By Meghan Muldoon

WESTPORT — Funding for the Wheels2U on-demand shuttle vans, cut earlier in the budget cycle by the Board of Finance as in previous years, was restored Tuesday as the Representative Town Meeting gave final approval to an overall $252 million municipal spending package for 2025-26.

The previous night, the RTM had unanimously approved the Board of Education’s $150.4 million operating budget, which comprises a roughly 63 percent share of public spending for the new fiscal year starting July 1.

Overall expenditures will rise 3.64 percent from the current year’s budget of $243,144,077.

The legislative body, in addition to restoring $342,360 to the Westport Transit District’s budget to run Wheels2 vans, also voted to restore $25,000 to the annual allocation for Earthplace, the nature and environmental education center on Woodside Lane.

Funding for both programs had been cut in March by the Board of Finance in the bubdget it recommended to the RTM, which has the final say on town spending.

Full funding for Wheels2U backed again 

The RTM voted 28-2 to maintain full funding for the town’s Wheels2U shuttle program, which provides on-demand transportation to and from the town’s two train stations. 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 RTM then adding the funds back into the final budget.

Transit District Co-Director Karina Betfarhad highlighted recent “transformative” improvements to the service since its new partnership with Via, including the introduction of a new fleet of energy-efficient minivans and a new initiative scheduled to launch next week, 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.

Betfarhad emphasized that Wheels2U provides multiple benefits to Westport residents, including easing the town’s parking challenges and traffic congestion, as well as  supporting local businesses by providing employee commuting options. 

She noted that the rides program also aligns with the town’s environmental goals and represents an investment in the community’s future.  

“With the move to electric vehicles and expanded reach, we are leading the way in sustainable, innovative transit,” she said. “This isn’t the time to stop, rather, it’s the time to build on this momentum.

“The funding you restore tonight ensures that Westport remains a model for efficient, equitable and environmentally responsible transit,” she added.

Resident Michael Hollenberg, who recently moved to Westport and commutes three days a week, shared how his family has benefited from the Wheels2U service. 

“It has saved us from needing to buy a second car,” he said. “It’s an incredible service. It’s reliable. The drivers are friendly.”  

Hollenberg added that he would be willing to pay more to help support the transit service’s future. Riders currently pay $2 per trip.  

While RTM members expressed broad support for maintaining funding for Wheels2U, some suggested the service should explore higher fares or a subscription model to gradually reduce its reliance on town funding.  Two-thirds of Wheels2U funding is provided by the state with Westport paying just over $7 per ride, according to Transit District officials.

Money for Earthplace restored

The decision to reinstate the $25,000 cut from the $105,000 proposed allocation for Earthplace followed testimony from the public and RTM members in support of the privately owned 62-acre wildlife sanctuary, which also offers programs such as frog watch hikes, nature yoga and gardening workshops.

Jonathan Dobin-Smith, a Staples High School junior and member of the school’s Honors Science Research program, spoke in support of Earthplace, describing its importance to his scientific education, from elementary school field trips to after-school programs.  

“Earthplace has been a constant source of inspiration and learning,” he said. “Earthplace is a critical hub for hands-on learning, environmental education and scientific exploration that inspires students like us to push boundaries and tackle real world challenges.”

Defending the budget reduction, Board of Finance Chairman Lee Caney explained that Earthplace is “the only non-town agency that we support” and that the proposed $25,000 cut reflects the organization’s improved financial footing.

“We started supporting them because they were in financial straits,” Caney said. “To their benefit, they’ve resurrected and are now doing well financially.” 

Nonetheless, RTM members voted 28–1 to restore $25,000 the finance panel had cut from its allocation for the new fiscal year.

Meghan Muldoon is a freelance writer.