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Council approves $300,000 to keep SmartRide operating; leaders say fixed‑route study and DOT support will follow
Summary
The New London City Council approved a $300,000 allocation to keep the SmartRide microtransit service running while leaders pursue coordination with fixed‑route buses and state funding; speakers urged improved fixed‑route service, better public notice and coordination with regional transit.
The New London City Council voted to appropriate $300,000 from retained earnings to support SmartRide, the city’s microtransit service, as councilors and residents debated whether the city should prioritize SmartRide, fixed‑route buses or both.
Public commenters and disability advocates told the council the city’s regional fixed‑route buses do not reliably serve many trips within New London and that SmartRide fills gaps for seniors, students and people with disabilities. Debbie Phillips, a longtime SmartRide advocate, said the city’s decision to subsidize the service after planned state reductions was welcome but urged better public notice of service changes.
Several speakers asked the council to coordinate SmartRide with fixed routes rather than consider the two systems in opposition. Mayor Reque (Mayor Pastaro) and Transportation Director Carrie Redd told councilors they have secured a DOT commitment to fund continued SmartRide service and that the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments agreed to study the fixed‑route network to identify improvements and reduce duplication.
Director Redd explained one condition tied to the state support: SmartRide will use geofencing so vehicles do not duplicate fixed‑route service. The city described the boundary used for the subsidy as roughly a quarter‑mile from fixed routes (the exact radius used in operations and the final operating plan will be documented before full implementation). Councilors and residents asked DOT and city staff to pursue a coordinated plan so people could use SmartRide to reach a downtown transit center and continue via fixed‑route buses to regional destinations.
The council adopted the appropriation by roll call; the vote passed unanimously 7–0. Councilors said the money will be used to bridge service while staff and regional partners develop a coordinated operating model and long‑term funding plan.
Speakers urged the city to expand public outreach, citing inconsistent notices and the need for accessible scheduling information; some speakers proposed that the city consider income‑based fares or a warning‑first approach for camera citations (as part of the traffic cameras debate).
