote

Expansion of Wheels2U services comes at a time of financial uncertainty since the Board of Finance eliminated $342,360 for the program in its recommended town budget for 2025-26.

The Representative Town Meeting’s Transit Committee, however, has recommended the full RTM restore the money when it takes final action on the budget in May.

 “We are pleased to be able to bring this new service to Westport to help senior citizens get to the senior center and to let everyone go to the farmers market, the library and the stores and restaurants downtown without worrying about traffic or parking. However, it must be remembered that funding for Wheels2U may end on June 30,” Peter Gold, a Westport Transit District director, said in a statement.

“While we are optimistic the Representative Town Meeting will restore the funding for Wheels2U, if it does not, this pilot program will end on June 30,” he added, as well the existing shuttle service to the railroad stations.