By Meghan Muldoon

WESTPORT — The familiar budgetary tug-of-war over funding for the Wheels2U on-demand commuter shuttle service entered its second phase Tuesday as the Representative Town Meeting’s Transit Committee recommended restoration of funding cut last month by the Board of Finance.

The committee backed restoring the full $342,360 Wheels2U share of the Westport Transit District budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year — a cut that would would effectively shutter the shuttle beginning June 30, 2025.

The next step in what has become a nearly annual fiscal ritual takes place when the full RTM acts on that recommendation May 6 as it takes final action on the town’s overall budget for the new fiscal year, which starts July 1.

With the exception of last year, the finance board has  voted in the last several budget cycles to eliminate Wheel2U funding — arguing the service is not cost-effective for the number of riders served — only to see the funds restored by the RTM.

Wheels2U, operated by the Westport Transit District, is a heavily subsidized service, costing approximately $1 million annually with the state picking up most of the tab and Westport chipping in $7.23 per ride. Commuters pay $2 for a seat on vans that can be booked to and from the town’s railroad stations.

Despite its price tag, Transit Committee members emphasized the importance of maintaining public transit options for residents and employees. 

Since last July 1, the service has provided more than 20,000 rides to over 1,230 commuters.

Door-to-door services for seniors and people with disabilities were unaffected by the Board of Finance’s cuts to the 2025-26 budget.

Wheels2U to test expanded service to more destinations

Peter Gold, a Westport Transit District director District 5 RTM member, announced a new Wheels2U pilot program set to launch in May, offering rides between the Westport Center for Senior Activities, Jesup Green/Westport Library and the Farmers Market on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  

He explained that the goal is to serve seniors — an underserved population — and potentially reduce the cost burden on the separate, more expensive rides program  currently serving seniors and persons with disabilities.

Committee member Sal Liccione, District 9, expressed frustration over the proposal, citing the lack of downtown transit service and arguing that local merchants continue to be ignored. 

“What I do know is that the merchants are crying out for it and we get no help again, from politicians and the transit committee,” Liccione said. 

Gold countered that a previous attempt to serve downtown attracted just 40 riders over two weekends and was ultimately deemed unsuccessful.

Committee member Jennifer Johnson, District 9, implored members to engage in a broader discussion about regional transit and funding opportunities.  

Johnson, a former Transit District co-director, argued the current volunteer-run Transit District doesn’t effectively meet Westport’s transportation needs, and suggested the town work toward representation on broader transit boards. 

“We’re all part of the same network, so their goal is to figure out ways to integrate these networks together, not keep Westport in this bubble,” she said. “It would be an opportunity to tap into funding.”

Meghan Muldoon is a freelance writer.