WESTPORT–Westport’s Wheels2U on-demand van service has expanded to serve the town’s two train stations from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The mid-day service adds to the Monday-through-Friday commuter service at the Saugatuck and Greens Farms stations, and the mid-week service to Jesup Green at the Westport Library and the Westport Center for Senior Activities.

“Westport isn’t just a town of commuters; it’s a town of active, busy people who need to get around at all hours,” said Peter Gold, a director of the Westport Transit District, which operates the service. “By expanding to these mid-day hours, we’re making Saugatuck and Greens Farms more accessible to everyone, no parking permit required.”

The additional service is intended to serve the changing population, “whether they are hybrid workers heading to the city for afternoon meetings, retirees enjoying a day out, or foodies looking to skip the Saugatuck parking ‘Hunger Games,’” said a press release from the transit district.

Redefining the Mid-Day “Commute”

While the morning window – 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – is traditionally reserved for the “daily grind,” the Westport Transport District pointed to several benefits to the mid-day hours:

• The “Peak” of Comfort: Skip the standing-room-only Metro-North Railroad cars. “Mid-day travelers enjoy plenty of seating, and a much quieter environment for catching up on work or enjoying a book,” the release said.
• Off-Peak Perks: Mid-day travelers benefit from Metro-North’s lower off-peak fares. On return, Wheels2U can take passengers home again starting at 4 p.m.
• Flexibility: The service is “perfect for hybrid workers who start their day at home and head into the city for afternoon meetings, or for those planning a stress-free day trip to New York City or Stamford without the 6 a.m. alarm,” the release said.

The service picks up riders at their doors and drops them at the station, skipping the hunt for an elusive parking spot. It is also a gateway to some of Westport’s popular areas, namely:

• The Saugatuck Lunch Loop: “Meet friends for lunch at some of the town’s top-rated restaurants without worrying about finding a spot for your car,” the release said.
• Greens Farms Coastal Breaks: “Head down to Greens Farms for a mid-day walk along the scenic coastal roads or for a short walk to Burying Hill Beach,” the release said

Wheels2U offers $2 rides to and from anywhere in Westport and the train stations and downtown destinations. Riders downloading the Wheels2U app for the first time get five free rides.

Service Hours:

• Monday–Friday (Saugatuck and Greens Farms Train Stations):
  • 5:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
  • 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday–Thursday (Saugatuck and Greens Farms Train Stations, Jesup Green/Library/Senior Center):
  • 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

How to Ride:
Download the Wheels2U Westport app and request a pickup about 20 minutes before you need to leave. For more information and to download the Wheels2U app, please visit http://wheels2u/Westport.org.