The Westport Transit District has announced that its Wheels2U service in town has officially given more than 100,000 rides since its inception in October 2020.

In a statement released Tuesday, transit district officials touted the “major milestone” for the on-demand commuter and community shuttle service that provides service around town for $2 a ride.

“This milestone reflects how much Westport residents value reliable, flexible transportation,” said Peter Gold, a Director of the Westport Transit District. “It’s also proof that our expansion efforts are resonating with the community.”Wheels2U logo new

The 100,000th rider was a nanny from out of town named Natalie Lloyd who uses the service to commute from the train station to her job in Westport, the statement said.

With over 2,500 rides completed last month, Wheels2U continues to see strong demand across Westport, according to the statement.

The service recently switched new service operators in a partnership with Via, including the introduction of a new fleet of energy-efficient minivans and expanded service that rolled out in mid-May, providing expanded service to the Westport Center for Senior Activities, Westport Farmers Market and Jesup Green from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

According to the statement, Wheels2U is operating efficiently and effectively, averaging about a 10-minute wait time and is able to provide a ride for over 99% of requests. Riders can book $2.00 rides through the Wheels2U app, with wheelchair-accessible vehicles upon request.

Interestingly, despite its success, the service, operated in partnership with the Norwalk Transit District, has had to fight to keep its place in Westport.

Money for the rides program has been a tug-of-war in several recent budget cycles, with the Board of Finance eliminating the money, arguing that it is inefficient and underused, and the Representative Town Meeting then adding the funds back into the final budget. Most recently, the RTM voted 28-2 on May 6 to restore $342,360 to the Westport Transit District’s budget to run Wheels2 vans, money which had been cut in March by the Board of Finance in the budget it recommended to the RTM, which has the final say on town spending.

Westport Journal Executive Editor John Palmer contributed to this report.

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